Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alison McGovern and Alicia Kearns

Monday 23rd February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Alison McGovern]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this incredibly important issue; I am working closely with Department for Education Ministers on it. I had the pleasure of speaking to a representative of Redcar and Cleveland earlier today, but I will keep working closely with my hon. Friend as well.

[Alicia Kearns (Rutland and Stamford) (Con)]

I am afraid that this question may feel like groundhog day. This time last month, I asked for a meeting about local government reform, because my residents are so concerned. I was promised a meeting, yet despite having chased at least twice a week every single week for the past month, we have had zero response from the Department. When are we going to get the meetings on really important matters that we are promised in this Chamber?

[Alison McGovern]

I thank the hon. Lady for chasing that. I am sure we will meet before too long. [Laughter.]

[Alicia Kearns]

It is not funny.

[Alison McGovern]

I do not think it is funny either. We will meet before too long and get on with it, because local government reorganisation is very important.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alison McGovern and Alicia Kearns

Monday 12th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Alison McGovern]

I would like to give personal thanks to my hon. Friend for his comments on this issue. In the homelessness strategy, we noted that this problem is extraordinarily challenging and important, and I want to take action on it. I thank him for the work that he has done on behalf of Hartlepool residents. We will continue to work together to sort this problem out.

[Alicia Kearns (Rutland and Stamford) (Con)]

Rutland’s council could have submitted its own proposals for local government reform, but it has left our fate in the hands of others. The council submitted a proposal to join North Leicestershire, but this is in opposition to the wishes of residents. The council knows that, and purposely did not ask residents what we wanted. Stamford residents want to join Rutland; Rutlanders want to join Stamford. Will the Minister meet me to make sure that all residents are consulted on the Rutland and Stamford model, which the council has taken off the table?

[Alison McGovern]

I congratulate the hon. Lady for laying out to the House what sounds like a complicated situation for her constituents. We will take what she says under advisement, as part of the process. I am always happy to make myself available to meet Members of this House.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alison McGovern and Alicia Kearns

Monday 13th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Alicia Kearns (Rutland and Stamford) (Con)]

Residents of Rutland overwhelmingly want to join Stamford, but the council is pressing ahead with an unwanted Leicestershire merger; residents of South Kesteven do not want to join a mega Lincolnshire council, but are being pushed towards it; and in Leicestershire my constituents do not want a Leicester city takeover. What reassurance will the Government give that democracy will not die under these reforms, and that local people’s voices will be heard?

[Alison McGovern]

I can certainly confirm that democracy will not die. I know that officials in the Department will have heard what the hon. Lady has said, and I will accept her question as representations on the issue of local government.