One Year On: Progress On My Promises to You - An Update from Alicia Kearns MP
A year ago, Alicia Kearns was elected to represent Rutland, Stamford, and the Harborough and Stamford villages. In a recent update, she reflected on her work over the past year, highlighting progress on key issues and campaigns.
Community Support and Local Services
Alicia's office has provided support to thousands of residents on personal issues, and she has held numerous surgeries and market stalls in local villages and towns. She noted the resolution of a wide range of issues, from housing to welfare and utility billing.
Infrastructure and Transport
Significant progress has been made on local infrastructure. Safety upgrades have been delivered for the A1 from Colsterworth to Little Ponton, and work has begun on closing dangerous central reservation crossings. Alicia held one of the first adjournment debates in Parliament after her election on the A1. The debate addressed road safety and included proposals for new road signs and junction upgrades. You can watch the full speech here: A1 adjournment debate.
Additionally, Rutland’s new on-demand bus service has successfully launched, with a full rollout across all villages expected soon. Alicia also secured a commitment from Anglian Water to recommence pipeline work 18 months ahead of schedule, which is now underway.
Local Governance and Campaigns
Alicia successfully campaigned to save Rutland's fortnightly bin collection, with over 2,200 residents signing a petition. She is also actively campaigning against proposed local council reforms that could put Rutland’s ceremonial status at risk. A petition to save Rutland has gathered over 7,000 signatures.
Other campaigns include opposing Leicester Mayor Peter Soulsby's proposal to expand the City of Leicester to include the Harborough villages. A petition against this "land grab" has nearly 9,000 signatures.
Healthcare and Community Spaces
Work is being done to improve healthcare in Stamford, with Alicia working to secure a second GP practice for the town. She also highlighted that the new Day Treatment Centre at Stamford and Rutland Hospital is nearing completion, offering improved local access to a range of treatments.
Government funding secured for community projects has led to the opening of the Barrowden Community Hub and the start of work on the Houghton Pavilion. Funding for the Casterton College re-build has been honoured, with survey work set to begin this summer.
Awareness Campaigns and National Issues
Alicia has been involved in several awareness campaigns and national issues. She re-launched "Rutland's Great Dementia Conversation" to improve dementia awareness and support. More information and resources can be found at: www.rutlanddementia.com.
She also hosted Rutland and Stamford’s first Disability Forum and has been working with local providers to improve mobile phone and broadband coverage. On a national level, she has campaigned for justice for women illegally dismissed from the Armed Forces, and for new legislation to improve allergy safety for children in schools.
As Shadow Minister for Safeguarding and National Security, she successfully secured a ban on non-fatal strangulation in pornography. She continues to campaign against the imposition of VAT on independent schools, a policy she believes harms local economies and families.
Other Highlights
A campaign for a FM license for Rutland and Stamford Sound has seen progress, with OFCOM committing to consider new licenses in 2026. Kearns also ran a campaign to raise awareness of Pension Credit following winter fuel cuts.
To celebrate local businesses, she launched the "Rutland and Stamford’s Favourite Independent Shop Award," which saw over 20,000 votes, with Harrison and Dunn in Stamford crowned the winner.
Alicia noted her win for the Patchwork Foundation's 'Best Member of Parliament' award. She also mentioned the opportunity for constituents to tour Parliament and Big Ben.
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