Plans by the government to merge the 2014 local elections with the European elections have been criticised as a recipe for confusion and “democracy on the cheap”.

The original date for the local elections is May 1, 2014 with the European elections to be held on June 5. However the government have proposed joint elections on May 22.

Leader of the Havering Residents’ Association group, Cllr Clarence Barrett, said: “While there is an argument on the basis of cost, we should not be looking for democracy on the cheap - there is too much at stake.

“Local council elections should be kept separate from European Parliament elections, or indeed a General Election, as there is no connection between the functions of local government and that of the European Parliament.”

He added: “In order to make this distinction entirely clear and to avoid the inevitable confusion, local elections should be held on separate occasions.

“Local elections are only held once every four years, not an interval that could be regarded as inconvenient. It is important that the results are as intended and not muddled up with other issues or elections.

“It is vital that elections must be free and fair, ensuring the free expression of the opinion of the people. This principle should not be sacrificed simply on the grounds of cost or a marginal degree of convenience. Indeed, this is a sentiment supported by an on-line poll which asked readers if they support a move to joint elections on 22nd May or keep separate on 1st May. 90 per cent of respondents voted for separate local elections on 1st May.”

The Residents’ Association has responded to a government consultation on the move and an announcement is expected this month.