Proposals that could see Parliamentary constituency boundaries change are being consulted on – and everyone’s views are welcome.
The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) has published its initial proposals for new parliamentary constituency boundaries. The proposals and maps for the nine English regions have been published on the Boundary Commission’s website and the eight-week public consultation period will close on August 2, 2021.
Currently Minchinhampton, Wotton-under-Edge and Kingswood district council wards are within The Cotswolds Constituency and the rest of the district is in Stroud Constituency. However, under the new proposals, Minchinhampton would be joined by Chalford, Bisley, Painswick & Upton and Hardwicke wards in The Cotswolds Constituency from Stroud Constituency, and Wotton-under-Edge and Kingswood wards would move to the Stroud Constituency.
The number of constituencies in England would increase from 533 to 543. Every constituency must contain between 69,725 and 77,062 electors and the number of constituencies in the South West will increase from 55 to 58.
“This is a critical part of our democracy and an essential process for our constituency to make sure that individual votes are of broadly equal weight. It’s important the community has a chance to view the proposed changes, and have their say,” said Hannah Emery, SDC Corporate Policy and Governance Manager.
The BCE is the independent organisation responsible for reviewing Parliamentary constituency boundaries in England.
The Boundary Commission will make its final recommendations to Parliament by 1 July 2023. It won’t have an effect on any local services such as bin collections or schools – the changes only relate to Parliamentary constituencies.
BCE wants to hear from local residents and communities, to make sure their final recommendations to Parliament take account of local views and knowledge. From 8 June until 2 August 2021 the BCE are holding an eight-week consultation, allowing you to share your knowledge about your local area. The Commission considers every piece of feedback that it receives, whether that is about where the constituency boundaries should be or the name of the constituency.
It is easy to get involved – To view interactive maps showing the proposed changes, and to submit your feedback, go to www.bcereviews.org.uk .
