The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is asking people across East Dorset to comment on its draft proposals for new council ward boundaries.
A twelve-week public consultation on the recommendations begins today and will end on 8 July 2013. The consultation is open to anyone who wants to have their say on new council wards, ward boundaries and ward names across the district.
The Commission’s draft recommendations propose that East Dorset District Council should have 29 councillors in the future, seven fewer than the current arrangements. The recommendations also outline how those councillors should represent seven single-member, five two-member and four three-member wards across the district.
The full recommendations and detailed interactive maps are available on the Commission’s website at consultation.lgbce.org.uk and www.lgbce.org.uk. Hard copies of the Commission’s report and maps will also be available to view at council buildings and libraries.
Max Caller CBE, Chair of the Commission, said: “We are publishing proposals for a new pattern of wards across East Dorset and we are keen to hear what local people think of the recommendations.
“Over the next twelve weeks, we are asking local people to tell us if they agree with the proposals or if not, how they can be improved.
“Our review aims to deliver electoral equality for local voters. This means that each councillor represents a similar number of people so that everyone’s vote in council elections is worth roughly the same regardless of where you live.
“We also want to ensure that our proposals reflect the interests and identities of local communities across East Dorset and that the pattern of wards can help the council deliver effective local government to local people.
“We will consider all the submissions we receive whoever they are from and whether your evidence applies to the whole district or just part of it.”
The Commission wants to hear as much evidence as possible in order to develop final recommendations for East Dorset District Council. If you would like to make a submission to the Commission, please write or email by 8 July 2013:
The Review Officer (East Dorset)
Local Government Boundary Commission for England
Layden House
76-86 Turnmill Street
London EC1M 5LG
Email: reviews@lgbce.org.uk
Have your say at: consultation.lgbce.org.uk
Link to the dedicated web page for the East Dorset electoral review: www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/south-west/dorset/east-dorset-fer
