Dorset, Political | Posted on March 25th, 2026 | return to news

Have your say on Dorset Council ward boundaries

People living in the Dorset Council area are being asked to take part in a consultation about the size of ward boundaries.

The boundaries of council wards in Dorset could be changing in the near future, but first, local people have the chance to put forward their views.

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England is carrying out an electoral review to ensure that each local councillor represents about the same number of electors, and that the wards they represent reflect community identities.

Following an earlier consultation with the council, the Commission concluded that Dorset Council needs 82 councillors to be able to operate effectively. This is the same number as it has now.

Bev Smith, chairperson of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, said: “We are looking for your views, as local people, on how you think Dorset should be represented in wards that reflect local connections, communities and identities.

“By telling us about your community and the areas you identify with, you will help us to create appropriate, fair and meaningful boundaries.

“We would like to hear about where you go to meet people, to shop, attend school or sporting events, whether a road, park or river acts as a dividing feature between communities or as a hub, and which neighbourhoods have joint community initiatives.

“Hearing from local residents will give us important evidence to create our recommendations for a pattern of wards for Dorset that ensures every area is represented fairly in local elections.”

The consultation at this stage of the electoral review of Dorset lasts for 10 weeks and closes on 1 June 2026.

There will be a further round of consultation once the Commission has drawn up its proposals. This second stage of the public consultation is expected to start on 1 September 2026.

Local people can provide their views via the Commission website at Dorset | LGBCE, by emailing reviews@lgbce.org.uk, or by post to: The Review Officer (Dorset), The Local Government Boundary Commission for England, 7th Floor, 3 Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8YZ.