Local Government Boundary Commission

Review of Ward Boundaries

What is an Electoral Review?

An electoral review examines and proposes new electoral arrangements for the whole local authority. These are:

  • The total number of councillors to be elected to the council: council size. 
  • The names, number and boundaries of wards. 
  • The number of councillors to be elected from each ward.

The review is likely to have implications for the whole local authority not just areas with high levels of electoral inequality.

Warding Patterns

The Local Government Boundary Commission will carry out two phases of public consultation when they will invite proposals for new ward boundaries. At the first round of consultation they will ask for proposals on new ward boundaries. Any responses to that consultation will be used to draw up draft recommendations for new boundaries across your area. The LGBCE will then hold a second round of consultation on those proposals during which time you will be able to comment on them and propose alternatives.

The Commission will draw up new electoral arrangements that provide the best balance based on the statutory criteria. The criteria include three main elements:

  • Delivering electoral equality for local electors. This means ensuring that each councillor represents roughly the same number of electors so that the value of your vote is broadly the same regardless of where you live in the local authority area.
  • Interests and identities of local communities. This means establishing electoral arrangements which, as far as possible, avoid splitting local ties and where boundaries are easily identifiable.
  • Effective and convenient local government. This means ensuring that the wards can be represented effectively by their elected representative(s) and that the new electoral arrangements, including both the council size decision and warding arrangements, allow the local authority to conduct its business effectively.

How to respond to the consultation

The consultation is open on the Local Government Boundary Commission website

The consultation is open until 27 January 2025