New ward boundaries could lead to six fewer councillors in Basingstoke and Deane

A consultation put forward by independent body, Local Government Boundary Commission for England, is asking residents in Basingstoke and Deane to help to draw up a new pattern of council wards.

This is the first part of an electoral review which will re-draw ward boundaries across the borough.

As part of the plans to draw up new ward boundaries, the commission has announced that the new look borough council would have 54 councillors in future, six fewer than the current arrangements.

Professor Colin Mellors, chair of the commission, said: “We are asking local people and organisations to help us draw up new wards for Basingstoke and Deane. As we develop the recommendations, we will take into account local community identities as well as ensuring electoral equality for voters.

“If you have a view about which communities or neighbourhoods should be part of the same council ward, then we want to hear from you. And if you think a road, river or railway makes for a strong boundary between communities in your part of Basingstoke and Deane, then this consultation is for you.

“Your views will make a difference.”

In drawing up new boundaries, the commission aims to deliver electoral equality for voters in council elections so that each councillor represents roughly the same number of voters.

The review also aims to ensure that the new council wards reflect, as far as possible, the interests and identities of communities across Basingstoke and Deane.

Professor Mellors added: “We will carefully consider all evidence that is provided during this phase of the review whoever it is from and whether it applies to the whole of Basingstoke and Deane or just a small part of the council area.

“Residents will then have a further chance to have their say after we publish our draft recommendations in May 2018.”

For more information on the review and interactive maps of the existing wards visit consultation.lgbce.org.uk