Have your say on a new political map for West Northamptonshire Council
Your council07 March 2023
The number of West Northamptonshire councillors and voter areas are set to change at the next local elections in 2025 under The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) proposals.
The proposals put forward by the Commission are for a reduction in the number of councillors, from 93 to 76. The Commission is also proposing that the number of electoral wards increases from 31 to 35.
Residents are now being encouraged to review the plans and provide their views on the recommended voter wards.
How to have your say
The consultation on the outline areas will run until 15 May and people can find out more and have a say on the proposals here
Alternatively, people can email [email protected], or in writing to the West Northamptonshire Review Officer at: LGBCE, PO Box 133, Blyth, NE24 9FE.
Following the first stage of consultation, we welcome the recommendations from the Commission and the outline proposals.Cllr Suresh Patel, Chairman of the Council’s Democracy Standards Committee and the Local Boundary Review Working Group
The next stage in the consultation provides a great opportunity for our residents and businesses to have their say and help shape our future electoral landscape.
We want the best outcome possible for West Northamptonshire from the Commission’s review so I would everyone to look at the plans and ensure their views help to shape the best outcome for our area.
Background
The LGBCE's consultation on the proposed map and councillor numbers follows the first stage of consultation.
The Commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries. It is reviewing West Northamptonshire to make sure councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements will help the council work effectively.
The last electoral review in Northamptonshire took place in 2013 and WNC’s current electoral arrangements are based on those of the previous county council, with 93 councillors serving across 31 wards.
The Commission has published proposals for changes to West Northamptonshire. It is proposing that there should be 35 wards, an increase of four from the current arrangements. There will be seven one-councillor, 15 two-councillor and 13 three councillor wards across the council area. The boundaries of all wards should change.
Based on the evidence received, the Commission is recommending a council size of 76 and not 77 as it originally proposed.
The review is expected to end in late 2023, once the LGBCE has made its recommendations to government and an Order is laid in Parliament to change the legislation and make the new electoral arrangements.