Residents and local organisations are being invited by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England to have their say on a proposed change to the pattern of wards in the district to help ensure that wards reflect local ties and identities. A 10-week consultation runs until Monday 6 December 2021.
The Local Government Boundary Commission for England is an independent body, accountable to Parliament. The Commission is reviewing the boundaries within the district to ensure that each councillor represents a similar number of electors and that ward arrangements help Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) work effectively.
MVDC elects a third of its councillors at each election and, to ensure electoral quality, the Commission will be looking for a warding pattern primarily based on three member wards. The Commission’s proposal would see the number of councillors in Mole Valley reduce from 41 to 39 from 2023 when the new boundaries would be implemented.
As part of this review, the Commission is very interested to hear views on which communities should be part of the same ward. This might be influenced by shared facilities such as schools, parks, leisure centres or shopping areas. Common issues faced by neighbouring communities may also shape how areas within the district are grouped together.
Residents can get involved and register their views in a number of ways, by visiting the Commission’s website, by emailing reviews@lgbce.org.uk, using the mobile app https://lgbce.beezer.com or by post: Review Officer (Mole Valley), LGBCE, PO Box 133, Blyth, NE24 9FE.
Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: We want people in Mole Valley to help us. We are starting to draw up new wards for Mole Valley. We want our proposals for new electoral arrangements to reflect communities. We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people. Residents and local organisations can help us understand community ties and identities at this early stage of the process.
“It’s easy to get involved. Go to our website. Or you can email or write to us. Just tell us what you think and give us some details why you think that. It’s really simple, so do get involved.”
