The Local Government Boundary Commission is the independent body that draws the ward boundaries within each local authority area. It is reviewing North Tyneside’s to make sure councillors represent the same number of electors and that ward arrangements help the Council to work effectively.
Today (30 August), the Commission has launched a public consultation inviting proposals for a new pattern of electoral wards for North Tyneside.
The Commission wants to hear what residents and organisations think about their local area, and a 10-week consultation inviting proposals will run until 7 November 2022.
It is interested in views on which communities should be part of the same ward. What facilities do people share, such as parks, leisure centres or schools and shopping areas? What issues do neighbouring communities face that they have in common, such as high numbers of visitors or heavy traffic? Have there been new housing or commercial developments that have changed the focus of communities? And are there roads, rivers, railways or other features that people believe form strong boundaries between neighbourhoods?
They will use local views to help it draw up proposals for new ward boundaries, and there will be a further round of consultation once the Commission has drawn up those proposals.
Launching the consultation Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: “We want people in North Tyneside to help us.
“We are starting to draw up new wards for North Tyneside. 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 e-mail 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.”
Views can be submitted via the Commission’s website, here, or by emailing reviews@lgbce.org.uk. Alternatively, people can give their views by writing to Review Officer (North Tyneside), LGBCE, PO Box 133, Blyth, NE24 9FE.
Please note, this consultation relates to the arrangements for local government elections. It is separate from consultations that are currently taking place across England on arrangements for parliamentary elections.
