Posted on Tuesday 8th August 2023
People in Staffordshire are being invited to have their say on proposals for new boundaries for council divisions in the county.
The Local Government Boundary Commission (LGBC) is the independent body that draws boundaries and divisions for councils. It is reviewing Staffordshire to make sure councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that division arrangements will help the council work effectively.
The Commission is proposing that there should continue to be 62 divisions, with one councillor per division. It now wants to hear what residents and local organisations think about the proposals. A 10-week consultation will run until 16 October 2023.
Alan White, Leader at Staffordshire County Council said:
“It’s really important that we have a fair and effective democratic process in Staffordshire that gives all our communities a say in how the council is run.
“The proposals will help make sure we have a fair and equal process when it comes to local council elections while helping us maintain community identity for years to come. All county councillors have been involved in the process and we continue to work closely with our district and borough colleagues. It’s vital that we get these proposals right and I would urge both residents and organisations to have their say.”
Launching the consultation, Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said:
“We want people in Staffordshire to help us. We have drawn up proposals for new divisions in Staffordshire. We want to make sure these new electoral arrangements reflect communities. We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people.
“Residents and local organisations can help us do that. We would like them to let us know whether they agree with our proposals before we take final decisions. 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”.
Further details on the proposals, an interactive map showing the new divisions, and how to have your say are available here. Any changes will be implemented in 2025.