The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is asking people across Bath and North East Somerset to comment on its draft proposals for new council ward boundaries.

The Commission’s plans would mean six fewer councillors elected to the local authority in future, as well as changes to the boundaries of 29 local wards.

An eleven-week public consultation on the recommendations began this week, and will end on 19th February 2018. The consultation is open to anyone who wants to have their say on new council wards, ward boundaries and ward names across B&NES.

The Commission’s draft recommendations propose that Bath and North East Somerset Council should have 59 councillors in the future, six fewer than the current arrangements. The recommendations also outline how those councillors should

represent one three-councillor ward, 21 two-councillor wards and 14 one-councillor wards across the area.

The full recommendations and detailed interactive maps are available on the Commission’s website at: consultation.lgbce.org.uk and: www.lgbce.org.uk. Hard copies of the Commission’s report and maps will also be

available to view at council buildings.

Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: “We are publishing proposals for a new pattern of wards across Bath and North East Somerset, and we are keen to hear what local people think of the recommendations.

“Over the next eleven weeks, we are asking local people to tell us if they agree with the proposals or if not, how they can be improved.

“Our review aims to deliver electoral equality for local voters. This means that each councillor represents a similar number of people, so that everyone’s vote in council elections is worth roughly the same, regardless of where you live.

“We also want to ensure that our proposals reflect the interests and identities of local communities across B&NES, and that the pattern of wards can help the council deliver effective local government to local people.

“We will consider all the submissions we receive, whoever they are from and whether your evidence applies to the whole council area or just part of it.”

The Commission wants to hear as much evidence as possible to develop final recommendations for Bath and North East Somerset. If you would like to make a submission, please write to: The Review Officer (B&NES), Local Government Boundary Commission for England, 14th floor, Millbank Tower, London SW1P 4QP, or email: [email protected] by 19th February 2018.

Have your say directly through the Commission’s consultation portal: https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/9913 The dedicated webpage for the B&NES review is: www.lgbce.org.uk/current-reviews/south-west/somerset/bath-and-north-east-somerset You can also visit: https://www.bce2018.org.uk and enter your postcode – consultation on this site closes on Wednesday, 11th December. Areas in Mendip, such as Chilcompton, are proposed to join B&NES.