London,
11
March
2019
|
15:17
Europe/London

Camden responds to consultation on ward boundary arrangements

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) is reviewing the electoral arrangements, specifically the ward boundaries, in Camden.

As part of its review, the Boundary Commission has undertaken a public consultation, and the council has submitted a response to that consultation.

“This review is being undertaken as it has been 20 years since our ward boundaries were last considered, and these reviews are taking place in boroughs across London.

“In this time, huge changes have taken place in the borough, with the population increasing across Camden and new urban spaces being created, such as around Kings Cross.

“This growth has not been spread evenly across the borough, and this has meant that some wards now have far more electors than others. This review is seeking to redress this imbalance.”
Councillor Richard Olszewski, Cabinet Member for Finance & Transformation

The council recognises the need for this review, and that change is required. Its proposals are based on an analysis of electoral data, building developments, and knowledge of established communities in the borough.

 “The first phase of the review concerned the number of councillors. We are pleased the commission agreed with our recommendation to retain the present number of 54 councillors.

“The increase in new residents has led to more demand on our services. New residents require addition support, including that of their ward members, whilst they settle into life in the borough and better understand how our services operate. Councillors play an important role as the local face of the council and this population growth will create additional workload for them.

“Our members play a vital role in the borough through their leadership, challenge and championing of the needs and strengths of our residents. Members act as the ultimate policy makers, making decisions on the full range of council activity from borough-wide strategies and budgets to individual planning and licensing decisions.”
Councillor Richard Olszewski, Cabinet Member for Finance & Transformation

Residents, groups and the council itself will have a further chance to have their say after the Boundary Commission publish their draft recommendations on 30 April.

The outcome of the review will be implemented for the May 2022 council elections. The schedule for the review going forward is as follows:

Consultation on draft recommendations: 30 April 2019 – 8 July 2019

Final recommendations:

o Published – September 2019

o Parliamentary Order made – Autumn 2019

o Elected upon – 2022 local elections