Camden responds to Commission’s ward boundary recommendations
On 28 May 2019, the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) published their draft recommendations regarding new electoral arrangements for Camden Council.
These are now the subject of a second public consultation until 5 August 2019, and the public are invited to comment on the recommendations by visiting the electoral review website.
The final recommendations will be published on 1 October 2019. They will come into effect for the 2022 local elections.
LGBCE’s draft recommendations propose 20 wards for Camden with a total of 55 councillors; this is two more wards and one more councillor than currently.
The draft recommendations were developed following a consultation in which LGBCE received 42 submissions from the Council, political groups, individual councillors, local organisations and residents. LGBCE, having considered the submissions received, are of the view that their proposed patterns of wards result in good levels of electoral equality and use identifiable boundaries.
The Commission’s reasoning for an additional councillor is to deliver better electoral equality for local voters, ensuring each councillor represents a similar number of people, so that everyone’s vote in council elections is worth roughly the same, regardless of where they live.
Camden Council votes to support the draft recommendations
At the Full Council meeting on 8 July, Members voted to express support for LGBCE’s draft recommendations, while recommending two minor amendments.
“This review is being undertaken as it has been 20 years since our ward boundaries were last considered, and changes to the local population since then have meant that change was inevitable.
“There are many ways in which the borough’s wards could be configured, and we are aware that the challenge facing LGBCE is a complex one.
“We note that they have recommended an additional councillor, and while this is one more than the Council had originally recommended in its submission, approved at Full Council last October, we are satisfied with LGBCE’s explanation that it will improve electoral equality.
“We feel reassured that they have listened to the community, and that the local opinions have been considered in their draft recommendations.
“Camden is rightly proud of its communities and their sense of identity, and we feel reassured that the local opinions have been considered in their draft recommendations.
“However, we do encourage residents to carefully consider the draft recommendations, and contact LGBCE with their own recommendations and opinions regarding the proposals.”
Further information
The schedule for the review going forward is as follows:
- Consultation on draft recommendations: 28 May 2019 – 5 August 2019
- Publication of final recommendations: 1 October 2019
- Parliamentary Order made: Autumn 2019
- Elected upon: 2022 local elections
Submissions to the Camden electoral review can be made:
- through the consultation area
- by emailing: [email protected]
- writing to the following address: The Review Officer (Camden), Local Government Boundary Commission for England, 1st Floor, Windsor House, 50 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0TL