Agenda item
Local Electoral Review 2012 - update
Minutes:
John Williams, Service Head Democratic Services, introduced the update report. He informed the committee that the second stage of the electoral review was completed on Tuesday 11 September 2012. This round of consultation was about boundaries and how many members will be elected by each of the new wards. He stated that 12 submissions were received by the Boundary Commission in response to the consultation, and there were currently 10 of those submissions on the website.
He highlighted a number of points including:
- There were three comprehensive submissions on the whole borough. One from the Conservative, Labour and another from the Mayor. In addition there were other submissions such as one from a member of the public but only about the Spitalfields area. There were two further less detailed submissions from the London Dockers club, and another member of the public which focused on the Shadwell ward. There were also a number of letters of support for the labour group submission.
- The Local Government Boundary Commission will consider all submissions received and will shortly draft recommendations concerning ward arrangements in November 2012. There will then be further consultation on the draft recommendations, before the final decision is made. That decision could be based on submissions received or based on elements from various submissions, and will be communicated to the council.
- Final recommendations are to be published in March 2013
Responding to questions, officers stated that
· The commission have indicated that they will speak to groups if they have queries about their submission.
· The officers confirmed that GIS maps have been submitted for all three submissions. The intention is not to publicise them as specialist software is required in order to view them. The officer suggested that the maps could be circulated to members, but he would have to seek prior advice from IT.
· On the basis of the last two consultations, it is likely that the final stage of consultation will be displayed on the website, accompanied by press releases to inform the public.
· In terms of the numbers of electors, the census data has been projected forward by reference to what is known about new potential developments in parts of the borough and how many electors that will generate. The commission have used mailing lists provided by Tower Hamlets to reach all communities within the borough.
The committee discussed the report and noted particular issues including:
- The importance of getting all sections of the community involved in the consultation so that they are made aware of the proposed changes. The officer stated that he will refer this matter to the consultation team as an issue for further probing.
· Some members of the committee expressed their sadness about the planned reduction of members from 51 to 45. They supported the current level of councillors, and would like this to be noted and expressed to full council when the final report is presented.
The committee expressed their gratitude to Benn Huntley and John Williams, and other officers who were involved in assisting members with their submissions.
Action:
- Email members links of the online submissions.
- Officers to find out whether the draft recommendation due out in November will be brought to the committee for discussion.
RESOLVED
- That the report be noted
Supporting documents: