https://www.lgbce.org.uk/…/south-east/west-sussex/chichester.
Changes to democratic representation at Chichester District Council
The County electoral boundary changes also form part of an electoral review of Chichester District Council, following a request by CDC in order to consider a reduction in council size. This is in part because it has become increasingly difficult to find people to take on the mantle of Councillor against the headwinds of council-bashing that we all seem to indulge in these days.
The proposals are that CDC should:
- comprise 36 councillors (12 fewer than now);
- have 21 wards (8 fewer than now); and that
- the boundaries of ALL the existing wards should change.
The Commission has tried to ensure that:
- “The wards in the district of Chichester are in the best possible places to help the Council carry out its responsibilities effectively”
- and that “The number of voters represented by each councillor is approximately the same across the district.”
Pages 8—15 of their document detail their draft recommendations for each area of Chichester and how the proposed warding arrangements reflect their three statutory criteria:
- Equality of representation
- Reflecting community interests and identities
- Providing for effective and convenient local government
Their definitions of Community Identity is explored further at paragraph 64:
- Community groups: is there a parish council, residents’ association or other group that represents the area?
- Interests: what issues bind the community together or separate it from other parts of your area?
- Identifiable boundaries: are there natural or constructed features which make strong boundaries for your proposals?”
This map was published by the Boundaries Commission on 16 August and its final recommendations will now be laid before Parliament and, subject to parliamentary scrutiny, will take effect from the May 2017 elections.
A new boundary line for Westgate
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