The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) has published proposed changes to the county council’s electoral divisions following a growth in population in some areas.
As well as recommending the number of councillors remains the same at 64, the commission, as requested by us, proposes in future there would be 64 single member divisions - each division having a single councillor.
This would replace the current arrangement of 61 single member divisions plus three, two-member divisions.
Other proposals by the commission include:
- an additional councillor in South Derbyshire - increasing from eight to nine - reflecting the growth in population in that area
- a reduction of one councillor in Chesterfield - from nine to eight - to reflect a slight decrease in population
- revised division pattern in Bolsover to avoid a split in the town centre
A report outlining our position on potential changes was agreed last summer and can be seen on the Derbyshire Democracy website alongside a full submission report. View agenda item 64/23 Derbyshire electoral boundary review to find out more.
The leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor Barry Lewis is encouraging everyone to have their say during the public consultation into the proposed changes which runs until 1 April 2024.
Councillor Lewis said:
“This is the last chance for Derbyshire residents to have their say on the proposals which affect much of the county.
“There’s been growth in population in some areas, and a decrease in others, which means the commission felt the boundaries of divisions needed to be looked at.”
The proposed changes are designed to create a similar number of people in each division while reflecting the identity and interests of communities.
Councillor Lewis added:
“The commission has asked all local authorities to help spread the word about the proposed changes and I’d encourage people to have their say before 1 April 2024.
“We believe it’s important that people look at and understand what the changes are and what they could mean for them.”
Final recommendations will be made by the LGBCE in July. To take part in the consultation visit the LGBCE website.