News on Walsall Engagement Hub

New boundaries are being proposed for council wards in Walsall. The Local Government Boundary Commission wants to hear what residents and local organisations think about the proposals. A 10-week consultation on the proposals will run until 8 April 2024.

The Commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries. It is reviewing Walsall to make sure councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements will help the council work effectively. The Commission has published proposals for changes to Walsall. It is proposing that there should be 20 three-councillor wards. Most wards will change.

• Willenhall North ward has been renamed to New Invention based on local evidence received

• A significantly modified pattern of wards in Walsall town centre

Launching the consultation Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: “We want people in Walsall to help us.

We have drawn up proposals for new wards in Walsall. We want to make sure these new electoral arrangements reflect communities.

We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people. Residents and local organisations can help us do that. We would like them to let us know whether they agree with our proposals before we take final decisions. It’s easy to get involved. Go to our website. Or you can e-mail or write to us.

Just tell us what you think and give us some details why you think that. It’s really simple, so do get involved”

The Commission has a dedicated section on its website where people can see the detail of the proposals and comment on the names of wards and their boundaries: https://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/walsall

A high resolution map is available at: https://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/walsall

People can also give their views by e-mail at reviews@lgbce.org.uk, and by post: Review Officer (Walsall) LGBCE PO Box 133 Blyth NE24 9FE

Ends

Notes to editors:

This consultation relates to arrangements for local government elections. It is separate from the review of parliamentary constituencies that has recently concluded.

For further information contact the Commission’s press office on 0330 500 1525 / 1250 or email press@lgbce.org.uk An interactive map is available at: https://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/walsall The Local Government Boundary Commission for England is an independent body accountable to Parliament.

It recommends fair electoral and boundary arrangements for local authorities in England. In doing so, it aims to:

• Make sure that, within an authority, each Councillor represents a similar number of electors

• Reflect the electoral cycle so that each ward is represented by three Councillors

• Create boundaries that are appropriate, and reflect community ties and identities • Deliver reviews informed by local needs, views and circumstance