Decision details

The Executive Member (Resources), Councillor Peter Wilson, presented the report of the Director (Policy and Governance) which set out the proposal of the Electoral Review of Chorley Council Committee on its preferred warding arrangements for the borough in response to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) electoral review consultation on ward patterns.

The aim of the review is to improve electoral equality across the borough. The electoral review is split in to two stages: the council size and new ward patterning arrangements.  In April Council agreed to propose a reduction in Council size from 47 to 42 members and to continue to elect its membership by thirds.

The cross party Electoral Review of Chorley Council Committee have discussed the proposals in full.  Members discussed the different communities that make up the borough of Chorley, shared community identity, transport and highway links, and noted the need for the total electorate forecast for each ward to be within the +/– 10% variance as required by the LGBCE.  Where possible existing Polling Districts have been retained. 

Members commented on the proposal and noted that after an analysis of the Council’s proposal and any other responses received during the consultation, the LGBCE will begin to formulate its draft recommendations which will be published on 6 November. On the same day the draft recommendations are published, the LGBCE will launch a further consultation on its draft recommendations, which will expire on 14 January 2019.

Councillor Martin Boardman, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, advised that the Conservative Group will submit a separate proposal to the LGBCE. 

The Executive Member (Resources), Councillor Peter Wilson, proposed and the Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley, seconded the DECISION – to approve the appended proposal (appendix 1) as the Council’s response to the LGBCE’s consultation in to new warding arrangements for the borough, prior to its submission to the LGBCE.