The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is asking people across Kingston upon Thames to comment on its draft recommendations for new council ward boundaries.

The Commission’s plans would mean changes to all wards in Kingston upon Thames.

A 10-week public consultation on the recommendations begins today and will end on 11 May 2020. The consultation is open to anyone who wants to have their say on new council wards, ward boundaries and ward names across Kingston upon Thames.

The Commission’s draft recommendations propose that Kingston upon Thames should have 48 councillors in future: this is no change from now. The recommendations also outline how those councillors should represent 10 three-councillor wards and nine two-councillor wards across the borough.

The full recommendations and detailed interactive maps are available on the Commission’s website at consultation.lgbce.org.uk and www.lgbce.org.uk. Hard copies of the Commission’s report and maps will also be available to view at council buildings.

Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: “We are publishing recommendations for a new pattern of wards across Kingston upon Thames and we are keen to hear what local people think of the recommendations.

“Over the next 10 weeks, we are asking local people to tell us if they agree with the recommendations or if not, how they can be improved.

“Our review aims to deliver electoral equality for local voters. This means that each councillor represents a similar number of people, so that everyone’s vote in council elections is worth roughly the same, regardless of where you live.

“We also want to ensure that our recommendations reflect the interests and identities of local communities across Kingston upon Thames and that the pattern of wards can help the council deliver effective local government for local people.

“We will consider all the submissions we receive, whoever they are from and whether your evidence applies to the whole borough or just a part of it.

The Commission wants to hear as much evidence as possible to develop final recommendations for Kingston upon Thames. If you would like to make a submission to the Commission, please write or email us by 11 May 2020.

The Review Officer (Kingston upon Thames)

Local Government Boundary Commission for England

1st Floor, Windsor House

50 Victoria Street

London SW1H 0TL

Email: [email protected]