Midsomer Norton : Give your views on proposed new boundaries for parliamentary constituencies

Midsomer Norton residents are being invited by the Boundary Commission for England to give feedback on its proposals for new constituency boundaries.

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) has published the proposals for the public to view and comment on as part of a consultation process.

The 2023 Review of Parliamentary constituencies was formally launched in January this year. The Commission is required to ensure that the number of electors in each constituency is more equal. In doing so, the number of constituencies in England will increase from 533 to 543.

The Commission is undertaking an independent review of all constituency boundaries in England and will present final recommendations to Parliament by July 2023.

You can read what the proposed boundary changes would mean for Midsomer Norton by clicking HERE : how Midsomer would be moved into a Frome constituency

Publication of the initial proposals is the first time people get to see what the map of new constituencies might look like. The rules that the Commission work to are such that wide scale change is inevitable. Just under 10% of the existing 533 English constituencies remain unchanged.

There are proposed changes for Bath and North East Somerset and residents are encouraged to visit www.bcereviews.org.uk to view maps showing the proposed new boundaries and provide feedback before the consultation closes on 2 August 2021.

People can comment on anything from where the proposed new boundary lines are to the names of the constituencies. There will be a further two rounds of consultation in 2022. Following the conclusion of all three consultation periods, the Commission will look at all the evidence received and form its final recommendations.

Will Godfrey, Chief Executive and Returning Officer for Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: "The proposed constituency boundary changes would reflect our area in a different way so it's important for residents to know they have opportunities to give feedback on them. I would recommend visiting the BCE website to view the plans before the consultation ends on August 2."

Tim Bowden, Secretary to the Boundary Commission for England, said: "These proposals mark the first time people get to see what the new map of Parliamentary constituencies might look like. But they are just the Commission's initial thoughts. Help us draw the line to make the number of electors in each Parliamentary constituency more equal. Each constituency we recommend is required by law to contain between 69,724 and 77,062 electors, meaning there will be significant change to current boundaries. We want to hear the views of the public to ensure that we get the new boundaries for Parliamentary constituencies right.

"We consider all feedback received during the consultation process, and it is your local knowledge that helps us to shape constituencies that best reflect your local area. It is easy to get involved - view our proposals and have your say on our online consultation portal - www.bcereviews.org.uk"