The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is asking local people for their help to draw up a new pattern of council wards for St Helens Borough.
The consultation is the first part of a periodic electoral review which will re-draw ward boundaries across the borough.
The Commission has also announced that St Helens Borough Council should have 48 councillors in future: no change from the current arrangement. The council has previously elected by thirds but has passed a motion to move to whole-council elections. Therefore, this review will proceed on the basis of whole-council elections.
In drawing up new boundaries, the Commission aims to deliver electoral equality for voters in council elections so that each councillor represents roughly the same number of voters. The review also aims to ensure that the new council wards reflect, as far as possible, the interests and identities of communities across St Helens Borough.
Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: “We are asking local people and organisations to help us draw up new wards for St Helens Borough Council. As we develop the recommendations, we will take into account local community identities as well as ensuring electoral equality for voters.
“If you have a view about which communities or neighbourhoods should be part of the same council wards, then we want to hear from you. And if you think a road, river or railway makes for a strong boundary between communities in your part of St Helens Borough, then this consultation is for you.
“If you’re interested in the way the borough is run, just log on to our website to explore our interactive maps and have your say.
“Your views will make a difference.
“We will carefully consider all evidence that is provided during this phase of the review, whoever it is from and whether it applies to the whole of St Helens Borough or just a small part.
“Residents will then have a further chance to have their say after we publish our draft recommendations in February 2021.”
Local people have until 2 November 2020 to submit their views in this consultation. Further information on the review and interactive maps of the existing wards can be found at consultation.lgbce.org.uk and www.lgbce.org.uk.
