Thanet will have 14 fewer district councillors from 2027 following a decision by the Local Government Boundary Commission.
A new pattern of wards is now being developed for Thanet following agreement that council seats should reduce from 56 to 42.
The Commission is reviewing Thanet to make sure councillors each represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements help the council work effectively.
A ten-week consultation on the proposals will run until 27 May so the Commission can hear views on which communities should be part of the same ward, what facilities people share, such as parks, leisure centres or schools and shopping areas and what issues neighbouring communities face that they have in common, such as high numbers of visitors or heavy traffic.
The Commission will use local views to help it draw up proposals for new ward boundaries. There will then be a further round of consultation.
Launching the consultation Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: “We want people in Thanet to help us.
“We are starting to draw up new wards for Thanet. We want our proposals for new electoral arrangements to reflect communities. We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people.
“Residents and local organisations can help us understand community ties and identities at this early stage of the process.
“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.”
Thanet council leader Rick Everitt said: “I welcome the boundary commission’s agreement to reduce the number of district councillors to 42, which was a figure the council recommended after reaching a cross-party consensus and based on advice about the lowest number the commission would be likely to accept as practical for Thanet.
“Many councils have reduced in size in recent years. It’s important that we balance the need to represent all the different communities in Thanet effectively with an efficient decision making process and this number should enable us to do that.”
People can give their views via at https://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/thanet or by e-mail at [email protected], and by post: Review Officer (Thanet). LGBCE, PO Box 133, Blyth, NE24 9FE
Timetable
| 19 March – 27 May 2024 | Initial public consultation on communities |
| 3 September – 11 November 2024 | Public consultation on proposals |
| 4 February 2025 | Commission publishes recommendations |
| TBD | Parliament is asked to approve recommendations |
| 2027 | New arrangements apply to local elections |
