The biggest changes to Bristol City Council’s local elections voting map in over a quarter of a century have been proposed.
The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England has launched a consultation into its plans to increase the number of councillors from 70 to 76 and redraw every existing ward’s boundaries except one to reflect population changes, ensure every member represents about the same number of residents, and keep distinct local communities together in the same area at the ballot box.
It would mean two extra wards, up from 34 to 36, with some of the current ones scrapped and replaced, merged or rejigged.
The electoral map was last reviewed in 2015 and kept the number of councillors at 70.
This was last increased from 68 to 70 elected members in a review in 1999/2000, when the city had 292,200 registered voters.
This has mushroomed to a projected 351,700 by 2031 – a 20.34 per cent rise of nearly 60,000 people.
Among the key changes are:
The current three-councillor Westbury-on-Trym & Henleaze ward would be separated, with each new area returning two elected members.In effect, this would return to the arrangement before the last reorganisation.
Bishopston & Ashley Down would be expanded from a two- to a three-councillor area, with the ward extending towards Cranbrook Road to include more of Bishopston.
Cotham & Redland – currently two separate wards, each with two councillors – would be merged into a three-member ward.
Clifton Down ward would be extended to include the area around the University of Bristol.
Launching the consultation, Boundary Commission chair Bev Smith said: “Bristol is a unique place and we want residents to help us get these boundaries right.
“We have drawn up proposals for new wards and want to make sure they truly reflect local communities – but we need to hear from the people who know those communities best.
“Whether you agree with our proposals or think something should change, please let us know.”
Tim O’Gara, Director of Legal and Democratic Services at Bristol City Council said:
“These are draft recommendations and no changes will come into force until 2028. We are encouraging everyone in Bristol to get involved. Local knowledge is key and residents are best placed to explain how their communities fit together.
Share your views with the Boundary Commission about the places you identify with, how neighbourhoods connect, and whether the proposed wards reflect real community boundaries. Your input will help shape the final decision.”
The 10-week consultation closes on September 7, with the final recommendations expected in December ahead of the changes for the 2028 local elections.
More details and an interactive map are here: https://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/bristol
People can give their views there, email reviews@lgbce.org.uk, or by post to Review Officer (Bristol), LGBCE, 7th Floor, 3 Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8YZ.
By Adam Postans,
Local Democracy Reporter