Have your say: bookings open for Boundary Commission's public hearings on proposed new parliamentary constituencies

Members of the public can now book a slot to speak at a public hearing in their region about the proposed boundary changes in their area, as part of the 2023 Boundary Review.

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) is holding a secondary consultation on its initial proposals from 22 February to 4 April, during which 32 public hearings will take place across England to allow the public to provide feedback in person.

The commission is required by Parliament to undertake an independent and impartial review of all constituencies in England, to rebalance the number of electors in each constituency.

Last year, the Boundary Commission published proposals to change the boundaries of the two local constituencies – Rochdale and Heywood & Middleton – in order to facilitate an increase in the number of parliamentary constituencies from 533 to 543.
 

Read more: Middleton’s name could be ‘wiped off the parliamentary map’ under new boundary proposalsPublished: 08 June 2021

The independent body has a duty to ensure the number of voters in each seat is ‘roughly the same’ to ensure a fair electoral system which would mean changes are required to the boundaries of the local constituencies.

In the borough of Rochdale, the proposals include moving Spotland and Falinge ward out of the Rochdale constituency into the neighbouring Heywood & Middleton constituency – which could be renamed as just ‘Heywood’, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
 

Read more: Plans to move Crown Oil Arena into neighbouring Heywood constituency branded ‘illogical, insensitive and a little bit ridiculous’Published: 30 June 2021

The review has already sparked controversy in Middleton – whose name would be wiped from the parliamentary map under the proposals as they stand.

It would see South Middleton and East Middleton wards hived off to a new ‘Manchester Blackley’ constituency, while West Middleton and North Middleton would be part of the new ‘Heywood’ seat.

Members of the public are invited to view information about where and when the hearings will be held on the commission’s website.

Before the upcoming secondary consultation in February, the commission will publish all 34,000 responses received during the first consultation, which ran from June to August 2021.

This will allow the public to take these into account when submitting their views. Feedback can be provided in person at a public hearing, or in writing via the consultation website bcereviews.org.uk, email or letter during the consultation period.

The commission will follow advice from the government around Covid-19 as well as any restrictions set by the public hearing venues themselves. Guidance for attendees will be kept updated on the Boundary Commission for England website.

Secretary to the Boundary Commission for England, Tim Bowden, said: “The Boundary Commission for England is redrawing the map of constituencies in England so that it represents local communities as best as possible, while keeping to the legal requirements – and you can help us. We received a fantastic number of responses during our first consultation – over 34,000 – and we want as many people as possible to get involved in our upcoming secondary consultation.

“Between 22 February and 4 April, we want you to tell us your thoughts on our proposed new map of constituencies. You can provide feedback in person at a public hearing in your region, or in writing via our consultation website bcereviews.org.uk, letter, or email.

“Booking is now open for speaking slots at our 32 public hearings across the country, and we’re looking forward to hearing your views.”

People can click the link on their chosen date to book a 10-minute speaking slot via Eventbrite.

Further information can be found in the guide to public hearings.