Consultation on Arun’s ward boundaries begins

The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is asking people living in Arun for their views on whether changes should be made to the ward boundaries.

It is proposing that Arun District Council should have 53 councillors in the future, three fewer than at present.

Max Caller, chairman of the commission, said: “One of the aims of our review is to try to ensure that each councillor represents around the same number of voters so that everyone’s vote is worth the same at local election time.

“That’s not the case at the moment in Arun District.”

Nigel Lynn, chief executive of the council, welcomed the start of the consultation and is encouraging the public to air their views.

He said: “We have carried out a lot of detailed work over the last few months with our councillors in preparation for this review which took into account the role of a local councillor, how much time our councillors spend on district council business and the general cost of democracy locally.”

People have until May 7 to submit their views.

For information visit www.lgbce.org.uk.

The consultation will help to shape a draft proposal, to be submitted by August.