The Local Government Boundary Commission for England has published draft recommendations on the future electoral arrangements for Teignbridge District Council.

Today is the start of an eight-week public consultation on the Commission’s draft recommendations on new ward boundaries across Teignbridge District Council.

The consultation closes on 31 October 2016.

You can view the Commission’s draft recommendations at https://www.lgbce.org.uk/current-reviews/south-west/devon/teignbridge where you can find interactive maps, a report and guidance on how to have your say. The Commission has not finalised its conclusions and now invites representations on the draft recommendations.

Enclosed with this letter is a summary outlining the Commission’s draft recommendations and a copy of the letter sent to the Chief Executive of Teignbridge District Council. An interactive map of the Commission’s recommendations for Teignbridge District Council, electorate figures and guidance on how to propose new wards is available on the consultation area at: https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/7964.

Further information about the review and the Commission’s work is also published on our website at: www.lgbce.org.uk.

We encourage everyone who has a view on the draft recommendations to contact us whether you support them or whether you wish to propose alternative arrangements.

Before finalising the recommendations, the Commission will consider every representation received during consultation whether it is submitted by an individual, a local group or an organisation.  We will weigh each submission against the criteria the Commission must follow when drawing up electoral arrangements:

·         To deliver electoral equality where each district councillor represents roughly the same number of electors as others across the district.

·         That the pattern of wards should, as far as possible, reflect the interests and identities of local communities.

·         That the electoral arrangements should provide for effective and convenient local government.

It is important that you take account of the criteria if you are suggesting an alternative pattern of wards. You can find additional guidance and information about previous electoral reviews on our website to help you or your organisation make a submission.

The Commission welcomes comments on the recommendations report by 31 October 2016. Representations should be made:

Through our interactive consultation portal where you can explore the maps of the recommendations, draw your own boundaries and supply comments at: https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/7964.

Review Officer (Teignbridge)

Local Government Boundary Commission for England

14^th Floor

Millbank Tower

Millbank

London

SW1P 4QP

The Commission aims to publish every response it receives during phases of consultation.  If you do not want all or any part of your response or name to be made public, you must state this clearly in the response. Any such request should explain why confidentiality is necessary.  All responses may be subject to publication or disclosure as required by law (in particular under the Freedom of Information Act 2000).

This is the last opportunity to influence the Commission’s recommendations before they are finalised. We therefore encourage local people to get in touch with us and have their say.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

0330 500 1525