Have your say on possible ward boundary changes

The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is asking people across Lewisham to comment on its draft recommendations for new council ward boundaries.

The Commission’s plans would mean changes to most wards in Lewisham.

An 11-week public consultation on the recommendations will end on March 2, 2020. The consultation is open to anyone who wants to have their say on new council wards, ward boundaries and ward names across Lewisham.

The Commission’s draft recommendations propose that Lewisham should have 54 councillors in future: this is no change from now. The recommendations also outline how those councillors should represent 16 three-councillor wards and three two-councillor wards across the borough.

Professor Colin Mellors, chairman of the commission, said: “We are publishing proposals for a new pattern of wards across Lewisham and we are keen to hear what local people think of the recommendations.

“Over the next 11 weeks, we are asking local people to tell us if they agree with the proposals or if not, how they can be improved.

“Our review aims to deliver electoral equality for local voters. This means that each councillor represents a similar number of people, so that everyone’s vote in council elections is worth roughly the same, regardless of where you live.

“We also want to ensure that our proposals reflect the interests and identities of local communities across Lewisham and that the pattern of wards can help the council deliver effective local government for local people.

“We will consider all the submissions we receive, whoever they are from and whether your evidence applies to the whole borough or just a part of it.

The full recommendations and detailed interactive maps are available on the Commission’s website at consultation.lgbce.org.uk and www.lgbce.org.uk. Hard copies of the Commission’s report and maps will also be available to view at council buildings.