Comment DBCC-4374

Dear Boundary Commission colleagues

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Boundary Commission proposals to create 16 Senedd ‘super constituencies’ in Wales for forward Senedd elections on the basis of 6 members per constituency for an increased total of Senedd members to 96.

I can appreciate that the Commission had no part to play in the determination of how many Senedd members there should be, which is a matter for the Senedd working with Welsh Government. I would note however that I do not believe that a strong and credible argument has been made for such a substantial increase in the number of Senedd members from the current 60 to 96. Neither do I believe that having 6 member constituencies will enhance or improve representative government, and it will reduce the historic connection between individual member and their constituency.

However that is the position, and I believe that the Boundary Commission have taken a logical and practical way forward in proposing 16 Senedd constituencies following the imprint of two UK Parliamentary constituencies. Overall the proposed pairings and suggested constituency names seem appropriate and recognise a good level of local connectivity right across Wales. At a more regional level it does seem appropriate to pair Torfaen and Monmouthshire for a super constituency, rather than other options such as Newport East and Monmouthshire, or Torfaen and Newport East.

The stated intent is for these to be long standing electoral boundaries, so my question would be – if there are either subtle (moving of a few wards from one to another) or significant (reduction in number) changes to UK Parliamentary constituencies, will these then be automatically reflected in Senedd constituency boundaries, or will these go through a fresh consultative process?

A second question is whether the Boundary Commission have any intent to review the boundaries in a set period (such as after two election terms) and perhaps gauge feedback on how effectively the changes have been taken on board by the wider public?

So, in summary, I feel that the Boundary Commission have taken a pragmatic and sensible approach to determining forward Senedd constituencies within the brief that they had (increased numbers of Senedd members and legislation determining the electoral process of proportional representation), but it would be helpful to know their views on the two points that I have raised.

All the best

David
Councillor / Cynghorydd David Williams
Llanyravon / Llanyrafon
Torfaen County Borough Council / Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Torfaen
[REDACTED] / E-Mail/E-Bost: [REDACTED]

Respondent type

Local councillor or other elected official

Organisation name

Torfaen County Borough Council

This comment refers to

The entire area under review.