Comment DBCC-7107

Dear Sir / Madam,
RESPONSE TO CONSULTATION ON PROPOSALS FOR 16 NEW SENEDD CONSTITUENCIES
Many thanks for the opportunity to submit our views on the initial proposals for the 16 new Senedd constituencies. Our response will focus mainly on the proposed Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire constituency and the principles of the distribution of constituencies.
Being limited to the UK Parliamentary constituency boundaries has resulted in creating large geographical areas for the pairings, which have created the new Senedd constituencies. This includes the proposed Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire constituency, which is amongst the largest in terms of its geography, with a distance of 90 miles from the north to the south, with an estimated travel time of 2 ½ hours. The communities of Ceredigion Preseli and Mid and South Pembrokeshire are also very different in terms of language, culture, local ties etc.
Having such a large constituency is likely to result in a loss of connection between the elected members and their electors. This, in addition to all the other changes that electors are having to understand could result in lower turnouts.
We support the name of the constituency as it stands of Ceredigion a Sir Benfro / Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.
We understand that there are very few options available to you in relation to this review due to the Act stating that the Commission should pair the 21 UK Parliamentary constituencies; however, we look forward to having alternative proposals for the 2030 Senedd Elections where greater consideration is given to other factors such as language, culture, local ties etc.
Yours sincerely,
Councillor Bryan Davies
Leader of Ceredigion County Council

Respondent type

Local councillor or other elected official

Organisation name

Ceredigion County Council

This comment refers to

The entire area under review.