Comment DBCC-8074

This is Cyngor Gwynedd’s response to the consultation on the Initial Proposals.

Cyngor Gwynedd welcomes the opportunity to respond to the draft proposals regarding Senedd Cymru constituencies. We also recognise that limitations in the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act 2024 mean that the choices are limited in terms of creating constituencies for 2026. We also recognise that there will be a complete review for the subsequent elections in 2030. As such, and although we have doubts about the form of the proposed constituencies, we do not put forward any views on their appropriateness.

Looking ahead to the subsequent review, we have concerns regarding the review’s criteria and principles in terms of the form of prospective constituencies, specifically involving factors that were prioritised when the decision was made to unite southern Gwynedd with northern Powys and Glyndŵr on the one hand, but not to unite Gwynedd and Ynys Môn. Gwynedd and Ynys Môn are part of the recognised North Wales region with close ties in terms of local government and cultural and social links. Geographically, Ynys Môn and Gwynedd are separated by the Menai Strait, but this is a common factor along this part of the coast. Considerable emphasis was placed in your analysis on the locations of the Britannia and Menai Bridges as key road links in order to justify splitting Gwynedd into two parts. There is no clear consideration of the wider context of Gwynedd and Ynys Môn as part of the North Wales region. It seems that the emphasis on the bridges and the A55 outweighs consideration in terms of political representation. Similarly, in the case of Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr, emphasis is placed on road connections without consideration regarding the context of local or regional government.

We accept that this is now a matter for the subsequent review. However, we are keen that the Commission, when undertaking the full review for 2030, ensures that the process gives due and appropriate attention to all of the criteria. This process will provide an opportunity to create new Senedd constituencies for the future. It is essential that this process takes the opportunity to create constituencies that are clearly based on the range of factors and evidence that exists.

Thank you


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Respondent type

On behalf of a local authority

Organisation name

Cyngor Gwynedd

This comment refers to

The entire area under review.