Comment DBCC-8232

Dear all

I am writing in response to the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru’s Revised Proposals Report for the review of Senedd Constituencies in Wales. I wish to express my strong objection to these proposals for several critical reasons, which I urge the Commission to reconsider carefully.
Concerns Regarding the Additional 36 Senedd Members
The proposed increase in the number of Senedd members from 60 to 96 is an unacceptable burden on Welsh taxpayers. Estimates suggest that the additional salaries, pensions, office costs, and other associated expenses will amount to several millions of pounds annually. Over the term of a single Senedd, this could cost taxpayers upwards of £15–20 million. In a time of economic uncertainty and financial hardship for many, it is unconscionable to impose such a significant cost when those funds could be better directed towards essential public services such as health, education, or infrastructure.
Loss of Distinctive Constituency Characteristics
The new constituency boundaries are so expansive that they threaten to erase the unique identities and priorities of the existing constituencies. By merging areas with fundamentally different demographics and industries, the new constituencies risk disenfranchising voters. For example:
• Residents in rural, agricultural communities will find their voices diluted when grouped with industrial or urban areas.
• Candidates will face the impossible task of representing constituents with divergent needs and priorities, such as farming and tourism interests on one side, and manufacturing or urban development on the other.
This loss of specificity undermines the democratic process by making it more difficult for constituents to elect representatives who truly understand and advocate for their concerns.
Politicised Boundary Changes
The proposed constituency shapes raise significant concerns about political impartiality. Many of the new boundaries appear to have been blatantly drawn in a way that favours extending into areas with historically strong support for parties such as Labour and Plaid Cymru. This seemingly deliberate realignment has the potential to skew the political balance of future Senedd elections, disproportionately disadvantaging Conservative candidates. Such practices, whether intentional or not, are deeply troubling and risk eroding public confidence in the democratic process.
A fair and impartial boundary review should prioritise genuine community ties and geographical logic over political considerations. Any perception of gerrymandering undermines the integrity of our democratic institutions.

The Futility of the Consultation Process
I am also deeply sceptical about the purpose and effectiveness of this consultation. There is a widespread perception that concerns raised during consultations of this nature are routinely dismissed, and decisions are made regardless of public feedback. If this process is merely a formality, then it undermines the Commission’s credibility and wastes the time of those who engage in good faith.
If the Commission wishes to restore public trust, it must not only listen to the feedback received but also be prepared to adapt or abandon these proposals in response to valid concerns.

In summary, the Revised Proposals for Senedd Constituencies are flawed, costly, and risk undermining both the democratic process and the distinctive identities of Welsh communities. I urge the Commission to reconsider these plans and explore alternative solutions that maintain the integrity of the existing constituencies while respecting the financial realities faced by Welsh taxpayers.

Thank you for considering this submission. I hope the Commission will take these concerns seriously and act in the best interests of all Welsh residents.

Kind regards,

Respondent type

Local councillor or other elected official

Organisation name

Powys County Councillor

This comment refers to

The entire area under review.