Comment DBCC-8370

Good Afternoon

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the Commission's consultation on its revised proposals for the Welsh Parliament Boundary Survey 2026. We note that there is no further change to the constituency boundary proposals affecting Anglesey.

I would like to take the opportunity to remind you of the concerns noted by us in our response to the consultation on the original proposals (copy attached). Furthermore, we would be interested in receiving information on the next steps of this process when appropriate.

Gyda diolch / With thanks

Dylan J Williams
Prif Weithredwr / Chief Executive

2026 Survey – Initial Proposals
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on your initial proposals for the boundaries of the Senedd constituencies.
The proposals have been considered by officials and political leaders in Isle of Anglesey County Council, although the short consultation period has made that very challenging.
We understand that the review is being undertaken based on requirements in the Senedd Cymru Act 2024 and that this significantly limits the scope of the review. For example, the requirement to determine 16 constituency areas and for the constituencies to be formed by combining 2 UK parliamentary boundaries which share a boundary.
However, we must state our concern about the impact of creating such large constituencies on local democracy. There is a risk that the constituencies can erode the link that exists between constituents and those who represent them. The proposals can also erode the local understanding and expertise that Elected Members have and in such large constituencies, there are unlikely to be close social and economic links between some communities.
Another concern we have is the cost of conducting a further survey after the 2026 Senedd elections particularly in the current financial climate. Would it be better to delay the elections for a year to allow time to conduct one comprehensive survey?

Regarding the proposal specific to Anglesey and to conform with the requirements of the Act, we understand that the constituency must be combined with another neighbouring parliamentary constituency. Only two other constituencies share a border across the Menai Strait with Anglesey, namely Dwyfor Meirionnydd and Bangor Aberconwy. The road links however are with Bangor Aberconwy due to the location of the two bridges. So, we agree that it is the only combination that ensures transport links and a cohesive constituency.
In summary, we believe that combining Anglesey with Bangor Aberconwy is the only proposal that fully complies with the requirements of the review. We therefore agree with the Commission's proposal. However and as we have explained, we have fundamental concerns with the move towards large constituencies and the erosion of local connections. We ask the Commission to re-consider this as it continues to develop its proposals.

Yn gywir / Yours sincerely,
DYLAN J. WILLIAMS
Prif Weithredwr
Chief Executive

Respondent type

On behalf of a local authority

Organisation name

Cyngor Sir Ynys Mon

This comment refers to

The entire area under review.