Carl Sargeant, Minister for Local Government and Communities
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
In March 2012 I issued a new direction to the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales instructing them to review the electoral arrangements of the Isle of Anglesey.
In accordance with the direction the Commission have completed their review and published their final proposals.
The Commission propose a reduction in council size from 40 to 30 elected members and a change to the pattern of electoral divisions being represented by a single member to one of multi-member divisions. The existing electoral arrangements return 40 members representing 40 electoral divisions, the Commission’s proposals would return 30 members representing 11 electoral divisions.
The proposed changes to the electoral arrangements will see an improvement in electoral parity across the region. The proposed councillor to elector ratio is 1:1,649, this is in keeping with the direction which suggested a councillor to elector ratio of 1:1,750.
The Welsh Government received 28 representations to the final report. I have carefully considered them in the process of making my decision.
On 27th June 2012 Anglesey Council resolved by a majority to accept the Commission’s proposals as outlined in the report.
I am minded to accept the Commission’s proposals and I have agreed for an Order to be drafted to implement the changes.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Assembly returns I would be happy to do so.