The number of councillors representing people in Epsom and Ewell is set to be reduced due to a commission looking into boundary changes across the country.
After a review of the borough, the Local Government Boundary Commission announced Tuesday (May 11) that it had determined the number of councillors in Epsom and Ewell "should be 35".
That's three less than the 38 currently representing wards on Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (EEBC).
In a statement announcing the decision, a spokesperson for the commission laid out their aims:
"The Commission is reviewing Epsom and Ewell Borough Council to make sure councillors represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements help the council work effectively.
"It wants to be sure that its proposals reflect community ties and identities," the statement read.
📣 Have your say on new council ward boundaries in @EpsomEwellBC
— Epsom&EwellBC (@EpsomEwellBC) May 11, 2021
A public consultation on new council ward boundaries across #Epsom and #Ewell starts today and ends on 19 July 2021.
Have your say 👇https://t.co/5tf4vt2gGe @LGBCE
For more info see: https://t.co/CYtb6EyafY pic.twitter.com/t9BzAweXUB
Before any of the changes are confirmed, however, a consultation with residents will take place.
The Commission said it hoped to understand what facilities and services residents share, and what issues to people in the various areas of the borough have in common.
"We want people in Epsom and Ewell to help us.
“We are starting to draw up new wards for Epsom and Ewell. We want our proposals for new electoral arrangements to reflect communities," Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said.
"We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people.
"Residents and local organisations can help us understand community ties and identities at this early stage of the process.
"It’s easy to get involved. Go to our website. Or you can e-mail or write to us.
"Just tell us what you think and give us some details why you think that. It’s really simple, so do get involved," he added.
Click here to review the changes and contribute to the consultation.
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