Have your say on a new political map for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

New political map for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is set to have new boundaries for its council wards. 

New wards for Tunbridge Wells
Credit: contains Ordnance Survey data (c) Crown copyright and database rights 2023
High resolution map available at www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/tunbridge-wells
 

The Local Government Boundary Commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries. It has reviewed Tunbridge Wells to make sure councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements will help the council work effectively. 

The Commission has published final recommendations for changes in Tunbridge Wells. It says residents should be represented by 39 councillors. This is nine fewer than currently. There will be 14 wards, comprised of twelve three-councillor wards, one two-councillor ward and one one-councillor ward.

 Publishing the recommendations Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said:

“We are very grateful to people in Tunbridge Wells. We looked at all the views they gave us. They helped us improve our earlier proposals. 

 “We believe the new arrangements will deliver electoral fairness while maintaining local ties.” 

292 people and organisations made comments on our draft recommendations to help decide the new wards. Changes in response to what local people said include: 

1. Uniting Goudhurst parish in a single ward 

2. Modifying our draft recommendations in High Brooms and the St John’s area of Royal Tunbridge Wells. In doing so we have departed from a uniform pattern of three-councillor wards.

The Commission has made further changes to its earlier proposals. Details can be found on its website at www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/tunbridge-wells

 The changes become law once Parliament has approved them. Staff at the council will ensure that the arrangements are in place for the May 2024 elections. 

Ends/

Notes to editors: 

This consultation relates to arrangements for local government elections. It is separate from the review of parliamentary constituencies that is currently taking place.

For further information contact the Commission’s press office on 0330 500 1525 / 1250 or email press@lgbce.org.uk 

An interactive map is available at www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/tunbridge-wells

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England is an independent body accountable to Parliament. It recommends fair electoral and boundary arrangements for local authorities in England. In doing so, it aims to:

• Make sure that, within an authority, each councillor represents a similar number of electors

• Create boundaries that are appropriate, and reflect community ties and identities

• Deliver reviews informed by local needs, views and circumstances