Have your say on a new political map for Wokingham Borough Council

New boundaries are being proposed for council wards in Wokingham Borough Council.

The Local Government Boundary Commission wants to hear what residents and local organisations think about the proposals. A 10-week consultation on the proposals will run until 10 April 2023.

Proposed wards for Wokingham
Click map for high resolution version
Credit: contains Ordnance Survey data (c) Crown copyright and database rights 2023

The Commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries. It is reviewing Wokingham 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 proposals for changes to Wokingham. It is proposing that there should be 18 wards, seven fewer than there are now. These 18 wards will each be represented by three councillors. The boundaries of 22 wards should change; three will stay the same (Evendons, Winnersh and Wokingham Without).

Proposed changes include:

• The proposals for Arborfield with Barkham ward seeks to ensure the whole of the Arborfield Garrison development sits within a single ward, rather than being divided between wards as it currently is
• The proposals for Earley and Woodley respect the parish boundaries of Earley and Woodley parishes.

Launching the consultation Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said:

“We want people in Wokingham to help us.

“We have drawn up proposals for new wards in Wokingham. We want to make sure these new electoral arrangements reflect communities. We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people.

“Residents and local organisations can help us do that. We would like them to let us know whether they agree with our proposals before we take final decisions.

“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”

The Commission has a dedicated section on its website where people can see the detail of the proposals and comment on the names of wards and their boundaries.

People can also give their views by e-mail at reviews@lgbce.org.uk, and by post:

Review Officer (Wokingham)
LGBCE
PO Box 133
Blyth
NE24 9FE

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 here.

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
• Reflect the electoral cycle so that each ward is represented by three councillors
• Create boundaries that are appropriate, and reflect community ties and identities
• Deliver reviews informed by local needs, views and circumstances