New political map for Bury Council

Bury Council is set to have new boundaries for its council wards following a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission.

The commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries. It has reviewed Bury 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 Bury. It says residents should be represented by 51 councillors, there will be 17 wards, and three councillors per ward. This has not changed from the current position. Most ward boundaries will change, however.

Publishing the recommendations Professor Colin Mellors, chair of the commission, said: “We are very grateful to people in Bury. We looked at all the views they gave us. They helped us improve our earlier proposals.

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

The commission received 121 submissions from people and organisations to help decide the new wards. Changes in response to what local people said include:

The commission changed the names of three wards as a result of compelling community evidence: Bury East (formerly East ward); Bury West (formerly Church); and Radcliffe North & Ainsworth (formerly Radcliffe North). The Commission agreed that these ward names will better represent the distinct communities which exist in the area.

The Commission has made further changes to its earlier proposals. Details can be found on its website at https://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/north-west/greater-manchester/bury.

Parliament now needs to agree the changes. The new arrangements will then apply for the 2022 council elections.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

This consultation relates to the arrangements for local government elections. It is separate from consultations that are currently taking place across England on arrangements for parliamentary elections.

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 https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/24335

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