Local Govt Boundary Commission electoral proposals for Anglesey

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    LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

    REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTSDRAFT PROPOSALS

    COUNTY OF ISLE OF ANGLESEY

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    LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

    REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE

    COUNTY OF ISLE OF ANGLESEY

    DRAFT PROPOSALS

    1. INTRODUCTION

    2. SUMMARY OF PROPOSALS

    3. SCOPE AND OBJECT OF THE REVIEW

    4. REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED PRIOR TO DRAFTPROPOSALS

    5. ASSESSMENT

    6. PROPOSALS

    7. RESPONSES TO THIS REPORT

    APPENDIX 1 GLOSSARY OF TERMSAPPENDIX 2 EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIPAPPENDIX 3 PROPOSED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIPAPPENDIX 4 MINISTERS DIRECTIONS AND ADDITIONAL LETTERAPPENDIX 5 MAP OF MENAI BRIDGEAPPENDIX 6 SUMMARY OF INITIAL REPRESENTATIONS

    The Local Government Boundary Commission for WalesCaradog House

    1-6 St Andrews PlaceCARDIFFCF10 3BE

    Tel Number: (029) 2039 5031Fax Number: (029) 2039 5250

    E-mail:[email protected]

    www.lgbc-wales.gov.uk

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    FOREWORD

    Those who have received this report containing our Draft Proposals will already be awareof this Review of Electoral Arrangements for all local authority areas in Wales.

    An important principle for our work is to aim to achieve a better democratic balance withineach council area so that each vote cast in an election is, so far as reasonably practicable,of the same weight as all others in the council area. The achievement of this aim, alongwith other measures, would be conducive to effective and convenient local government. Atthe beginning of this review process we have found some considerable differencesbetween the numbers of voters to councillors not only between council areas in Wales, butalso within council areas themselves.

    The Commission is constrained by a number of things in the way we undertake our work:

    The basic building blocks for electoral divisions are the community areas intowhich Wales is divided. These community areas were set up over 30 years ago anddespite the work already done by some local authorities and also ourselves, thereare still many places where the community areas do not reflect the present patternof community life.

    The accuracy of the information on the numbers of residents in each council area in5 years time challenges all the future is difficult to predict. The Commission hastherefore adopted a cautious approach in using these projections.

    The legal rules by which we operate are also quite strict and again place limitationson what we can do for each electoral division.

    This report provides our initial recommendations on what has to be done within thiscouncil area. We wish to provide a better democratic balance together with electoralarrangements which contribute to there being effective and convenient local governmentwherever you live in Wales.

    Paul WoodChairman

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    1. INTRODUCTION

    1.1 We, the members of the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales, havecompleted the first stage of the review of electoral arrangements for the County ofIsle of Anglesey and present our Draft Proposals for the future electoral

    arrangements. A glossary of terms used in this report can be found at Appendix 1.The County of Isle of Anglesey currently has an electorate of 50,793. At present itis divided into 40 divisions all of which are single-member thus returning 40councillors. The overall ratio of members to electors for the County is currently1:1,270. The present electoral arrangements are set out in detail in Appendix 2.

    2. SUMMARY OF PROPOSALS

    2.1 We propose a change to the arrangement of electoral divisions that will achieve a

    significant improvement in the level of electoral parity across the County of Isle ofAnglesey and results in a reduction in the council size from 40 to 35 electedmembers.

    3. SCOPE AND OBJECT OF THE REVIEW

    3.1 Section 57 of the Local Government Act 1972 (the 1972 Act) lays upon theCommission the duty, at intervals of not less than 10 and not more than fifteenyears, to review the electoral arrangements for every principal area in Wales for thepurpose of considering whether or not to make proposals to the Welsh Assembly

    Government for a change in those electoral arrangements.

    3.2 The Minister for Social Justice and Local Government of the Welsh AssemblyGovernment has directed the Commission to submit a report in respect of thereview of electoral arrangements for the County of Isle of Anglesey by 30 June2011.

    Electoral Arrangements

    3.3 The electoral arrangements of a principal area are defined in section 78 of the1972 Act as:

    i) the total number of councillors to be elected to the council;

    ii) the number and boundaries of electoral divisions;

    iii) the number of councillors to be elected for each electoral division; and

    iv) the name of any electoral division.

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    Rules to Be Observed Considering Electoral Arrangements

    3.4 We are required by section 78 to comply, so far as is reasonably practicable, withthe rules set out in Schedule 11 to the 1972 Act (as amended by the 1994 Act).These require the Commission to provide for there to be a single member for each

    electoral division. However, the Minister may direct the Commission to considerthe desirability of providing for multi-member electoral divisions for the whole or partof a principal area.

    3.5 The rules also require that:

    Having regard to any change in the number or distribution of local governmentelectors of the principal area likely to take place within the period of five yearsimmediately following consideration of the electoral arrangements:

    i) subject to paragraph (ii), the number of local government electors shall be,

    as nearly as may be, the same in every electoral division in the principalarea;

    ii) where there are one or more multi-member divisions, the ratio of the numberof local government electors to the number of councillors to be elected shallbe, as nearly as may be, the same in every electoral division in the principalarea (including any that are not multi-member divisions);

    iii) every ward of a community having a community council (whether separate orcommon) shall lie wholly within a single electoral division; and

    iv) every community which is not divided into community wards shall lie whollywithin a single electoral division.

    In considering the electoral arrangements, we must have regard to (a) thedesirability of fixing boundaries which are and will remain easily identifiable; and (b)any local ties which would be broken by the fixing of any particular boundary.

    Ministers Directions

    3.6 The Minister has directed that the Commission shall consider the desirability of

    multi member electoral divisions in each county and county borough council inWales.

    3.7 The Minister has also given the following directions to the Commission for theirguidance in conducting the review:

    (a) it is considered that a minimum number of 30 councillors is required for theproper management of the affairs of a county or county borough council;

    (b) it is considered that, in order to minimise the risk of a county council or acounty borough council becoming unwieldy and difficult to manage, a

    maximum number of 75 councillors is ordinarily required for the propermanagement of the affairs of a county or a county borough council;

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    (c) it is considered that the aim should be to achieve electoral divisions with acouncillor to electorate ratio no lower than 1:1,750;

    (d) it is considered that decisions to alter the existing pattern of multi and single

    member electoral divisions should only be taken where such proposals foralteration are broadly supported by the electorate in so far as their views canbe obtained in fulfilment of the consultation requirement contained in Section60 of the Act; and

    (e) It is considered that the Commission shall, when conducting reviews underPart 4 of the Act, comply with paragraph 1A of Schedule 11 to the Act that is,the Rules.

    The full text of the Directions is at Appendix 4. The Directions were furtherconfirmed in a letter from the Minister on 12 May 2009. A copy of this letter follows

    the Directions at Appendix 4.

    Local Government Changes

    3.8 Since the last review of electoral arrangements there has been one change to localgovernment boundaries in Isle of Anglesey: The County of the Isle of Anglesey(Holyhead, Trearddur, Cwm Cadnant, Penmynydd, Pentraeth, and Llanfair-Mathafarn-Eithaf Communities) Order 2009. This Order made consequentialchanges to the boundaries of electoral divisions in these areas.

    3.9 The Cyngor Sir Ynys Mon/ Isle of Anglesey County Council review of electoralarrangements (Tysilio and Cadnant Wards Menai Bridge and Llangefni TownCouncil) Order 1998 made changes to the boundary between the Cadnant andTysilio wards of the Community of Menai Bridge. These two wards respectivelyformed the Cadnant and Tysilio electoral divisions so, because of this change,since 1988 there has been an anomaly between the boundary of the communitywards and the boundary of the electoral divisions (a discrepancy of a total of 12electors). A map showing this boundary anomaly is at Appendix 5. In ourconsideration of the electoral arrangements we will aim to remove this anomaly inaccordance with the Rules (see paragraph 3.5.iii above).

    Procedure

    3.10 Section 60 of the 1972 Act lays down procedural guidelines which are to befollowed in carrying out a review. In compliance with Section 60 of the 1972 Act wewrote on 20 April 2009 to Isle of Anglesey County Council, all the communitycouncils in the area, the Member of Parliament for the local constituency, theassembly members for the area and other interested parties to inform them of ourintention to conduct the review and to request their preliminary views. We invitedthe County Council to submit a suggested scheme or schemes for new electoralarrangements. We also publicised our intention to conduct the review in localnewspapers circulating in the County and asked Isle of Anglesey County Council to

    display a number of public notices in their area. We also made available copies of

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    our electoral reviews guidance booklet. In addition we made a presentation to bothCity and Community councillors explaining the review process.

    4. REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED PRIOR TO DRAFT PROPOSALS

    4.1 We received representations from Isle of Anglesey County Council; two Town andCommunity Councils; three county councillors; and one other resident. Weconsidered all of these representations carefully before we formulated ourproposals. A summary of these representations can be found at Appendix 6.

    5. ASSESSMENT

    Request for a Community Boundary Change

    5.1 Before considering the electoral arrangements for the County of Isle of Anglesey,we would like to respond to the representations that asked us to make changes toelectoral division boundaries that are community or community ward boundaries.For such changes to take place it would first be necessary to undertake a review ofcommunity or community ward boundaries. It is evident from these requests thatsome uncertainty exists about the appropriate machinery for effecting such reviews.We wish to set out the statutory position.

    5.2 Section 55(2) of the 1972 Act (as amended by the 1994 Act) requires each principalcouncil in Wales to keep the whole of their area under review for the purpose of

    considering whether to make recommendations to the Commission for theconstitution of new communities, the abolition of communities or the alteration ofcommunities in their area. The Commission then consider the principal councilsproposals and report to the Welsh Assembly Government which may, if it thinks fit,by order give effect to any of the proposals.

    5.3 Under Section 57(4) of the 1972 Act (as amended by the 1994 Act), the principalcouncils also have a duty to keep under review the electoral arrangements (whichinclude the community ward boundaries) for the communities within their areas, forthe purpose of considering whether to make substantive changes. The principalcouncils must also consider requests for changes made by a community council or

    by not less than thirty local government electors of a community and, if they thinkfit, make an order giving effect to those changes.

    5.4 Changes to the boundaries of communities and community wards are therefore amatter for the principal council to consider in the first instance and may not beconsidered by us as part of this review. We will use the community and communitywards as they exist at the start of this review as the building blocks for the proposedelectoral divisions.

    Councillor to electorate ratio

    5.5 The Minister's directions include the following at 3.7 (a): "It is considered that theaim should be to achieve electoral divisions with a councillor to electorate ratio no

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    lower than 1:1,750. The Minister has indicated to the Commission that this meansthat the number of electors per councillor should not normally fall below 1,750, andthis is how the Commission has interpreted and applied the Direction. We bear verymuch in mind that the directions are provided as guidance and should not beapplied without regard to the special circumstances of the particular area: there

    may well be circumstances, having to do with topography or population etc of thearea where it will be considered that an electoral division of fewer than 1,750electors to be represented by each councillor is appropriate. This was explained inthe letter from the Minister (Appendix 4) which stated: This means that the ratioremains as the aim to be worked towards and not as a goal to be achieved in eachcase. In doing so attention should be paid to local communities having their ownidentifiable representation even where the indicative figure of 1,750 electors/councillor is not always achievable. In the absence of special circumstances wewill aim to propose electoral arrangements in which the level of representation doesnot fall below 1,750 electors per councillor. We are not constrained in the sameway by this direction from proposing electoral arrangement in which the number of

    electors to be represented by each councillor is, in appropriate cases, higherthan 1,750. Throughout this review we will keep the ratio of 1:1,750 very much inmind, and will not normally think it necessary to refer to it expressly in every case.

    Council size

    5.6 At present the size of the council at 40 members is within the criteria set out in thedirections issued by the Minister (Appendix 4). The current county average level ofrepresentation is 1,270 electors per councillor. There are currently no multi-memberdivisions.

    5.7 We reviewed the electoral arrangements for the County of Isle of Anglesey in thelight of the Ministers directions for our guidance and took account of therepresentations which had been made to us. In our deliberations we consideredthe ratio of local government electors to the number of councillors to be elected,with a view to proposing changes to ensure that the number of local governmentelectors shall be, as nearly as may be, the same in every division in the principalarea. We considered the size and character of the authority and a wide range ofother factors including population density, the local topography, roadcommunications and local ties.

    5.8 For the reasons given below we believe that in the interests of effective andconvenient local government a council size of 35 would be appropriate to representthe County of Isle of Anglesey. This determination of the council size results in anaverage of 1,451 electors being represented by each councillor.

    Number of Electors

    5.9 The numbers shown as the electorate for 2009 are those supplied to us by the Isleof Anglesey County Council. The Council supplied the estimates for the electoratein the year 2014 on the basis of electoral divisions. We have broken these figuresdown further to community and community ward level by apportioning the numbers

    on the basis of the existing breakdown of community and community wards. These

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    figures were agreed with the Council. The projected figures show a potential rise inthe electorate of 2,540 from 50,793 to 53,333.

    County Council Scheme

    5.10 In their representation the Isle of Anglesey County Council submitted a proposedscheme of electoral arrangements. We have given careful consideration to thisscheme to ensure that the proposals are in line with the Rules (3.4 and 3.5 above)and the Ministers Direction (3.6 and 3.7 above). We are satisfied that the schememeets these requirements and we consider that the schemes provide a significantimprovement in electoral parity over the existing electoral arrangements. We haveagreed therefore to adopt the Councils scheme as the basis for our DraftProposals.

    5.11 As noted at 5.6 above there are currently no multi-member electoral divisions withinthe County. The Council scheme however proposes three multi-member electoral

    divisions in the Holyhead, Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll and Menai Bridge areas. This isbecause of the constraints of using the existing communities and community wardsas the building blocks whilst wishing to improve the electoral parity in these areas.We have noted the strong desire of the County Council to maintain a structurebased wholly on single-member divisions and their wish for a future review of thecommunities and community wards in the Holyhead, Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll andMenai Bridge areas, with a view to their rationalisation in a way which wouldprovide for a return to single-member divisions. We will provide whatever practicalassistance we can to the Council for any future reviews they wish to undertake.

    Electoral Divisions

    5.12 The County Council suggest that no change to the electoral arrangements of theexisting electoral divisions of Amlwch Port, Beaumaris, Bodorgan, Brynteg,Llanbedrgoch and Llanidan is required. We have considered the levels ofrepresention, the community ties and the boundaries in these areas and wepropose that the existing arrangements should continue. We considered thesuggested changes to the remaining electoral divisions. Details of the currentelectoral arrangements can be found at Appendix 2.

    Aberffraw, Bryngwran

    5.13 The Aberffraw electoral division consists of the Community of Aberffraw (528electors, 554 projected) and the Maelog (567 electors, 595 projected) ward of theCommunity of Llanfaelog with a total of 1,095 electors (1,150 projected)represented by one councillor which is 14% below the current county average of1,270 electors per councillor of 1,270 electors per councillor. The Bryngwranelectoral division consists of the Community of Bryngwran (593 electors, 623projected) and the Community of Trewalchmai (755 electors, 793 projected) with atotal of 1,348 electors (1,415 projected) represented by one councillor which is 6%above the current county average of 1,270 electors per councillor.

    5.14 The County Council suggest combining the Deheuol 390 (410) and Gogleddol 88(92) wards of the Community of Aberffraw, the Llanbeulan ward of the Community

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    of Bryngwran 133 (140) and the Community of Trewalchmai 755 (793) to form anelectoral division with a total of 1,366 electors (1,435 projected) which, ifrepresented by one councillor, would result a level of representation of 1,366electors per councillor which is 6% below the proposed county average of 1,451electors per councillor. We consider that this proposal, combined with the proposal

    for the Llanfair-yn-Neubwll electoral division (para 5.41 below), would improve theelectoral parity in the area and we put this forward as a proposal. The Council havesuggested the name Aberffraw for the proposed electoral division. We wouldwelcome any suggestions for alternative names.

    Amlwch Rural, Llaneilian

    5.15 The Amlwch Rural electoral division consists of the Rural ward of the Community ofAmlwch with 978 electors (1,027 projected) represented by one councillor which is23% below the current county average of 1,270 electors per councillor. TheLlaneilian electoral division consists of the Community of Llaneilian with 1,806

    electors (1,896 projected) represented by one councillor which is 42% above thecurrent county average of 1,270 electors per councillor.

    5.16 The County Council suggest combining the Rural ward of the Community ofAmlwch (978 electors, 1,027 projected) with the Eilian Ward (429 electors, 450projected) of the Community of Llaneilian will result in an electoral division with atotal of 1,407 electors (1,459 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, willresult in a level of representation of 1:1,407 that is 3% below the proposed countyaverage of 1,451 electors per councillor. We consider that this proposal improvesthe electoral parity in the area and we put this forward as a proposal. The Councilhave suggested the name Amlwch Rural for the proposed electoral division. Wewould welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

    Bodffordd, Llanfair-yn-Neubwll

    5.17 The Bodffordd electoral division consists of the Community of Bodffordd (793electors, 833 projected) and the Cerrigceinwen (430 electors, 452 projected) wardof the Community of Llangristiolus with a total of 1,233 electors (1,284 projected)represented by one councillor which is 4% below the current county average of1,270 electors per councillor. The Llanfair-yn-Neubwll electoral division consists ofthe Community of Llanfair-yn-Neubwll (1,018 electors, 1,069 projected) and the

    Community of Bodedern (790 electors, 830 projected) with a total of 1,808 electors(1,898 projected) represented by one councillor which is 4% above the currentcounty average of 1,270 electors per councillor.

    5.18 In their scheme the County Council suggest combining the adjoining communitiesof Bodffordd and Bodedern. This will result in an electoral division with a total of1,583 electors (1,663 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, will resultin a level of representation of 1,583 electors per councillor which is 9% above theproposed county average of 1,451 electors per councillor and 10% below 1,750electors per councillor. We consider that this proposal, combined with the proposalfor the Llanfair-yn-Neubwll electoral division (para 5.41 below), would improve the

    electoral parity in the area and we put this forward as a proposal. The Council have

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    suggested the name Bodffordd for the proposed electoral division. We wouldwelcome any suggestions for alternative names.

    Braint, Cadnant

    5.19 The Braint electoral division consists of the Braint ward of the Community ofLlanfair Pwllgwyngyll with 1,151 electors (1,151 projected) represented by onecouncillor which is 9% below the current county average of 1,270 electors percouncillor. The Cadnant electoral division consists of the former Cadnant ward(see 3.9 above) of the Community of Menai Bridge with 819 electors (880projected) represented by one councillor which is 36% below the current countyaverage of 1,270 electors per councillor.

    5.20 As we have indicated at 3.9 above there is currently an anomaly between theboundary of the Cadnant ward of the Community of Menai Bridge and the boundaryof the Cadnant electoral division. In order to rectify this anomaly we propose to use

    the current Cadnant ward of the Community of Menai Bridge as one of the buildingblocks when forming an electoral division.

    5.21 We have noted the representation from Councillor Evans (Cadnant) expressingconcerns over the potential disenfranchisement effects of any proposed changesand also expressing the view that a level of 1,750 per councillor would bedetrimental to the rural areas of the island. We have also noted his suggestion ofsome further realignment of community ward boundaries between the Cadnant andTysilio wards. As we have explained in paragraphs 5.1 to 5.4 we are unable toconsider such changes as part of this review. We have, however, taken the viewsexpressed in these representations into account and, after consideration of thecurrent levels of electoral parity we are of the view that it would be desirable tomake changes to the electoral arrangements in this area in order to achieveimprovements in electoral parity.

    5.22 The County Council suggest combining the Braint ward of the Community ofLlanfair Pwllgwyngyll and the Cadnant ward of the Community of Menai Bridge.This will form an electoral division with a total of 3,213 electors (3,374 projected)which, if represented by two councillors, will result in a level of representation of1,607 electors per councillor which is 11% above the proposed county average of1,451 electors per councillor. It was noted that these areas adjoin each other within

    a single developed area. We put this forward as a proposal. The Council havesuggested the name Braint for the proposed electoral division. We would welcomeany suggestions for alternative names.

    Cefni, Bodffordd

    5.23 The Cefni electoral division consists of the Cefni ward of the Community ofLlangefni with 1,130 electors (1,187 projected) represented by one councillor whichis 11% below the current county average of 1,270 electors per councillor. TheBodffordd electoral division consists of the Community of Bodffordd (793 electors,833 projected) and the Cerrigceinwen (430 electors, 452 projected) ward of the

    Community of Llangristiolus with a total of 1,233 electors (1,284 projected)

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    represented by one councillor which is 4% below the current county average of1,270 electors per councillor.

    5.24 The County Council suggest combining the Cefni ward of the Community ofLlangefni and Cerrigceinwen ward of the Community of Llangristiolus to form an

    electoral division with a total of 1,560 electors (1,639 projected) which, ifrepresented by one councillor, will result in a level of representation of 1,560electors per councillor which is 7% above the proposed county average of 1,451electors per councillor. We consider that this proposal improves the electoral parityin the area and we put this forward as a proposal. The Council have suggested thename Cefni for the proposed electoral division. We would welcome anysuggestions for alternative names.

    Cyngar,Llanddyfnan

    5.25 The Cyngar electoral division consists of the Cyngar ward of the Community of

    Llangefni with 1,483 electors (1,557 projected) represented by one councillor whichis 17% above the current county average of 1,270 electors per councillor. TheLlanddyfnan electoral division consists of the Communities of Llanddyfnan (834electors, 876 projected) and Llaneugrad (215 electors, 226 projected) with a total of1,049 electors (1,102 projected) represented by one councillor which is 17% belowthe current county average of 1,270 electors per councillor.

    5.26 The County Council suggest combining the Cyngar ward of the Community ofLlangefni with the Llangwyllog (94 electors, 99 projected) and Tregaean (57electors, 60 projected) wards of the Community of Llanddyfnan. This will form anelectoral division with a total of 1,634 electors (1,716 projected) which, ifrepresented by one councillor, will result in a level of representation which is 13%above the proposed county average of 1,451 electors per councillor. We considerthat this proposal improves the electoral parity in the area and we put this forwardas a proposal. The Council have suggested the name Cyngar for the proposedelectoral division. We would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

    Holyhead Electoral Divisions s

    Holyhead Town, Porthyfelin, Parc-ar-Mynydd

    5.27 The Holyhead Town electoral division consists of the Town ward of the communityof Holyhead with 646 electors (678 projected) represented by one councillor whichis 49% below the current county average of 1,270 electors per councillor. ThePorthyfelin electoral division consists of the Porthyfelin ward of the community ofHolyhead with 1,511 electors (1,567 projected) represented by one councillor whichis 19% above the current county average of 1,270 electors per councillor. TheParc-ar-Mynydd electoral division consists of the Parc-ar-Mynydd ward of thecommunity of Holyhead with 915 electors (961 projected) represented by onecouncillor which is 28% below the current county average of 1,270 electors percouncillor.

    5.28 We noted the representation from Councillor Llewellyn-Jones of Porth-y-Felin ward,Holyhead, which suggests a realignment of community ward boundaries between

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    the Porth-y-felin and Town wards. As we have explained in paragraphs 5.1 to 5.4we are unable to consider such changes as part of this review. We have also notedthe representation from a resident of Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll that electoral divisionparity across Wales requires reform and went on to provide suggestions to improvethat parity in the community of Holyhead in particular. We have indeed noted the

    existing levels of electoral parity in the area and are of the view that it would bedesirable to make changes to the electoral arrangements in this area in order toachieve improvements in that electoral parity

    5.29 In their scheme the County Council suggest combining these three electoraldivisions in a proposed new electoral division with a total of 3,072 electors (3,226projected) which, if represented by two councillors, will result in a level ofrepresentation of 1,536 electors per councillor which is 6% above the proposedcounty average of 1,451 electors per councillor. It was noted that these divisionsadjoin each other within a single developed area. We consider that this proposalimproves the overall electoral parity in the area and we put this forward as a

    proposal. The Council have suggested the name Holyhead Town for the proposedelectoral division. We would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

    Morawelon, London Road, Kingsland, Maeshyfryd

    5.30 The Morawelon electoral division consists of the Morawelon ward of theCommunity of Holyhead with 937 electors (984 projected) represented by onecouncillor which is 26% below the current county average of 1,270 electors percouncillor. The Kingsland electoral division consists of the Kingsland ward of theCommunity of Holyhead with 995 electors (1,045 projected) represented by onecouncillor which is 22% below the current county average of 1,270 electors percouncillor. The London Road electoral division consists of the London Road wardof the Community of Holyhead with 900 electors (945 projected) represented byone councillor which is 29% below the current county average of 1,270 electors percouncillor. The Maeshyfryd electoral division consists of the Maeshyfryd ward ofthe Community of Holyhead with 1,446 electors (1,518 projected) represented byone councillor which is 14% above the current county average of 1,270 electors percouncillor.

    5.31 In their scheme the County Council suggest combining the Holyhead Communitywards of Morawelon, London Road, Kingsland, and Maeshyfryd. This will form an

    electoral division with a total of 4,278 electors (4,492 projected) which, ifrepresented by three councillors, will result in a level of representation of 1,426electors per councillor which is 2% below the proposed county average of 1,451electors per councillor. It was noted that these divisions adjoin each other within asingle developed area. We consider that this proposal improves the overallelectoral parity in the area and we put this forward as a proposal. The Council havesuggested the name Morawelon for the proposed electoral division. We wouldwelcome any suggestions for alternative names.

    Llanbadrig, Mechell,Llanerchymedd

    5.32 The Llanbadrig electoral division consists of the Community of Llanbadrig with1,027 electors (1,078 projected) represented by one councillor which is 19% below

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    the current county average of 1,270 electors per councillor. The Mechell electoraldivision consists of the Community of Mechell with 1,185 electors (1,244 projected)represented by one councillor which is 7% below the current county average of1,270 electors per councillor. The Llanerch-y-Medd electoral division consists ofthe Communities of Llannerch-y-Medd (985 electors, 1,034 projected) and Tref

    Alaw (423 electors, 444 projected) with a total of 1,408 electors (1,478 projected)represented by one councillor which is 11% above the current county average of1,270 electors per councillor.

    5.33 The County Council suggest combining the Community of Llanbadrig with theadjoining Carreg-Iefn ward (201 electors, 211 projected) of the Community ofMechell and the adjoining Llanbabo ward (55 electors, 58 projected) of theCommunity of Tref Alaw. This will form an electoral division with a total of 1,283electors (1,347 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, will result in alevel of representation of 1,283 electors per councillor which is 12% below theproposed county average of 1,451 electors per councillor. We consider that this

    proposal, combined with the proposal for the Llanerch-y-medd and Tref Alawelectoral division (5.48 below), improve the electoral parity in the area and we putthis forward as a proposal. The Council have suggested the name Llanbadrig forthe electoral division. We would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

    Cwm Cadnant

    5.34 The Cwm Cadnant electoral division consists of the Community of Cwm Cadnantwith 1,755 electors (1,843 projected) represented by one councillor which is 38%above the current county average of 1,270 electors per councillor.

    5.35 The County Council suggest creating an electoral division consisting of just theLlandegfan ward of the Community of Cwm Cadnant. This will result in an electoraldivision with a total of 1,457 electors (1,530 projected) which, if represented by onecouncillor, will result in a level of representation which is very close to the proposedcounty average of 1,451 electors per councillor. We consider that this proposalimproves the overall electoral parity in the area and we put this forward as aproposal. The Council have suggested the name Llandegfan for the electoraldivision. We would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

    Llaneilian

    5.36 The Llaneilian electoral division consists of the Community of Llaneilian (926electors, 972 projected) and the Community of Rhosybol (880 electors, 924projected) with a total of 1,806 electors (1,896 projected) represented by onecouncillor which is 42% above the current county average of 1,270 electors percouncillor.

    5.37 The County Council suggest combining the community of Rhosybol with only theLlwyfo ward (497 electors, 522 projected) of the Community of Llaneilian. This willform an electoral division with a total of 1,377 electors (1,446 projected) which, ifrepresented by one councillor, will result in a level of representation of 1,377

    electors per councillor which is 5% below the proposed county average of 1,451electors per councillor. We consider that this proposal improves the overall

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    electoral parity in the area and we put this forward as a proposal. The Councilhave suggested the name Llaneilian for the electoral division. We would welcomeany suggestions for alternative names.

    Llanfaethlu, Valley

    5.38 The Llanfaethlu electoral division consists of the Community of Llanfachraeth (458electors, 481 projected), the Community of Llanfaethlu (426 electors, 448 projected)and the Llanrhuddlad ward (385 electors, 404 projected) of the Community ofCylch-y-Garn with a total of 1,269 electors (1,332 projected) represented by onecouncillor which is very close to the current county average of 1,270 electors percouncillor. The Valley electoral division consists of the Community of Valley with1,707 electors (1,707 projected) represented by one councillor which is 34% abovethe current county average of 1,270 electors per councillor.

    5.39 The County Council suggest combining the Communities of Llanfachraeth and

    Llanfaethlu with the Gorad ward (640 electors, 672 projected) of the Community ofValley. This will form a new electoral division with a total of 1,524 electors (1,601projected) which, if represented by one councillor, will result in a level ofrepresentation of 1,524 electors per councillor which is 5% above the proposedcounty average of 1,451 electors per councillor. We consider that this proposalimprove the overall electoral parity in the area and we put this forward as aproposal. The Council have suggested the name Llanfaethlu for the electoraldivision. We would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

    Llanfair-yn-Neubwll, Bryngwran

    5.40 The Llanfair-yn-Neubwll electoral division consists of the Community of Llanfair-yn-Neubwll (1,018 electors, 1,069 projected) and the Community of Bodedern (790electors, 830 projected) with a total of 1,808 electors (1,898 projected) representedby one councillor which is 42% above the current county average of 1,270 electorsper councillor. The Bryngwran electoral division consists of the Community ofBryngwran (460 electors, 483 projected) and the Community of Trewalchmai (755electors, 793 projected) with a total of 1,348 electors (1,415 projected) representedby one councillor which is 6% above the current county average of 1,270 electorsper councillor.

    5.41 The County Council suggest combining the Community of Llanfair-yn-Neubwll andthe Bryngwran ward (460 electors, 483 projected) of the Community of Bryngwranto form an electoral division. The proposed electoral division will have a total of1,478 electors (1,552 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, will resultin a level of representation of 1,478 electors per councillor which is 2% above theproposed county average of 1,451 electors per councillor. We consider that thisproposal, combined with the proposals for the Aberffraw electoral division (5.14above) and the Bodffordd electoral division (5.18 above), improves the electoralparity in the area and we put this forward as a proposal. The Council havesuggested the name Llanfair-yn-Neubwll for the electoral division. We wouldwelcome any suggestions for alternative names.

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    Llanfihangel Ysceifiog, Rhosyr

    5.42 The Llanfihangel Ysceifiog electoral division consists of the Community ofLlanfihangel Ysgeifiog (1,193 electors, 1,253 projected), and the Community ofPenmynydd (327 electors, 343 projected) with a total of 1,520 electors (1,596

    projected) represented by one councillor which is 20% above the current countyaverage of 1,270 electors per councillor. The Rhosyr electoral division consists ofthe Community of Rhosyr with 1,733 electors (1,820 projected) represented by onecouncillor which is 36% above the current county average of 1,270 electors percouncillor.

    5.43 The County Council suggest combining the Community of Llanfihangel Ysceifiogand the Llangaffo ward (266 electors, 279 projected) of the Community of Rhosyr.This will form an electoral division with a total of 1,459 electors (1,532 projected)which, if represented by one councillor, will result in a level of representation of1,459 electors per councillor which is 1% above the proposed county average of

    1,451 electors per councillor. We consider that this proposal improves the overallelectoral parity in the area and we put this forward as a proposal. The Councilhave suggested the name Llanfihangel Ysceifiog for the electoral division. Wewould welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

    Llangoed, Pentraeth

    5.44 The Llangoed electoral division consists of the Community of Llangoed (1,022electors, 1,073 projected) represented by one councillor which is 20% below thecurrent county average of 1,270 electors per councillor and 42% below 1,750electors per councillor. The Pentraeth electoral division consists of the Communityof Pentraeth (913 electors, 959 projected) and the Community of Llanddona (524electors, 550 projected) with a total of 1,437 electors (1,509 projected) representedby one councillor which is 13% above the current county average of 1,270 electorsper councillor.

    5.45 In their scheme the County Council suggest combining the Communities ofLlanddona and Llangoed to form an electoral division with a total of 1,546 electors(1,663 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, will result in a level ofrepresentation of 1,546 electors per councillor which is 7% above the proposedcounty average of 1,451 electors per councillor. We consider that this proposal

    improves the overall electoral parity in the area and we put this forward as aproposal. The Council have suggested the name Llangoed for the proposedelectoral division. We would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

    Llanerch-y-medd

    5.46 The Llanerchymedd electoral division consists of the Community of Llannerch-y-Medd (985 electors, 1,034 projected) and the Community of Tref Alaw (423electors, 444 projected) with a total of 1,408 electors (1,478 projected) representedby one councillor which is 4% below the current county average of 1,270 electorsper councillor.

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    5.47 We noted the representation from Tref Alaw Community Council that stated that nochange was needed to the boundaries of the Community of Tref Alaw but askedthat their Community name be re-instated in the name of the electoral division. Wehave however considered the levels of electoral representation in this and adjoiningelectoral divisions and we consider that it would be desirable to change the

    electoral arrangements in this area in the interests of electoral parity.

    5.48 The County Council suggest combining the Community of Llanerch-y-medd and theLlanddeusant (241 electors, 253 projected), Llechcynfarnwy (47 electors, 49projected) and Llantrisant (80 electors, 84 projected) wards of the Community ofTref Alaw. This will form an electoral division with a total of 1,353 electors (1,421projected) which, if represented by one councillor, will result in a level ofrepresentation of 1,353 electors per councillor which is 7% below the proposedcounty average of 1,451 electors per councillor. We put this forward as a proposal.We consider that this proposal improves the overall electoral parity in the area andwe put this forward as a proposal. We have taken account of the wishes of Tref

    Alaw Community Council and propose the name Llanerch-y-medd and Tref Alawfor the electoral division.

    Mechell, Llanfaethlu

    5.49 The Mechell electoral division consists of the Llanfechell ward (783 electors, 822projected) of the Community of Mechell and the Llanfairynghornwy ward (201electors, 211 projected) of the Community of Cylch-y-Garn with a total of 1,185electors (1,244 projected) represented by one councillor which is 7% below thecurrent county average of 1,270 electors per councillor. The Llanfaethlu electoraldivision consists of the Community of Llanfachraeth (458 electors, 481 projected),the Community of Llanfaethlu (426 electors, 447 projected) and the Llanrhuddladward (385 electors, 404 projected) of the Community of Cylch-y-Garn with a total of1,269 electors (1,332 projected) represented by one councillor which is very closeto the current county average of 1,270 electors per councillor.

    5.50 The County Council suggest combining the Llanfechell ward (783 electors, 822projected) of the Community of Mechell and the Community of Cylch-y-Garn (586electors, 615 projected). This will form an electoral division with a total of 1,369electors (1,437 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, will result in alevel of representation of 1,369 electors per councillor which is 6% below the

    proposed county average of 1,451 electors per councillor. We consider that thisproposal improves the overall electoral parity in the area and we put this forward asa proposal. In line with the Councils suggestion we have given the electoraldivision a working name of Mechell. We would welcome any suggestions foralternative names.

    Moelfre, Llanddyfnan

    5.51 The Moelfre electoral division consists of the Community of Moelfre with 860electors (903 projected) represented by one councillor which is 32% below thecurrent county average of 1,270 electors per councillor. The Llanddyfnan electoral

    division consists of the Community of Llaneugrad (215 electors, 226 projected) andthe Community of Llanddyfnan (834 electors, 876 projected) with a total of 1,049

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    electors (1,101 projected) represented by one councillor which is 17% below thecurrent county average of 1,270 electors per councillor.

    5.52 The County Council suggest combining the Community of Moelfre and theLlanfihangel Tre'r-Beirdd ward (200 electors, 210 projected) of the Community of

    Llanddyfnan to form an electoral division. The proposed electoral division will havea total of 1,275 electors (1,339 projected) which, if represented by one councillor,will result in a level of representation of 1,275 electors per councillor which is 12%below the proposed county average of 1,451 electors per councillor. We considerthat this proposal improves the overall electoral parity in the area and we put thisforward as a proposal. The Council have suggested the name Moelfre for theelectoral division. We would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

    Pentraeth, Llanfihangel Ysceifiog, Cwm Cadnant

    5.53 The Pentraeth electoral division consists of the Communities of Llanddona (524

    electors, 550 projected) and Pentraeth (913 electors, 959 projected) with a total of1,437 electors (1,509 projected) represented by one councillor which is 13% abovethe current county average of 1,270 electors per councillor. The Cwm Cadnantelectoral division consists of the Community of Cwm Cadnant with 1,755 electors(1,843 projected) represented by one councillor which is 38% above the currentcounty average of 1,270 electors per councillor. The Llanfihangel Ysceifiogelectoral division consists of the Community of Llanfihangel Ysgeifiog (1,193electors, 1,253 projected) and the Community of Penmynydd (327 electors, 343projected) with a total of 1,520 electors (1,596 projected) represented by onecouncillor which is 20% above the current county average of 1,270 electors percouncillor.

    5.54 The County Council suggest combining the Communities of Pentraeth andPenmynydd and the Llansadwrn ward (298 electors, 313 projected) of theCommunity of Cwm Cadnant. This will form an electoral division with a total of1,538 electors (1,615 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, will resultin a level of representation of 1,538 electors per councillor which is 6% above theproposed county average of 1,451 electors per councillor. We consider that thisproposal improves the overall electoral parity in the area and we put this forward asa proposal. The Council have suggested the name Pentraeth for the electoraldivision. We would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

    Rhosneigr, Aberffraw

    5.55 The Rhosneigr electoral division consists of the Rhosneigr ward of the Communityof Llanfaelog with 748 electors (785 projected) represented by one councillor whichis 41% below the current county average of 1,270 electors per councillor and 57%below 1,750 electors per councillor. The Aberffraw electoral division consists of theCommunity of Aberffraw (528 electors, 554 projected) and the Maelog ward (567electors, 595 projected) of the Community of Llanfaelog with a total of 1,095electors (1,150 projected) represented by one councillor which is 14% below thecurrent county average of 1,270 electors per councillor.

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    5.56 The County Council suggest combining the Community of Llanfaelog (1,315electors, 1,381 projected) and the Llangwyfan ward (50 electors, 53 projected) ofthe Community of Aberffraw. This will form an electoral division with a total of 1,365electors (1,433 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, will result in alevel of representation of 1,365 electors per councillor which is 6% below the

    proposed county average of 1,451 electors per councillor. We consider that thisproposal improves the overall electoral parity in the area and we put this forward asa proposal. The Council have suggested the name Rhosneigr for the electoraldivision. We would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

    Rhosyr

    5.57 The Rhosyr electoral division consists of the Community of Rhosyr with 1,733electors, 1,820 projected) represented by one councillor with a ratio of 1,733electors per councillor which is 36% above the current county average of 1,270electors per councillor.

    5.58 The County Council suggest combining the Rhosyr Community wards ofLlangeinwen (658 electors, 691 projected) and Newborough (809 electors, 849projected) to form an electoral division with a total of 1,467 electors (1,540projected) which, if represented by one councillor, will result in a level ofrepresentation which is 1% above the proposed county average of 1,451 electorsper councillor. We consider that this proposal improves the overall electoral parityin the area and we put this forward as a proposal. The Council have suggested thename Rhosyr for the electoral division. We would welcome any suggestions foralternative names.

    Trearddur

    5.59 The Trearddur electoral division consists of the Community of Trearddur (1,307electors, 1,372 projected) and the Community of Rhoscolyn (459 electors, 482projected) with a total of 1,766 electors (1,854 projected) represented by onecouncillor which is 39% above the current county average of 1,270 electors percouncillor.

    5.60 The County Council suggest including only the Community of Trearddur in theelectoral division with a total of 1,307 electors (1,372 projected) which, if

    represented by one councillor, will result in a level of representation which is 10%below the proposed county average of 1,451 electors per councillor. We considerthat this proposal improves the overall electoral parity in the area and we put thisforward as a proposal. The Council have suggested the name Trearddur for theelectoral division. We would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

    Tudur, Llanddyfnan

    5.61 The Tudur electoral division consists of the Tudur ward of the Community ofLlangefni with 898 electors (943 projected) represented by one councillor which is29% below the current county average of 1,270 electors per councillor and 49%

    below 1,750 electors per councillor. The Llanddyfnan electoral division consists ofthe Community of Llanddyfnan (834 electors, 876 projected) and the Community of

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    Llaneugrad (215 electors, 226 projected) with a total of 1,049 electors (1,101projected) represented by one councillor which is 17% below the current countyaverage of 1,270 electors per councillor.

    5.62 The County Council suggest combining the Tudur ward of the Community of

    Llangefni and the Llanddyfnan ward (483 electors, 507 projected) of the Communityof Llanddyfnan to form a new electoral division. The suggested electoral divsionwould have a total of 1,381 electors (1,450 projected) which, if represented by onecouncillor, will result in a level of representation of 1,381electors per councillorwhich is 5% below the proposed county average of 1,451 electors per councillor.We put this forward as a proposal. We have given the electoral division a workingname ofTudur. We would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

    Tysilio

    5.63 The current Tysilio electoral division consists of the former Tysilio ward of the

    Community of Menai Bridge with 1,484 electors (1,558 projected) represented byone councillor which is 17% above the current county average of 1,270 electors percouncillor.

    5.64 As we have indicated at 3.9 above and in our consideration of the Cadnant ward ofthe Community of Menai Bridge (at 5.20) there is currently an anomaly between theboundary of the Tysilio ward of the Community of Menai Bridge and the boundaryof the current Tysilio electoral division. This anomaly has arisen because of achange to the boundaries of the Cadant and Tysilio Community Wards thatoccurred without a subsequent change being made to the Cadnant and Tysilioelectoral division boundaries. In order to rectify this anomaly we propose to use thecurrent Tysilio ward of the Community of Menai Bridge in the formation of theTysilio electoral division. This will result in an electoral division with a total of 1,484electors (1,558 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, will result in alevel of representation of 1,583 electors per councillor that is 2% above theproposed county average of 1,451 electors per councillor and removes the anomalymentioned above. We consider that this proposal improves the overall electoralparity in the area and we put this forward as a proposal. In line with the Councilssuggestion we have given the electoral division a working name of Tysilio. Wewould welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

    Valley, Trearddur

    5.65 The Valley electoral division consists of the Community of Valley with 1,707electors (1,793 projected) represented by one councillor with which is 34% abovethe current county average of 1,270 electors per councillor. The Trearddur electoraldivision consists of the Community of Trearddur (1,307 electors, 1,372 projected)and the Community of Rhoscolyn (459 electors, 482 projected) with a total of 1,766electors (1,854 projected) represented by one councillor which is 39% above thecurrent county average of 1,270 electors per councillor.

    5.66 The County Council suggest forming a new electoral division by combining the

    Llangynhenedl (68 electors, 71 projected), Village (643 electors, 675 projected) andWest (356 electors, 372 projected) wards of the Community of Valley and the

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    Community of Rhoscolyn. This electoral division will have a total of 1,526 electors(1,600 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, will result in a level ofrepresentation of 1,526 electors per councillor that is 5% above the proposedcounty average of 1,451 electors per councillor. We consider that this proposalimproves the overall electoral parity in the area and we put this forward as a

    proposal. The Council have suggested the name Valley for the electoral division.We would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

    Summary of Proposed Arrangements

    5.67 The proposed electoral arrangements (as shown at Appendix 3) provide a level ofparity that ranges from 15% below to 15% above the proposed county average of1,451 electors per councillor (based on the existing electoral figures). 7 of theelectoral divisions have levels of representation more than 10% above or below theproposed county average of 1,451 electors per councillor and the remaining 24(77%) all less than 10% above or below the proposed county average of 1,451

    electors per councillor. This compares with the existing electoral arrangements (asshown at Appendix 2) where the level of parity ranges from 49% below to 42%above the current county average of 1,270 electors per councillor. 15 electoraldivisions (37%) having levels of representation more than 25% above or below thecurrent county average of 1,270 electors per councillor, 16 (40%) electoral divisionshaving levels of representation between 10% and 25% above or below than thecurrent county average of 1,270 electors per councillor and the remaining 9 (23%)electoral divisions having levels of representation less than 10% above or below thecurrent county average of 1,270 electors per councillor.

    5.68 In producing a scheme of electoral arrangements it is necessary to have regard to anumber of issues contained in the legislation and in the Minsters Direction. It isoften not possible to resolve all of these sometimes conflicting issues because ofthe requirement of using the existing community and community wards as buildingblocks of electoral divisions and the varying level of representation that currentlyexists within these areas. In their proposed scheme the Isle of Anglesey CountyCouncil have placed emphasis on achieving improvements in electoral parity,moving towards 1,750 electors per councillor and retaining, where possible, singlemember electoral divisions. The Council recognised that the creation of electoraldivisions which depart from the pattern which now exists would inevitably bringsome disruption to established ties between communities and may straddle

    community council areas in a way which is different. The Council stated that theyhave made every effort to ensure that the revised electoral divisions do reflectlogical combinations of existing communities and community wards. We havelooked at each of these areas and are satisfied that it would be difficult to achieveelectoral arrangements that keep the whole of these communities within singleelectoral divisions without having a detrimental effect on one or more of the otherissues that are required to be considered. We recognise however that there may bedifferent combinations of communities and community wards that better reflectcommunity ties and we would welcome any alternative suggestions.

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    6. PROPOSALS

    6.1. We propose a council of 35 members and 31 electoral divisions as set out inAppendix 3. For purposes of comparison the present electoral arrangements forthe County are given at Appendix 2. The boundaries of the proposed electoral

    divisions are shown by continuous yellow lines on the map placed on deposit withthis Report at the Offices of Isle of Anglesey County Council and the Office of theCommission in Cardiff.

    6.2. This draft scheme represents our preliminary views on the electoral arrangementsfor the County of Isle of Anglesey. We shall welcome any representations in respectof these proposals. We will consider carefully all representations made to us inrespect of them before formulating our final proposals and submitting them to theWelsh Assembly Government.

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    7. RESPONSES TO THIS REPORT

    7.1. All observations on this draft scheme should be sent to:

    The Secretary

    Local Government Boundary Commission for WalesCaradog House1-6 St Andrews PlaceCardiff CF10 3BE

    not later than 30th March 2010.

    MR P J WOOD (Chairman)

    REV. HYWEL MEREDYDD DAVIES BD (Deputy Chairman)

    Mr D J BADER (Member)

    E H LEWIS BSc. DPM FRSA FCIPD(Secretary)

    January 2010

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    Glossary of terms

    Commission The Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales

    Council size The number of councillors elected to the council

    DirectionsDirections issued to the Commission by the Governmentunder Section 59 of the 1972 Act

    Electoralarrangements

    How many Councillors there should be on the council oflocal government area, the parts into which the areashould be divided for the purpose of electing councillors,the number of councillors for each electoral division, andthe name of any electoral area

    Electoraldivisions

    The divisions into which principal areas are divided for thepurpose of electing councillors, sometimes referred to

    colloquially as wards

    Electoralreview

    A review in which the Commission considers electoralarrangements for a local government area

    ElectorateThe number of persons entitled to vote in a localgovernment area

    Electoral parityThe comparison between an electoral division and thecounty average of the number of electors represented bya single councillor.

    Government The Welsh Assembly Government

    Interested person

    Person or body who has an interest in the outcome of anelectoral review such as the principal council concerned,local MPs, AMs and political parties, community and towncouncils

    Multimemberdivision

    Electoral division within a principal area represented bymore than one councillor

    Order Order made by the Government, giving effect to theproposals of the Commission, either as submitted or withmodifications

    Principal areaThe area governed by a principal council: in Wales, aCounty or County Borough

    Principal councilIn Wales, one of the unitary authorities: a County orCounty Borough council

    Projected electorateThe five-year forecast of the number of electors provided

    by the Council for the area under review

    Appendix 1

    -1-

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    RespondentBody or individual person who responds to theCommissions consultation by making representations orsuggesting alternative proposals

    RulesRules to be observed by the Commission in consideringelectoral arrangements

    Singlememberdivision

    Electoral division of a principal authority represented byone councillor

    The 1972 ActThe Local Government Act 1972 as amended by the 1994Act

    The 1994 Act The Local Government (Wales) Act 1994

    Unitaryauthority

    A principal council - the single tier organ of localgovernment, responsible for all or almost all localgovernment functions within its area, which in Walesreplaced the two tier system of county councils and districtcouncils: a County Council, or a County Borough Council

    WardsThe electoral areas of Community Councils (not allCommunity Council areas are warded). The term is alsoused to describe the principal council electoral divisions

    Appendix 1

    - 2 -

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    Appendix 4

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    Appendix 4

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    Appendix 4

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    Appendix 4

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    MENAIB

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    Appendix5

    Appendix 5

    Tysilio

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    ard

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    45

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    Appendix 6

    - 1 -

    SUMMARY OF INITIAL REPRESENTATIONS

    1. We received initial representations from: The Isle of Anglesey County Council, MenaiBridge Town Council, Tref Alaw Community Council, County Cllr Keith Evans, CountyCllr R. Llewellyn Jones, County Cllr H.E.Jones and a resident of Llanfair Pwllwyngyll.

    2. The Isle of Anglesey County Council submitted a proposed scheme of electoralarrangements. The Council stated that their overall approach was, as far as isreasonably practicable and appropriate, to adhere to the guidance to the Commissionas set out in the Local Government Act 1972, The Local Government (Wales) Act1994 and the Directions to the Commission (2009). The Council does not howeverbelieve that all of the structural issues associated with the current review can beadequately addressed on this occasion in the way the Council would wish.Furthermore, it was noted that, even taking account of projected electorates; theguideline ratio of 1 member for every 1,750 electors will not be met even assumingthe minimum acceptable level of 30 elected members.

    The Council noted the emphasis placed by the Commission on the need, as far aspossible to secure a pattern of electoral divisions where a vote is of equal value i.e.divisions of a more consistent size in terms of electorate. They also noted the need toensure a pattern of electoral divisions desirable in the interests of effective andconvenient local government.

    The Council wished to impress on the Commission the particular need in Anglesey totake account of the nature of the scatter and density of the islands electorate. Theystated that there are relatively few conurbations of any significant size, a considerablenumber of scattered villages and hamlets and extensive rural areas with, at most,

    small numbers of individual habitations. They expressed the view that this situationpresents a particularly difficult challenge in seeking to develop a scheme of electoraldivisions within the Commissions guidance. They considered that, whilst thosesignificant conurbations on the island might offer the opportunity, within relativelycompact neighbourhoods, to create electoral divisions at or above the guidelineminimum ratio, to achieve similar divisions in more rural settings, would result indivisions in terms of physical area which would make it very difficult, if notimpossible, for the elected member to provide a similar level of service and support totheir constituents.

    In the interests of effective and efficient member representation at a broadly

    equivalent level across the island, the Council has sought to develop a pattern ofelectoral divisions based around a ratio of 1:1,400 with a tolerance, so far as isreasonably practicable of 150 electors.

    The Council recognised that the creation of electoral divisions which depart from thepattern which now exists would inevitably bring some disruption to established tiesbetween communities and may straddle community council areas in a way which isdifferent. The Council stated that they have made every effort to ensure that therevised electoral divisions do reflect logical combinations of existing communities andcommunity wards.

    The Council noted that the issue of multi-member divisions is of considerable concernto many elected members, especially those who have direct experience of sucharrangements prior to the 1996 reorganisation of local government. It is evident that

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    Appendix 6

    the Council recognised the clarity of the one member per division format. Heexpressed the view that large, multi-member divisions would create difficulties,confusion and remoteness. He was also of the view that the yardstick of a councillor-to-electorate ratio of 1:1,750 is too high and not appropriate on Anglesey because ofscattered and sparsely-populated rural communities and small townships, each withits particular distinctive character. Councillor Evans expressed the view that

    adjustments to division boundaries could achieve an improvement in the councillor-toelectorate ratio. He then went on to suggest changes to the boundary between theCadnant and Tysilio electoral divisions which, if taken with live planning approvals,would have the effect of moving towards the equalisation of the electorates of the twodivisions.

    Councillor Evans wrote further to object to the Isle of Anglesey County Councilsproposal to amalgamate the Cadnant electoral division (of Menai Bridge) with theBraint and Gwyngyll electoral divisions (of Llanfairpwll). He considers that theCommunities of Menai Bridge and Llanfairpwll are distinct and there is no affinity. Heconsiders the proposals to be ill-conceived and could result in the disenfranchisementof voters in Cadnant. Councillor Evans also considered that a simple internalboundary change is needed to level out the electorate within Menai Bridge and retainthe Communitys representation of two councillors.

    7. Councillor R. Llewellyn Jones (Porthyfelin electoral division) suggested somechanges to the boundary of the Porthyfelin electoral division and expressed the viewthat it would be reasonable for the whole of Holyhead to be represented by a total offour councillors.

    8. A resident of Llanfair Pwllwyngyll wrote topoint out the disparity in electorate ratios

    across Wales and asking the Commission to focus on harmonising the ratios moreequitably. He then went on to make the following proposals:

    In Holyhead the numbers of electors within the London Road (900), Parc a'rMynydd (915), Holyhead Town (646) and Morawelon (937) electoral divisionsare clearly historical anomalies from a period when the population distributionwas very different. The Town Ward in particular shows a decline in the numbersof electors as a concomitant of the decline in the practice of living above theshop. It seems eminently sensible to amalgamate the London Road andMorawelon electoral divisions to form a single division of 1,837 electors.

    Likewise the Holyhead Town electoral division could be amalgamated with theParc a'r Mynydd electoral division to form a division of 1,561 electors.

    As regards the Aberffraw area, the Community of Aberffraw (528 electors) couldbe combined with the Community of Llanfaelog (1,315 electors) to form adivision with an electorate of 1,843.

    The amalgamation of the Community of Beaumaris (1,390) with the Communityof Llangoed (1,022) to form a single division with an electorate of 2,412 wouldwarrant consideration since the area covered is relatively small.