Agenda item

That the initial proposals for the constituencies of Delyn and Alyn and Deeside be noted and that a draft response comprising Members’ comments be shared with Group leaders to agree a formal response from the Council.

The Chief Executive presented a report on the initial proposals for Parliamentary constituencies in Wales following the review by the Boundary Commission for Wales.  The review was based on a recommended 73,393 electors per constituency (UKEQ).  Whilst this would reduce the number of constituencies across Wales, Flintshire remained largely protected.  The proposals for Flintshire set out the composition of wards to form the constituencies of Delyn and Alyn & Deeside with a suggestion that the latter be officially renamed Alun a Glannau Dyfrdwy.  The proposals were subject to a public consultation period ending on 3 November 2021.

Councillor Mike Peers questioned why Brymbo and Minera, rather than wards within Delyn, should be brought into Alyn & Deeside to achieve the UKEQ and he questioned the rationale for changing the name of that constituency.  In response to a query, the Head of Democratic Services clarified that the report reflected current electorate figures pending the outcome of the review by the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales.

Councillor Chris Bithell raised concerns that the principles of the review were not being applied consistently across Wales.  He was concerned that the proposals for Flintshire could be detrimental in breaking long-established links between existing communities, for example between areas such as Mold, Argoed and New Brighton.  He said that incorporating wards from Denbighshire could present challenges in forming cohesive areas within the Delyn constituency and that a reduction in the number of MPs in Wales would impact negatively on representation of Wales and its position in the UK.

In response to comments on other Local Authorities, the Chief Executive said that Ynys Môn may be considered an exceptional case due to its geographical isolation as an island and its close community ties.  On links between existing communities, he said that community ties at local level would continue as the County Council representation was unaffected.

Following a query by Councillor Neville Phillips, the Chief Executive confirmed that the proposals for Parliamentary constituencies did not affect County Council boundaries.

Councillor Richard Jones pointed out that the UKEQ of 77,373 was an average figure of the range set out in the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986.  He said that the review should have been an opportunity to focus on better representation at local level and he spoke against the principle of creating larger areas of responsibility which might put smaller political parties at a campaigning disadvantage due to scale, and erode representation for electors/residents.  He shared Councillor Bithell’s concerns about consistency of the review across Wales.

The Chief Executive suggested that the comments raised be collated in a draft response for consideration at a special meeting with Group Leaders in October.  This would enable a detailed collective written response to be submitted from the Council within the deadline.

Councillor Ian Roberts spoke about the complexity of reviewing constituencies and the importance of the Council responding to the proposals.  He moved the recommendation including the suggestion made by the Chief Executive.

The Chief Executive responded to concerns raised by Councillor Tony Sharps on the representation of constituencies within the UK Parliament.

Having been moved, the recommendation was seconded by Councillor Billy Mullin.  When put to the vote, the recommendation was carried.

RESOLVED:

That the initial proposals for the constituencies of Delyn and Alyn and Deeside be noted and that a draft response comprising Members’ comments be shared with Group leaders to agree a formal response from the Council.