Have your say on a new political map for Southampton City Council

New boundaries are being proposed for council wards in Southampton City 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 18 July 2022.

Proposed wards for Southampton
Click map for high resolution version
Credit: contains Ordnance Survey data (c) Crown copyright and database rights 2022

The Commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries. It is reviewing Southampton 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 Southampton. It is proposing that there should be 51 councillors, three more than the existing arrangements. These councillors should represent 17 three-councillor wards across the city. The boundaries of most wards should change. Bassett, Bitterne Park, Coxford, Harefield and Shirley will remain the same.

Proposed changes include:

• Creating a new three-councillor ward of Bargate North to take account on the large amount of housing development and the increased electorate in the city centre.
• Maintain the existing boundary between Bassett and Swaythling wards to reflect the community identity of electors in this area.

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

“We want people in Southampton to help us.

“We have drawn up proposals for new wards in Southampton. 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 (Southampton)
LGBCE
PO Box 133
Blyth
NE24 9FE

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 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
• Create boundaries that are appropriate, and reflect community ties and identities
• Deliver reviews informed by local needs, views and circumstances