Have your say on how many councillors should serve on Gateshead Borough Council

Have your say on how many councillors should serve on Gateshead Borough Council 

The Local Government Boundary Commission wants to know what residents and local organisations in Gateshead think would be the ideal number of councillors to serve on the council. An eight-week consultation will run from 16 May to 10 July 2023. 

The Commission is the independent body that reviews electoral and boundary arrangements for local authorities. It does this to make sure that the arrangements are fair and that they help the council work effectively. It is reviewing Gateshead as the electoral arrangements for the Borough have not been reviewed since 2002. 

After consulting on the number of councillors that should serve on the council the Commission will then seek further local input that will help decide the wards for the council area.

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

“We want people in Gateshead to help us.

“We are considering how many councillors will be needed to make sure that Gateshead Borough Council operates effectively in the long-term.

Residents, local organisations, parish and town councils can all help us. 

“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 about why you think that. It’s really simple, so do get involved.”

Gateshead Council currently has 66 councillors, with three elected from each of electoral ward. Following the Commission’s review, long-term arrangements will apply from local elections in 2026. 

The Commission has a dedicated section on its website where people can read the consultation document and give their views: www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/gateshead-0

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

Review Officer (Gateshead)

LGBCE

PO Box 133

Blyth

NE24 9FE

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Notes to editors: 

For further information contact the Commission’s press office on 0330 500 1525 / 1250 or email press@lgbce.org.uk

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