Agenda and minutes

None.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting.

There was a discussion on the content of the previous minutes, with Members wishing to see comments on the matter of Lawley ward more fully reflected.

At the meeting of 28 February 2022, there was a discussion on the inclusion of parts of what were considered to be Lawley within the Local Government Boundary Commission for England’s proposed boundary of Horsehay and Lightmoor. This issue had been raised with Members as residents considered that they lived in, and identified with,  Lawley rather than Horsehay and Lightmoor.

RESOLVED – that the amended minutes of the meeting held on 28 February 2022 be confirmed and signed by the Chair. 

The Elections Team Leader presented the report of the Associate Director: Policy & Governance.

Following the previous meeting, amendments had been made to the draft submission, in line with the Committee’s comments. Amongst others, proposals for Brookside, Madeley and Sutton Hill, and Lawley, were detailed.

A discussion followed with Members making a number of comments on the updated proposals:

The Committee noted the importance of wards reflecting local identities. An example given was that of Apley Castle, with Members generally supporting the retention of a single member Apley Castle as the ward had a distinct identity.

There was also a discussion on the benefits of single and multi-member wards. This specifically centred on Madeley and Sutton Hill where it was contended that a single member wards might be beneficial for residents.

Lawley ward featured heavily in the discussion. Officers had looked to equalise electors between the ward and Horsehay ward but they could not find a suitable way to do so. Officers and Members disagreed with the borough wide growth projection posed by the Boundary Commission [the Commission] as it focussed growth in Lawley. It was argued that the area was reaching an end in terms of its growth capacity and simply could not grow in the manner stated by the Commission; growth would occur in the area but overall growth would likely be dispersed across the Borough. 

Members agreed that public consultation on the proposals should be undertaken before the Committee’s next meeting.

RESOLVED that the Committee:

(i)           Notes the alternative proposals for ward boundaries within the Borough; and

(ii)          Agrees those proposals that should be taken forward for public engagement before the Committee next meets.