Issue - meetings

To note the final proposals for the Parliamentary Constituencies Boundary review issued by the Boundary Commission for England (BCE) and invite Members to consider the proposals and any Council response to the consultation.

The report of the Chief Executive advised of the final proposals issued by the Boundary Commission for England (BCE) and invited Members to consider a response on behalf of the Borough Council to be submitted by the consultation deadline of 5 December 2022.

Concerns raised previously in respect of the boundary review  were summarised at 1.1.2.  The final proposed maps for the constituencies encompassing Tonbridge and Malling were set out in Annex 2, whilst the first proposed and current maps for the constituencies were set out in Annex 3.

Members noted that the BCE proposed 3 County Constituencies (CC) of Chatham and Aylesford, Maidstone and Malling and Tonbridge to cover the Borough.  None of which were co-terminus with the Brough boundary.  The proposed Chatham and Aylesford CC lost Ditton and South Aylesford and gained more of Rochester/Chatham; the proposed Tonbridge CC lost some of the Mallings and gained New Ash Green, Hartley and part of Longfield and the new proposed Maidstone and Malling CC incorporated the Mallings, Barming, Allington and part of Maidstone.

Careful consideration was given to the proposals and Members reiterated concerns in respect of the loss of Aylesford South from the Chatham and Aylesford County Constituency; the weakening of community relationships as a result of dividing parishes and wards and the dislocated and inconsistent approach of the proposals.  It was also felt that local knowledge and views should be reflected, as indicated in the consultation documents, and this point should be emphasised in the Borough Council’s response.

Members were encouraged to submit either individual responses to the BCE or to provide feedback to the Head of Elections, the Chief Executive and the Leader which would be used to inform the Borough Council’s final response.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)             the final proposals of the Boundary Commission for England in respect of the County Constituencies in Tonbridge and Malling, as set out in Annex 2, be noted; and

(2)             delegated authority be given to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader and Deputy Leader, to submit the Borough Council’s response to the proposals having due regard to the points and areas of concern raised by Members.