[T]he independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is asking local people for their help to draw up a new pattern of council wards for Carlisle City Council.
The consultation is the first part of an electoral review which will re-draw ward boundaries across the city.
The Commission has also announced that Carlisle should have 39 councillors in future: thirteen fewer than the current arrangements.
In drawing up new boundaries, the Commission aims to deliver electoral equality for voters in council elections so that each councillor represents roughly the same number of voters. The review also aims to ensure that the new council wards reflect, as far as possible, the interests and identities of communities across Carlisle.
Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: “We are asking local people and organisations to help us draw up new wards for Carlisle. As we develop the recommendations, we will take into account local community identities as well as ensuring electoral equality for voters.
“If you have a view about which communities or neighbourhoods should be part of the same council ward, then we want to hear from you. And if you think a road, river or railway makes for a strong boundary between communities in your part of Carlisle, then this consultation is for you.
“If you’re interested in the way the city is run, just log on to our website to explore our interactive maps and have your say.
“Your views will make a difference.
“We will carefully consider all evidence that is provided during this phase of the review whoever it is from and whether it applies to the whole of Carlisle or just a small part of the city.
“Residents will then have a further chance to have their say after we publish our draft recommendations in August.”
Local people have until 7 May 2018 to submit their views in this consultation. Further information on the review and interactive maps of the existing wards can be found at consultation.lgbce.org.uk and www.lgbce.org.uk.
