Boundary Commission to hold public hearings on Wales’ new Westminster constituencies

The Boundary Commission for Wales has announced that it is to hold five public hearings across Wales to give the public the opportunity to share their views in person on the initial proposals for Wales’ new Westminster constituencies.

Secretary to the Boundary Commission for Wales, Shereen Williams said they were likely to make “significant changes” to the map following the consultation.

Wales is due to lose eight MPs under the changes that will reduce the number of representatives from 40 to 32 by the next General Election.

That was decided by Westminster, and the Commission is unable to affect this decision – however, the public are being asked what they think of the shape of the new constituencies.

Among the more notable changes is that part of the Neath constituency has been combined with what was previously Brecon and Radnorshire. Bangor and Caernarfon split into two separate constituencies, and Ceredigion combined with the north of Pembrokeshire.

The public hearings, to be held across January and February, follow the close of an initial eight week consultation period which saw over 1,100 representations being sent to the Commission.

The hearings will form part of the secondary consultation period, where the public will be able to make comments on the representations already received during the initial consultation as well as give oral evidence on the initial proposals for Wales’ new parliamentary constituencies.

The hearings will take place as follows:

The public is asked to pre-book a 10-minute slot on a first come, first served basis by emailing [email protected].

The public hearings will be live-streamed, though the public may attend in person to observe proceedings. Evidence however must be given in person.

‘Let us know’

Commenting on the announcement, secretary to the Boundary Commission for Wales, Shereen Williams said, “The people of Wales have shown how engaged they are in this process with the record number of responses they sent during the initial consultation.

“We’re looking forward to hearing evidence in person in the new year and strongly encourage people to take advantage of the opportunity to share their views in person.

“The Commission is likely to make significant changes to its proposals based on the evidence it received during its consultation periods so book a slot at a hearing and let us know your views.”

The secondary consultation period will open on 11 January and close on 21 February.

A full Guide to the Public Hearings is available on the Boundary Commission for Wales website.