Hedge End - Community Governance Review
Residents views sought on proposals for new Town Council wards
The outcome of the review is set out in the Reorganisation Order which includes a map and schedule detailing the number of parish councillors and wards for each area.
Earlier this year, local residents were asked for their views on plans that could redraw boundaries of Hedge End Town Council wards within their area and change the number of councillors. Warding is the division of an area for the purpose of electing councillors.
The review, conducted by the Eastleigh Borough Council, looked at the boundaries of the wards in the Hedge End Town Council area, as well as the number of councillors within each ward, and the names of those wards. The review did not be looking to change boundaries between Hedge End and other parishes.
Called the Community Governance Review (CGR), the four-week consultation for Hedge End finished on Sunday 14 August 2022. CGRs take place to ensure that residents who are able to vote (the electorate) are evenly and fairly represented by councillors in their area.
Thanks to everyone who provided their thoughts and views as part of the consultation.
Further consultation
In accordance with the requirements set out in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, on 5 September 2022 the Borough Council's Administrative Committee considered the responses to the first consultation exercise and the proposal for changes to the current warding arrangements for Hedge End Town Council.
The Committee agreed that the following proposed changes be published and the public view sought through a two-week consultation from Monday 26 September 2022:
That Hedge End Town Council consists of 4 wards named Kings Copse, Village, Berry and Park to be represented by 18 Councillors divided as follows:
- Kings Copse – 5 Councillors
- Village – 5 Councillors
- Berry – 4 Councillors
- Park – 4 Councillors
What changes were suggested?
Hedge End Town Council currently has nine wards, represented by 22 Town Councillors who are elected every four years. The review is suggesting that the nine wards are combined to create four wards, which would be given new names (see maps below).
It is proposed that these four wards are represented by 18 Town Councillors in total (see breakdown above). This proposal would provide a more equal balance between councillors and electors.
Existing Hedge End Town Council wards
There are currently nine wards, represented by 22 Town Councillors.
Proposed Hedge End Town Council wards
It is proposed that four wards are represented by 18 Town Councillors.