Revised proposals for new Parliamentary constituency boundaries

The UK Parliament has decided to reduce the number of constituencies, and therefore MPs, from 650 to 600. In England, the number of constituencies will reduce from 533 to 501.

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) is the independent and impartial body that is considering where the boundaries of the new constituencies should be.

While proposing a set of boundaries that are fairer and more equal, the BCE will also try to reflect geographic factors and local ties.

The BCE will also look at the boundaries of existing constituencies and local government patterns in redrawing the map of Parliamentary constituency boundaries across England.

How to have your say

It’s quick and easy. You can view our proposals and see what other people have already said online at the Boundary Commission website .

During the eight-week consultation period, we want as many people as possible to look at our proposals – having consulted twice on our plans, we’re now really only looking for new or compelling evidence for us to make changes before we make our final recommendations next year.

Timeline

● 17 October 2017: We published our revised proposals for new Parliamentary constituency boundaries in England

● 11 December 2017: Third and final consultation closes

● September 2018: We will present the final recommendations and report to Government

If you wish to get in touch with us at any time, please do so by the following methods:

● E-mail us at: information@boundarycommissionengland.gov.uk

● Call us on: 020 7276 1102

● Or write to us at: Boundary Commission for England, 35 Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BQ

FAQ's

Why are you reviewing constituency boundaries?

We have been asked by Parliament to review constituencies in England to ensure that each has a more equal number of electors. Parliament also required the number of UK MPs to be reduced from 600 (there are currently 650). This means the number of constituencies in England will be reduced by 32, from 533 to 501. A review process is necessary to see how best these two significant requirements can best be implemented, as their combined effect will lead to some degree of change in a large number of constituencies across England.

How long will the review last?

The first consultation took place in September 2016 and March 2017. Our revised proposals were published on 17 October 2017. The eight week consultation will close on 11 December 2017. Our final recommendations will be submitted to Parliament in September 2018.

When would the proposed changes take effect?

The Boundary Commission will make its final recommendations to Parliament in September 2018. If Parliament agrees the changes to boundaries, the new constituencies will take effect at the next scheduled General Election in 2022.

How have you worked out the proposed changes to boundaries?

The law specifies how to calculate the ‘electoral quota’ for a constituency review, which is essentially the mean average number of electors for each constituency. The electoral quota for this review is 74,769. Under the rules, every constituency in the UK – except two covering the Isle of Wight and two Scottish island constituencies – must have a number of registered electors within 5% of this figure. This means no constituency will have an electorate more than 78,507 or less than 71,031 (other than the four island exceptions).

Will the changes affect my local council services, bin collections or schools for example?

No. The boundary changes only relate to Parliamentary constituencies (the area an MP is elected to represent in Parliament). Services and council tax in your local area are set by your local authority and this review does not change local authority boundaries.

Will my MP or constituency be affected by the boundary changes?

The number of constituencies in England will need to reduce by 32, from 533 to 501, and each will need to have a similar number of electors. To implement these requirements, there will need to be changes to a large number of constituencies, although it is likely that some will remain unchanged.

Will this review favour one political party over another?

The BCE is independent and impartial and will not take into account patterns of voting or the results of elections when reviewing constituency boundaries. Nor do the political parties’ views on where boundaries should be have any more weight than those of members of the public.

Who will make final decisions on the new boundary areas?

Parliament; the review will finish when the final report of the Commission’s recommendations is published and provided to the Government in September 2018. The recommendations must then be put before Parliament by the Government, and Parliament will decide whether or not to implement the recommended new constituencies.

Will the name of my constituency change following the review?

Maybe. As well as looking at where the boundaries of constituencies should be, the BCE is also required to recommend a specific name for each constituency. Generally, the more a constituency has changed, the more likely it is that the BCE will recommend a change of name. Naming of proposed constituencies is certainly something the BCE welcomes views on during the consultation periods.