Redditch Borough Council has agreed its response to a Government request for electoral warding information as part of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
The Government has confirmed that two new unitary authorities will replace Worcestershire's current district, borough, city and county councils. Interim electoral arrangements are needed so that the first elections to the new councils can take place.
Why Redditch needed a different approach
Across most of Worcestershire, using existing county divisions with each returning two councillors would produce the right number of elected members. However, Redditch's electoral geography means that approach would result in four councillors representing each ward.
Four-member wards are generally considered too large, reducing democratic accountability and making representation less clear for residents.
The council's proposal
Redditch Borough Council's Electoral Matters Committee reviewed local community links and existing ward arrangements to identify an alternative solution. Members considered six potential scenarios before voting on a proposal at the full council meeting on Monday, August 10.
The agreed proposal comprises five two-member wards and two three-member wards.
The two-member wards are based on the existing Astwood Bank & Feckenham, Headless Cross & Oakenshaw, North, Webheath & Callow Hill, and Winyates wards.
The two three-member wards are: Redditch Central West, combining the current Batchley & Brockhill and Central wards; and Redditch Central East, combining Greenlands & Lakeside with Matchborough & Woodrow.
What happens next
The recommendation will now be submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for consideration. Longer-term ward arrangements will be subject to a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.
Councillor Matt Dormer, Leader of the Council, said: "This is an important and necessary step in ensuring people in Redditch are properly represented during the transition to new local government arrangements. These proposals have that aim in mind and will help ensure Redditch has strong and effective democratic representation from day one."
