Agenda item

To submit the report of the Senior Manager (Corporate Support).

 

Local Members affected by the proposals (that are not members of the Committee) receiving an invitation: Councillors Cai Larsen, Roy Owen, Jason Parry, Ioan Thomas, Steve Collings, Keith Jones, Nigel Pickavance, Mair Rowlands, Catrin Wager, Glyn Daniels, Linda Ann Jones, Anne Lloyd Jones, Dewi Owen, Mike Stevens, Simon Glyn, Sian Wyn Hughes, W. Gareth Roberts,  Gareth Williams, Freya Bentham, Eryl Jones-Williams, Annwen Hughes,  Elfed Roberts, Elwyn Jones, Peter Garlick, Edgar Wyn Owen, Craig ab Iago, Dilwyn Lloyd, Eric M. Jones, Owain Williams, Anwen Davies, Elwyn Edwards, Louise Hughes, Beth Lawton and Alwyn Gruffydd.

The Senior Corporate Support Manager submitted the report, and noted that the Full Council at its meeting on 2 March had accepted a report on the review. He explained that the timetable for the Council to submit draft proposals to the Boundaries Commission had been extended to mid-June on account of the election period.

 

He noted that the committee had been asked to consider the draft proposals and the possible options noted in this report and propose recommendations to the Full Council in its meeting on 15 June, then the Council would submit proposals to the Boundaries Commission. Furthermore, to recommend to the Full Council that it, again, pressure the Boundaries Commission to pay attention to effective local representation needs and the impact of the population that was not on the electoral register when forming its proposals.

 

He highlighted that the Boundaries Commission had proposed that the average number of electors for each member in Gwynedd would be 1,243. He noted that every constituency was different and it was not practical to adhere too stringently to this figure in every case. The aim of the draft proposals was to allow for a variance of up to 25% above or below that figure, based on the type of variation the Commission had approved in the past.

 

Another principle at the core of these proposals was to seek to reduce the number of two -member constituencies in the county. He explained that the Council's opinion was, where geography and the nature of communities allowed, that single-member constituencies should be sought in order to simplify accountability for the electorate.

 

          He reported that the options had been discussed to varying degrees with the relevant Local Members and that Community Councils had also been consulted.

 

          He guided the members through the report and asked them to share their opinions on the proposals and the Local Members, who were present, were invited to comment.

 

          Dolbenmaen / Porthmadog (Tremadog)

 

          It was noted that both constituencies, although not being suggested for change at present, could be considered by the Boundaries Commission for change, if not this year, certainly by the review that would take place after the 2022 elections. Should the need for change arise, the only possibility that could be considered was to divide the ward of Porthmadog (Tremadog) so that some of the community wards in the area merged with the Dolbenmaen constituency and for others to be moved to one of two other constituencies in Porthmadog, thus leading to a reduction of one seat. Members were asked for their opinion about making recommendations for change or leaving it in the hands of the Commission.

 

          The local member for Dolbenmaen noted that any change considered would mean very little change in the number of electors. Extending the boundary toward Cwmstradllyn would perhaps balance out the numbers but extending the boundary to Pwllgoleulas would mean too much movement in one direction for the Dolbenmaen ward.

 

The local member for Porthmadog (Tremadog) noted that the geographical area of the ward as it currently stood meant a considerable distance between Penmorfa and Snowdon. He was of the opinion that the proposal did not consider the pragmatic problems facing rural people and social movements. He noted, if change were recommended, Pant Glas would fit in better with Bryncir than Clynnog. He explained, because of history/tradition, that Tremadog would be better linked with Porthmadog and that a Bryncir to Snowdon ward would be too large.

 

In response to the observations, the Senior Corporate Support Manager noted that the Commission's main consideration was elector numbers; but, because local members were satisfied that no change was necessary and that no other rational change was forthcoming, a proposal would not be submitted to the Commission.

 

RESOLVED to not recommend change to the Full Council.

 

Electorates where no changes were proposed

 

A member noted that elector numbers in the Gerlan, Ogwen, and Tregarth and Mynydd Llandegai wards were approximately 30% higher than the 1,243 figure, and he asked whether there was a danger that the Commission would consider the number of electors to be too great. The Senior Corporate Support Manager acknowledged that there was a danger that the Commission would think so, but it was hoped that they would not suggest change as their main focus was on smaller constituencies.

 

The Chief Executive added that the drivers for the work of forming electoral boundaries should be places that have a natural connection, but that the Commission tended to be driven by mathematics. He noted that the Council would have to defend what was suggested to the Commission lest they looked at the mathematics and formed two- or three-member constituencies, which, in the Council's opinion clouded accountability. He confirmed that there was a risk but that the Council was attempting to create a defensible plan.

 

Bangor City Area

 

The Senior Corporate Support Manager reported that he had attended a meeting of Bangor City Council on 5 June and that they, in principle, accepted that there would be a reduction in the number of councillors, but that they wanted this reduction to be minimised. He noted that Bangor City Council would be submitting an option to divide the city to minimise the suggested reduction before the meeting of the Full Council.

 

The local member for Deiniol suggested merging Garth and Hirael as he had been made aware of a campaign to try to register a lot of people in the Bangor area. A number of individuals had not registered to vote in the Deiniol ward but, in the long term, there could be a substantial increase in the number of electors.

 

The local member for Menai (Bangor) noted that Bangor University was discussing the arrangements for automatically registering all students. In which case, the number of electors could increase substantially and that we should be prudent and await a more firm response from the University.

 

The local member for Garth noted that it would be an idea to look at the historical figures since approximately 9,000 students were missing from the current numbers.

 

A member noted that he agreed with the local member's observations: the Commission document referred to the population and electors. From looking at the population, the existing wards fulfilled the requirements. He added that the proposed change to comply with the requirements of the Commission in terms of electors would not reflect the real work councillors did, and local members and the Bangor City Council should be given the opportunity to submit a proposal.

 

In response to the above observations, the Senior Corporate Support Manager noted that the Commission did not intend extending the closing date and that they were assessing at a point in time and would review this when carrying out the review of the electoral boundaries in future. He noted that he did not disagree with the comments made but an attempt should be made to respond in accordance with requirements of the Commission.

 

RESOLVED to give local members and Bangor City Council the opportunity to submit a proposal before the meeting of the Full Council.

 

Caernarfon Town Area

 

The Senior Corporate Support Manager noted that suggestions to improve the boundaries of Caernarfon town would be made, using the natural boundaries of the Llanberis Road and the Link Road through the town as obvious and natural ones. Attention was drawn to the fact that this would leave the existing Seiont constituency as a two-member constituency with approximately 2,392 electors. However, in order to implement the Council's wish of trying to have single-member constituencies, its proposed to split it into two constituencies - the Caernarfon Town Centre Constituency of approximately 1,177 and the Hendre Constituency, which is mainly a single large housing estate, of approximately 1,215 electors. It was reported that Councillor Roy Owen (local member for Seiont) disagreed with the proposals.

 

The local member for Cadnant noted that he supported the proposals which would improve the town boundaries and be in keeping with the Commission's requirements.

 

Councillor Cai Larsen (local member for Seiont) noted that he welcomed the sensible proposals and that the Seiont ward was extensive with deprived areas which involved a lot of case work.

 

In response to an observation by the local member for Cadnant that the meeting of the Town Council would be held that evening, the Senior Corporate Support Officer stated, if comments were received from the Town Council, they would be incorporated into the report of the Full Council.

 

RESOLVED to recommend the proposal to the Full Council.

 

Ffestiniog Area

 

The Senior Corporate Support Manager stated, while the Bowydd and Rhiw area was fine as it was, the Diffwys and Maenofferen constituency with 750 electors was too small, and the Teigl constituency (1,315) was a little larger than the average. Further to that which was stated in the report about the boundary suggested by Ffestiniog Town Council, it was reported that there had been a misunderstanding as to which old post office reference had been made. He stated that the Town Council and local members were unanimous in their support for the amended boundary which complied with the Commission's requirements.

 

RESOLVED to recommend the proposal to the Full Council.

 

Tywyn Area

 

The Senior Corporate Support Manager stated that the Tywyn constituency was currently a two-member constituency. He highlighted the fact that there were three community wards in the Tywyn area. Morfa ward had elector figures close to those being considered, whilst Tywyn West and Tywyn East collectively had roughly the right number, in which case a natural boundary existed to create two constituencies. He reported that local members supported the proposal.

 

He noted that there was a risk for the constituencies of Aberdyfi and Pennal on account of of a predicted further reduction in elector numbers. For the time being, however, it was suggested that Tywyn East and Tywyn West merge.

 

RESOLVED to recommend the proposal to the Full Council.

 

Abersoch, Aberdaron, Botwnnog, Tudweiliog, Morfa Nefyn and Llanbedrog Area

           

The Senior Corporate Support Manager stated that the three possible options noted in the report would lead to three fewer members in the area. He reported that discussions had been held with the local members and concerns had been expressed that the suggested options would mean a reduction of as many as three members, and the impact it would have on effective representation for the population as a whole. He noted that local members should be given the opportunity to propose an alternative option before the Full Council meeting which would lead to the most sensible reduction in member numbers.

 

In response to a question by a member about the response of community councils, the Senior Corporate Support Manager stated that the only response had come from Botwnnog Community Council in which they stated their objection to the Comission's intentions.

 

A member noted that Llanengan Community Council would be discussing the matter at their meeting on Wednesday evening. In response, the Senior Corporate Support Manager noted that any proposals would have to be delivered a few days before the Full Council meeting on 15 June in order for them to be assessed.

 

The Chief Executive emphasised that any proposal would have to comply with the Commission's requirements and, if the mathematics suggested reducing the number of Members, the Commission would act.

 

The local member for Llanengan noted that he would be holding discussions with the relevant local members in relation to Llanbedrog/Mynytho and Abersoch/Llanengan/part of Llangian, but that he did not have definite figures. In response, the Senior Corporate Support Manager noted that he had shared the number of electors in the community wards with local members in the area following a meeting. He explained that the information about the division of community wards was not available, and that officers would count the numbers of electors within electoral wards after proposals had been submitted.

 

In response to a suggestion by the local member for Clynnog that a special meeting of the Dwyfor Area Committee should be convened, the Senior Corporate Support Manager noted that the timetable was tight and that a decision about the proposals would have to be reached at the Full Council meeting the following week.

 

The local member for Llanbedrog stated that there were a number of holiday homes in the area and, although the owners were not on the electoral register, the local member also represented them. She added that an attempt would be made to create a proposal that would divide the constituencies naturally. She was of the opinion that Llanbedrog was naturally bound to Mynytho. She noted that Llanbedrog Community Council had discussed the matter and she would contact the clerk so that they could submit a proposal.

 

RESOLVED to give local members in the Llŷn area the opportunity to submit a proposal before the meeting of the Full Council.

 

A minute's silence was held at 11.00am as a mark of respect to those who suffered as a result of the recent terrorism incident in London.

 

Trawsfynydd, Harlech, Dyffryn Ardudwy and Llanbedr Area

 

The Senior Corporate Support Manager stated that there were two possible options. The second option would redress the balance of numbers across the three constituencies suggested. Option one would propose the constituency of Harlech, Talsarnau and Llanfair; it would be a large constituency of 1,820. It was highlighted that the matter causing tension with respect to creating the constituencies was whether it made sense to merge Talsarnau/Maentwrog/Trawsfynydd.

 

The local member for Llanbedr stated that the first option was best and that merging the wards of Harlech and Talsarnau made more sense than merging the community wards of Trawsfynydd and Maentwrog.

 

In response to the comments, the Senior Corporate Support Manager stated that option one made more sense geographically.

 

It was noted that observations had been received from the local member for Dyffryn Ardudwy who expressed his concern that Dyffryn Ardudwy and Talybont with Llanbedr would create a large constituency with Talybont on the periphery, but that he acknowledged the need to reduce the number of constituencies. He proposed 'Dyffryn Ardudwy, Llanbedr and Talybont' as a name for the new constituency.

 

RESOLVED to recommend option 1 to the Full Council.

 

Llanrug Area

 

The Senior Corporate Support Manager stated the need to neaten the Llanrug boundaries of the area in order to improve the state of constituencies by dealing with the communities of Cwm y Glo (438), Brynrefail (224) and Ceunant (305) and also Penisarwaun (560) and Rhiwlas (533).

 

It was noted that a proposal had been made for two revised constituencies namely one for Cwm y Glo, Brynrefail and Ceunant (967) and one for Penisarwaun and Rhiwlas (1,093). It was reported that there was a difference of opinion among local members.

 

The local member stated his wish to retain the community of Brynrefail with Penisarwaun and Rhiwlas with the total number of electors at 1,317, which was a little higher than the average noted by the Commission. He added that Afon Rhyddallt was a natural boundary.

 

The local member for Llanrug noted that a two-member constituency was unnecessary and that he was of the opinion that this proposal should be acceptable to the Commission. He added that the Brynrefail community had stronger links with Cwm y Glo than with Rhiwlas. He noted that Llanrug Community Council was in favour of the proposal.

 

The local member for Cwm y Glo stated that there was a danger that a two-member constituency could be created if the Council did not submit a proposal. He added that the new Cwm y Glo, Brynrefail and Ceunant constituency would be in keeping with the school's catchment area.

 

The local member for Penisarwaun added that Brynrefail and Cwm y Glo naturally went together but that a constituency needed to be formed around a natural boundary.

 

In response to the observation, the Senior Corporate Support Manager stated, if changes were not made, that there was a danger that the Commission might create a two-member constituency.

 

The local member for Penisarwaun enquired whether Llanddeiniolen Community Council had responded. It was stated that they had not responded.

 

RESOLVED to recommend the proposal to the Full Council.

 

Bontnewydd, Llanfaglan and Caeathro / Waunfawr, Betws Garmon and Rhyd Ddu

 

The Senior Corporate Support Manager stated that these proposals for these areas had been created with the local community links and school catchment areas in mind.

 

RESOLVED to recommend the proposals to the Full Council.

 

Dinas and Dinas Dinlle Area

 

The Senior Corporate Support Manager stated that this proposal to an extent attempted to respond to the change to the Bontnewydd area, but that it also attempted to use the communities around and below the A499 trunk road as a relatively natural boundary between communities.

 

The local member for Llanwnda stated that it would be unwise to create such a small constituency made up of two community councils, namely Llanwnda and Llandwrog. He was of the opinion that the Llanwnda constituency should remain as it was as it met the elector number requirements of the Commission, and it was within the area of one community council.

 

In response, the Senior Corporate Support Manager noted that he would keep the constituency of Llanwnda as it was, but it did raise the question of where to place Dinas Dinlle.

 

The local member added, if a decision was made to create a Dinas and Dinas Dinlle constituency, it would be necessary to consider a combination of Rhostryfan/Rhosgadfan/Carmel and Fron.

 

The Chief Executive emphasised that any combination was possible but that the mathematics had to be in keeping with requirements. He added that a discussion ought to be held with local members about the area. 

 

RESOLVED to hold discussions with relevant local members to draw up a proposal for the constituencies in the area prior to the meeting of the Full Council.

 

Llanllyfni, Talysarn, Nantlle and Nebo Area

 

The Senior Corporate Support Manager suggested merging Llanllyfni (513) Talysarn (714) Nantlle (152) and Nebo (253) to create one new constituency of 1,612 (the entire Llanllyfni Community Council with the exception of Penygroes).

 

He reported that the local member for Talysarn did not object to this proposal despite stating that the new (Groeslon, Carmel and Cesarea) constituency varied greatly in its demography.

 

RESOLVED to recommend the proposal to the Full Council.

 

Groeslon, Carmel and Ceserea Area / Rhostryfan and Rhosgadfan Area

 

The Senior Corporate Support Manager stated, following the discussion about the Dinas and Dinas Dinlle area, that discussions would be held with local members.

 

Clynnog, Trefor, Llithfaen and Ffôr Area

 

The Senior Corporate Support Manager highlighted the fact that the existing Clynnog constituency numbers were substantially below the elector number threshold.

 

He noted that the favoured option was option three, as suggested by the local member for Llanaelhaearn, namely to retain the existing Llanaelhaearn constituency (1,151) as it was; calling it 'Yr Eifl' would, however, be more sensible. The Nebo ward (233) would then be added to Clynnog to create a new constituency of 946 electors (which would be a very small constituency in the Commission’s terms), thus, removing it from the Llanllyfni ward which would reduce the size of that ward to 1,369 which was more logical. This would address concerns expressed by Pistyll Community Council about small rural communities merging with larger and very different areas.

 

The local member for Clynnog noted that he agreed that option 3 was the best.

 

RESOLVED to recommend option 3 to the Full Council.

 

Abererch, Efailnewydd, Pentre Uchaf and Buan Area

 

It was noted that the proposal for this area had been mistakenly included and it was recommended that no changes should be made and for the Committee to dismiss it.

 

The local member for Abererch stated that he was happy with the recommendation that the constituencies remain the same.

 

Penllyn Area

 

The Senior Corporate Support Officer stated that a recommendation had been made to swap the wards in the two existing constituencies but that two seats should be retained so that there would be three seats in the entire area, namely Bala and Penllyn West – Llanuwchllyn (494), Cwm y Glyn (83) and Llanycil (323) (constituency of 900) and Penllyn East – Gwalia (125), Llan y Betws (456) and Llanfor (347) (constituency of 928).  It was noted that the constituencies were small, looking toward the future, but that it was unavoidable in such a rural area.

 

It was noted that local members were concerned, if changes were not suggested, that a large constituency or a two-member constituency would be created.

 

RESOLVED to recommend the proposal to the Full Council.

 

Llanegryn, Bryncrug and Friog Area

 

The Senior Corporate Support Officer suggested moving the ward of Llanegryn from one constituency to the other in order to create two reorganised constituencies:-

Llanegryn, Bryncrug and Llanfihangel = 1,000 (three Community Council areas)

Y Friog, Islaw’r Dre and Llangelynnin = 1,332 (two Community Council areas)

 

RESOLVED to recommend the proposal to the Full Council.

 

General Observations

 

The members noted the following main points:-

 

·         The consultation period, which coincided with the election period, was entirely inadequate for any meaningful local discussion and this had affected the ability to provide details on some proposals.

·         The Boundaries Commission should focus on the requirements of effective local representation and the impact of the population rather than on the electoral register, at a specific point in time, in forming its proposals. Specifically, the demands and workload which arise as a result of the presence of students, tourists, second home owners and others who are not on the local electoral register, means that this must be addressed when determining the size of constituencies.

 

The Senior Corporate Support Manager confirmed that the observations would be submitted in the report to the Full Council.