Voters in Calderdale may be in a different ward at the next local election, following a review of electoral arrangements in the borough by the Local Government Boundary Commission (LGBC).
The LGBC has published its final recommendations for changes to council ward boundaries in Calderdale, to create ‘electoral equality’ where the number of electors per councillor is as even as possible across the borough.
Subject to parliamentary approval, the new arrangements would come into effect in 2026 and mean that the number of councillors will increase to 54, three more than the current number. There will also be an additional ward, bringing the total number of wards to 18.
The publication of the changes follows two periods of consultation on proposals. The submissions received during these consultations have informed the final recommendations.
The changes include the creation of a new ward of Wainhouse, taking in parts of the current Skircoat and Sowerby Bridge wards. The names and boundaries of a number of wards will also change.
Robin Tuddenham, Returning Officer at Calderdale Council, said:
“The final recommendations from the Local Government Boundary Commission mean that it’s likely that some voters in Calderdale will be in a different ward, or a ward with a different name, at the next local election, due in 2026.
“The recommended ward changes have been informed by local feedback and aim to ensure our wards have a more equal electorate.
“Local ward councillors are the voice of their community and by making the size of ward electorates as similar as possible it supports councillors to carry out their important role as local champions.”
The changes become law once Parliament has approved them. Subject to parliamentary scrutiny, the new electoral arrangements will come into force at the local elections in 2026.
Details of all the changes can be found on the LGBC website at: https://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/calderdale(external link)
ENDS