News Hear about a new political map for Maidstone

Everyone is invited to an online public community presentation on Monday 31 January from 6pm to 7pm to hear about a new political map for Maidstone Borough Council (MBC), which is being proposed by The Local Government Boundary Commission.

A new pattern of wards is being developed for MBC as The Commission has decided that the number of councillors in Maidstone should be 48. This is a change from the current council, which has 55 councillors.

A consultation has opened for residents and organisations to have their say on the proposals and will run until 4 April 2022. The online meeting is part of this consultation and will allow anyone who signs in to see and hear about the proposed changes.

Cllr David Burton, Leader of Maidstone Borough Council said:

“This review of the makeup and number of wards in the borough is to ensure that everyone is equally and fairly represented by councillors. Combined with the move to four yearly elections, it will lead to a significant change so I would encourage anyone interested to log into the meeting.

“The Commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries and it wants to be sure that its proposals reflect community ties and identities. They will use local views to help it draw up proposals for new ward boundaries.”

This is a public meeting being held in Microsoft Teams and anyone who is interested can attend using the link below:

Microsoft Teams meeting - Join on your computer or mobile app

Click here to join the meeting, please check that you can access the meeting in advance, and if there are any problems with access, please email committee@maidstone.gov.uk

There will be a further round of consultation once the Commission has drawn up those proposals.

Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said:

“We want people in Maidstone to help us. We are starting to draw up new wards for Maidstone. We want our proposals for new electoral arrangements to reflect communities. We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people.

“Residents and local organisations can help us understand community ties and identities at this early stage of the process. It’s easy to get involved. Go to our website. Or you can e-mail or write to us. Just tell us what you think and give us some details why you think that. It’s really simple, so do get involved.”

The Commission has a dedicated section on its website where people can give their views: https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/32722

People can also give their views by e-mail at reviews@lgbce.org.uk and by post:

Review Officer (Maidstone)

LGBCE

PO Box 133

Blyth

NE24 9FE

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