Booking now open for public hearings held by the Boundary Commission for England on the proposed new parliamentary constituencies Members of the public can now book a slot to speak at a public hearing in their region about the proposed boundary changes in their area, as part of the 2023 Boundary Review.
The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) is holding a secondary consultation on its initial proposals from 22nd February to 4th April, during which 32 public hearings will take place across England to allow the public to provide feedback in person.
Book your slot now
Members of the public are invited to visit the Website to view information about where and when the hearings will be held on the Commission’s website. Portsmouth on 17th and 18th March are the closest to the Island.
People can click the link on their chosen date to book a 10 minute speaking slot via Eventbrite. Further information can be found in our Guide to public hearings.
An independent and impartial review
The Commission is required by Parliament to undertake an independent and impartial review of all constituencies in England, to rebalance the number of electors in each constituency.
The 2023 Boundary Review also requires that the number of constituencies in England increases from 533 to 543. The proposed new map of constituencies first published by the Commission in June 2021 therefore has significant changes to existing boundaries.
Responses to last consultation
Before the upcoming secondary consultation in February, the Commission will publish all 34,000 responses received during the first consultation, which ran from June to August 2021. This will allow the public to take these into account when submitting their views.
Feedback can be provided in person at a public hearing, or in writing via the consultation Website, email or letter during the consultation period.
The Commission will follow advice from the Government around Covid-19 as well as any restrictions set by the public hearing venues themselves. Guidance for attendees will be kept updated on the Boundary Commission for England website.
Bowden: We want as many people as possible to get involved
Secretary to the Boundary Commission for England, Tim Bowden, said,
“The Boundary Commission for England is redrawing the map of constituencies in England so that it represents local communities as best as possible, while keeping to the legal requirements – and you can help us.
“We received a fantastic number of responses during our first consultation – over 34,000 – and we want as many people as possible to get involved in our upcoming secondary consultation.
“Between 22nd February and 4th April, we want you to tell us your thoughts on our proposed new map of constituencies. You can provide feedback in person at a public hearing in your region, or in writing via our consultation Website, letter, or email. Booking is now open for speaking slots at our 32 public hearings across the country, and we’re looking forward to hearing your views.”
News shared by the Boundary Commission, in their own words. Ed
