The Swindon (Electoral Changes) Order 2012

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order makes changes to the electoral arrangements for the district of Swindon following recommendations made by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England. The area of the district remains unchanged.

The electoral changes apply in respect of local government elections to be held on or after the ordinary day of election of councillors in 2012.

Article 3 abolishes the existing wards of the district and replaces them with 20 new ones. That article, the map and Schedule 1 also establish the names and areas of the new wards and the number of councillors for each ward.

Article 4 makes provision for a whole council election in 2012 and for reversion to the established system of election by thirds in subsequent years. That article and Schedule 2 provide for the order of retirement of councillors and detail the number of councillors for each ward that should be elected for 2014, 2015 and 2016. Under the council’s current cycle of elections, there are no elections scheduled for 2013.

Article 5 abolishes the existing wards of the parish of Blunsdon St Andrew and replaces them with 4 new ones. That article and the map also establish the names and areas of the new wards and the number of councillors for each ward.

Article 6 abolishes the existing wards of the parish of Chiseldon and replaces them with 2 new ones. That article and the map also establish the names and areas of the new wards and the number of councillors for each ward.

Article 7 abolishes the existing wards of the parish of Haydon Wick and replaces them with 4 new ones. That article and the map also establish the names and areas of the new wards and the number of councillors for each ward.

Article 8 abolishes the existing wards of the parish of Stratton St Margaret and replaces them with 5 new ones. That article and the map also establish the names and areas of the new wards and the number of councillors for each ward.

The map defined in article 2 shows the new district wards and parish wards. It is available at www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/south-west/wiltshire/swindon-electoral-review; it is also available, at all reasonable times, at the offices of the council of the district of Swindon and at the principal office of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England at Layden House, 76 – 86 Turnmill Street, London EC1M 5LG.

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen.