Local Government Act 1972

4 (1) This paragraph applies to the consideration by the Secretary of State, by either of the Commissions or by a district council of the electoral arrangements for a parish or community having a parish or community council (whether separate or common).

(2) In considering whether any such parish or community is to be divided into parish or community wards, regard shall be had to the questions whether—

(a) the number or distribution of the local government electors for the parish or community is such as to make a single election of parish or community councillors impracticable or inconvenient; and

(b) it is desirable that any area or areas of the parish or community should be separately represented on the parish or community council.

(3) Where it is decided to divide any such parish or community into parish or community wards, in considering the size and boundaries of the wards and in fixing the number of parish or community councillors to be elected for each ward, regard shall be had to—

(a) any change in the number or distribution of the local government electors of the parish or community which is likely to take place within the period of five years immediately following the consideration;

(b) the desirability of fixing boundaries which are and will remain easily identifiable; and

(c) any local ties which will be broken by the fixing of any particular boundaries.

(4) Where it is decided not to divide the parish or community into parish or community wards, in fixing the number of councillors to be elected for each parish or community regard shall be had to the number and distribution of the local government electors of the parish or community and any change in either which is likely to take place within the period of five years immediately following the fixing of the number of parish or community councillors.