Electoral areas in England
Section 58: Metropolitan districts: councillors per ward
145.This section removes the requirement in the Local Government Act 1972 that the number of councillors returned for a ward in a metropolitan district be divisible by three. Instead, the number of councillors returned for such a ward can be whatever is provided by order by either the Electoral Commission following an electoral review or the Secretary of State when implementing a structural or boundary change under Part 1 of this Act. This will bring metropolitan district councils into line with all other types of council where there is no restriction on the number of councillors for a ward or division.
Section 59: Change of name of electoral area
146.This section enables a county council, a district council or a London borough council to change the name of an electoral division or district/London borough ward, as the case may be, in its area by passing a resolution at a special meeting held for the purpose. The resolution must be passed by a majority of at least two-thirds of members voting at a specially convened meeting, where notice of the object of the meeting has been given.
147.Prior to passing the resolution the council must take such steps as it considers appropriate to consult with persons who might be interested. Following a resolution being passed the council must then inform certain bodies, including the Electoral Commission, of the change. The Electoral Commission’s power to amend the names of local authority electoral areas remains unaffected. It should be noted that if a change in the name of an electoral area is proposed within 5 years of a change made by the Electoral Commission, the local authority must first seek the approval of the Electoral Commission.
