The County Borough of Wrexham (Electoral Arrangements) Order 2021

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order implements the recommendations of the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales (“the Commission”), which reported in November 2020 on its review of the electoral arrangements for the County Borough of Wrexham. The Commission’s Report proposed an increase in the number of electoral wards, from 47 to 49, and an increase in the number of councillors from 52 to 56.

This Order implements the Commission’s recommendations, with modifications.

Article 3 of this Order abolishes the existing electoral arrangements for the County Borough of Wrexham and introduces the Schedule, which sets out the new electoral arrangements for the County Borough of Wrexham.

This Order also implements recommendations for changes to community boundaries and changes to the electoral arrangements for some communities within the County Borough of Wrexham.

Article 4 makes changes to the boundaries between the community wards of Acrefair and Penybryn, Cefn, Plas Madoc, and Rhosymedre and Cefn Bychan within the community of Cefn. Article 5 sets out the number of members to be elected for the Acrefair and Penybryn, Cefn, and Rhosymedre and Cefn Bychan wards of the community of Cefn.

Article 6 makes changes to the boundaries between the community wards of Ponciau North, Ponciau South and Rhos within the community of Rhosllanerchrugog. Article 7 sets out the number of members to be elected for the Johnstown, Ponciau South and Rhos wards of the community of Rhosllanerchrugog.

Article 8 makes changes to the boundaries between the community wards of Brynteg, Bryn Cefn, New Broughton and Gwenfro within the community of Broughton. Article 9 sets out the number of members to be elected for the Bryn Cefn, Brynteg and Gwenfro wards of the community of Broughton.

Article 10 makes changes to the boundaries between the community wards of Gwersyllt South and Gwersyllt East within the community of Gwersyllt. Article 11 sets out the number of members to be elected for the East, South and West wards of the community of Gwersyllt.

Article 12 makes changes to the boundaries between the community wards of Whitegate, Smithfield and Wynnstay within the community of Caia Park. Article 13 makes changes to the boundaries between the communities of Abenbury and Caia Park. Article 14 sets out the number of members to be elected for the Wynnstay ward of the community of Caia Park.

Article 15 makes changes to the boundaries between the community wards of Erddig, Offa, and Brynyffynnon within the community of Offa. Article 16 sets out the number of members to be elected for the Hermitage and Offa wards of the community of Offa.

The Welsh Ministers’ Code of Practice on the carrying out of Regulatory Impact Assessments was considered in relation to this Order. As a result, it was not considered necessary to carry out a regulatory impact assessment as to the likely costs and benefits of complying with this Order.

Prints of the maps labelled “1” to “12” to which this Order relates are deposited in the office of the Welsh Government at Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ (Local Government Democracy Division), and with Wrexham County Borough Council. Prints deposited with Wrexham County Borough Council are open to inspection by anyone affected by the provisions of this Order.