I would value your views and am asking for your feedback on the proposed changes that will affect our home of Rutland and Melton (survey now closed). I will use your views to inform my formal response to the Boundary Commission consultation.
The boundary review aims to make every constituency a similar size and to eliminate current imbalances in the number of residents represented. However, it also needs to ensure that any boundaries reflect local communities.
I very much value the letters I’ve received from many of you sharing your views on the initial proposals, thank you.
The initial proposals for new Parliamentary constituency boundaries by the independent Boundary Commission for England on Tuesday 8th June 2021, propose to split our constituency, with two new constituencies being created, and some villages joining a different existing constituency:
- Melton and Syston,
- Rutland, Stamford and the Deepings, and
- The Harborough villages would be moved to the Harborough constituency
If you wish to review all of the proposed changes to the Rutland and Melton constituency and maps, please visit the boundary review website at;
https://boundarycommissionforengland.independent.gov.uk/2023-review/
Before the proposals were published, I was clear that any changes must protect and enhance services and representation for residents of Rutland, Melton, the Vale and the Harborough villages. I have listened to many stakeholders locally and my Association and we do not believe that the proposals do this.
The argument for the proposed divorce of Rutland from Leicestershire pertains to mathematical imperatives for the wider region formulated by the Commission – the need for Lincolnshire seats to be re-drawn due to their size and number of residents. Not what would be best for Rutlanders, Meltonians, or residents of the Vale or Harborough villages.
Having listened to residents, the overwhelming response is against the proposals. Rutland and Melton Conservative Association has also voted at Management, Executive and General Membership levels to object to the splitting of Rutland and Melton. The root of objections to the Boundary Commission’s proposals is the impact they would have on provision of services, but also community organisations. The new proposals cleave in half existing relationships, agreements and service provision boundaries. They do not give residents of Rutland and Melton the best representation by their Member of Parliament and would prevent Rutland and Melton from receiving the same kind of constituency representation we currently receive from local service provision. Residents have also expressed concerns about the timing of the consultation during our recovery from the pandemic.
Whether you agree or not, I would value the chance to hear your views and I would ask you to please respond to the consultation in July. We are a long way off any decision, and your views matter as the Boundary Commission will listen to respondents and organisations. In the meantime I am committed to our communities as your representative in Parliament and continue to work as hard as I can to deliver the best for all of us.
I feel humbled and honoured as I fight for every person in our community to have the chance to succeed, and for Government to invest in our wonderful villages and towns. There’s so much we want to do together for our communities, to deliver the peace of mind our communities deserve.
Please have your say by responding to the Boundary Review in July!
Timeline
8 June - 2 August 2021: Consultation on initial proposals
There is an eight week period of public consultation on our proposals, during which BCE encourage people to give their views, in particular describing alternatives they believe would be better.
Early 2022: Secondary consultation and public hearings
All of the responses to the first consultation are published and there is a six-week period of 'secondary consultation', during which people can give their views on what others have said in the first consultation. There are no new proposals at this stage. During this six week period, BCE will also hold a limited number of public hearings in each English region (more details of these hearings will be made available closer to the time).
Late 2022: Third and final consultation
After analysing all the responses from the first and second consultations, BCE will make appropriate changes to their initial proposals and publish these 'revised proposals' for a final four-week period of public consultation.
By 1 July 2023: Final report and recommendations
After analysing all the responses to the third consultation, BCE will make appropriate changes to our revised proposals, and submit their final report and recommendations. This is the end of BCE involvement in the process.
Late 2023: Recommendations made into law
Within four months of the last of the four Commissions submitting their report, the UK Government must prepare the Order that would bring all their recommendations into law. Following recent changes, this Order no longer needs the approval of Parliament: it is sent directly to the Privy Council. If the Privy Council approves, the new constituencies are used at the next General election following that (not at any interim by-elections).
To Ensure Your Voice is Heard:
- Please make a representation to Boundary Commission via the following link: https://www.bcereviews.org.uk/node/add/informed-representation/6483 or in writing to: Boundary Commission for England, 35 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BQ. We have a great opportunity as a local community to have our say so do join us and contact the Boundary Commission. You can respond as an individual and with any organisations you represent – Please Respond in July!
- Fill in my survey below so I know what you feel about the proposals when I respond to the Boundary Commission (now closed)