LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR

REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS DRAFT PROPOSALS

COUNTY BOROUGH OF , CYNON, TAFF

LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE OF RHONDDA, CYNON, TAFF

DRAFT PROPOSALS

1. INTRODUCTION

2. SUMMARY OF PROPOSALS

3. SCOPE AND OBJECT OF THE REVIEW

4. REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED PRIOR TO DRAFT PROPOSALS

5. ASSESSMENT

6. PROPOSALS

7. RESPONSES TO THIS REPORT

APPENDIX 1 GLOSSARY OF TERMS APPENDIX 2 EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP APPENDIX 3 PROPOSED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP APPENDIX 4 MINISTER’S DIRECTIONS AND ADDITIONAL LETTER APPENDIX 5 SUMMARY OF INITIAL REPRESENTATIONS

The Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales Caradog House 1-6 St Andrews Place CARDIFF CF10 3BE Tel Number: (029) 2039 5031 Fax Number: (029) 2039 5250 E-mail: [email protected] www.lgbc-wales.gov.uk

FOREWORD

Those who have received this report containing our Draft Proposals will already be aware of this Review of Electoral Arrangements for all local authority areas in Wales.

An important principle for our work is to aim to achieve a better democratic balance within each council area so that each vote cast in an election is, so far as reasonably practicable, of the same weight as all others in the council area. The achievement of this aim, along with other measures, would be conducive to effective and convenient local government. At the beginning of this review process we have found some considerable differences between the numbers of voters to councillors not only between council areas in Wales, but also within council areas themselves.

The Commission is constrained by a number of things in the way we undertake our work:

 The basic “building blocks” for electoral divisions are the areas into which Wales is divided. These community areas were set up over 30 years ago and despite the work already done by some local authorities and also ourselves, there are still many places where the community areas do not reflect the present pattern of community life.

 The accuracy of the information on the numbers of residents in each council area in 5 years time challenges all – the future is difficult to predict. The Commission has therefore adopted a cautious approach in using these projections.

 The legal rules by which we operate are also quite strict and again place limitations on what we can do for each electoral division.

This report provides our initial recommendations on what has to be done within this council area. We wish to provide a better democratic balance together with electoral arrangements which contribute to there being effective and convenient local government wherever you live in Wales.

Paul Wood Chairman

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 We, the members of the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales, have completed the first stage of the review of electoral arrangements for the County Borough of Rhondda, Cynon, Taff and present our Draft Proposals for the future electoral arrangements. A glossary of terms used in this report can be found at Appendix 1. The County Borough of Rhondda, Cynon, Taff currently has an electorate of 172,820. At present it is divided into 52 divisions (31 of which are single-member and 21 multi-member) returning 75 councillors. The overall ratio of members to electors for the County Borough is currently 1:2,304. The present electoral arrangements are set out in detail in Appendix 2.

2. SUMMARY OF PROPOSALS

2.1 We propose a change to the arrangement of electoral divisions that will achieve a significant improvement in the level of electoral parity across the County Borough of Rhondda, Cynon, Taff and will result in no change to the council size of 75 elected members.

3. SCOPE AND OBJECT OF THE REVIEW

3.1 Section 57 of the Local Government Act 1972 (the 1972 Act) lays upon the Commission the duty, at intervals of not less than 10 and not more than fifteen years, to review the electoral arrangements for every principal area in Wales for the purpose of considering whether or not to make proposals to the Welsh Assembly Government for a change in those electoral arrangements.

3.2 The Minister for Social Justice and Local Government of the Welsh Assembly Government has directed the Commission to submit a report in respect of the review of electoral arrangements for the County Borough of Rhondda, Cynon, Taff by 30 June 2011.

Electoral Arrangements

3.3 The “electoral arrangements” of a principal area are defined in section 78 of the 1972 Act as:

i) the total number of councillors to be elected to the council;

ii) the number and boundaries of electoral divisions;

iii) the number of councillors to be elected for each electoral division; and

iv) the name of any electoral division.

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Rules to Be Observed Considering Electoral Arrangements

3.4 We are required by section 78 to comply, so far as is reasonably practicable, with the rules set out in Schedule 11 to the 1972 Act (as amended by the 1994 Act). These require the Commission to provide for there to be a single member for each electoral division. However, the Minister may direct the Commission to consider the desirability of providing for multi-member electoral divisions for the whole or part of a principal area.

3.5 The rules also require that:

Having regard to any change in the number or distribution of local government electors of the principal area likely to take place within the period of five years immediately following consideration of the electoral arrangements:

i) subject to paragraph (ii), the number of local government electors shall be, as nearly as may be, the same in every electoral division in the principal area;

ii) where there are one or more multi-member divisions, the ratio of the number of local government electors to the number of councillors to be elected shall be, as nearly as may be, the same in every electoral division in the principal area (including any that are not multi-member divisions);

iii) every ward of a community having a community council (whether separate or common) shall lie wholly within a single electoral division; and

iv) every community which is not divided into community wards shall lie wholly within a single electoral division.

In considering the electoral arrangements, we must have regard to (a) the desirability of fixing boundaries which are and will remain easily identifiable; and (b) any local ties which would be broken by the fixing of any particular boundary.

Minister’s Directions

3.6 The Minister has directed that the Commission shall consider the desirability of multi member electoral divisions in each county and county borough council in Wales.

3.7 The Minister has also given the following directions to the Commission for their guidance in conducting the review:

(a) it is considered that a minimum number of 30 councillors is required for the proper management of the affairs of a county or county borough council;

(b) it is considered that, in order to minimise the risk of a county council or a county borough council becoming unwieldy and difficult to manage, a maximum number of 75 councillors is ordinarily required for the proper management of the affairs of a county or a county borough council;

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(c) it is considered that the aim should be to achieve electoral divisions with a councillor to electorate ratio no lower than 1:1,750;

(d) it is considered that decisions to alter the existing pattern of multi and single member electoral divisions should only be taken where such proposals for alteration are broadly supported by the electorate in so far as their views can be obtained in fulfilment of the consultation requirement contained in Section 60 of the Act; and

(e) It is considered that the Commission shall, when conducting reviews under Part 4 of the Act, comply with paragraph 1A of Schedule 11 to the Act that is, the Rules.

The full text of the Directions is at Appendix 4. The Directions were further confirmed in a letter from the Minister on 12 May 2009. A copy of this letter follows the Directions at Appendix 4.

Local Government Changes

3.8 Since the last review there have been two changes to local government boundaries in Rhondda, Cynon, Taff:

 S.I. 2002 No. 654 (W.70) The Rhondda, Cynon, Taff and Vale of (, Pont-y-clun, Penllyn, Welsh St. Donats and Pendoylan) Order 2002 and that boundary change has already been reflected in the electoral divisions concerned; and  S.I. 2008 No. 3152 (W.280) The Rhondda, Cynon, Taff (, Llanharry, and Pont-y-clun Communities) Order 2008 and that boundary changes have already been reflected in the electoral divisions concerned.

3.9 These made changes respectively to:  The part of Rhondda, Cynon, Taff which is in the community of Llanharry in the area of Brynderwen and Two Hoots to be separated from that county borough and community to form part of the community of Penllyn in the Vale of Glamorgan.  Part of the Community of Llanharan transferred to the Community of Pont-y- clun forming part of the Cefnyrhendy ward of the Community of Pont-y-clun also forming part of the electoral division of Pont-y-clun.  Part of the Community of Llantrisant transferred to the Community of Pont-y- clun forming part of the Cefnyrhendy ward of the Community of Pont-y-clun also forming part of the electoral division of Pont-y-clun.  Part of the Community of Llanharry transferred to the Community of Pont-y- clun forming part of the Maes-y-felin ward of the Community of Pont-y-clun also forming part of the electoral division of Pont-y-clun.  Part of the Community of Pont-y-clun transferred to the Community of Llanharry forming part of the Llanharry ward of the Community of Llanharry also forming part of the electoral division of Llanharry.

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We will take these changes into account in our consideration of the new electoral arrangements for Rhondda, Cynon, Taff.

Procedure

3.10 Section 60 of the 1972 Act lays down procedural guidelines which are to be followed in carrying out a review. In compliance with Section 60 of the 1972 Act we wrote on 6 April 2009 to Rhondda, Cynon, Taff County Borough Council, all the community councils in the area, the Members of Parliament for the local constituencies, the assembly members for the area and other interested parties to inform them of our intention to conduct the review and to request their preliminary views. We invited the County Borough Council to submit a suggested scheme or schemes for new electoral arrangements. We also publicised our intention to conduct the review in local newspapers circulating in the County Borough and asked Rhondda, Cynon, Taff County Borough Council to display a number of public notices in their area. We also made available copies of our electoral reviews guidance booklet. In addition we made a presentation to both City and Community councillors explaining the review process.

4. REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED PRIOR TO DRAFT PROPOSALS

4.1 We received representations from Rhondda, Cynon, Taff County Borough Council, confirming that it would not be submitting a draft scheme by way of initial observations; two town and community councils; two councillors; and one other interested body. We considered all of these representations carefully before we formulated our proposals. A summary of these representations can be found at Appendix 5.

5. ASSESSMENT

Request for a Community Boundary Change

5.1 Before considering the electoral arrangements for the County Borough of Rhondda, Cynon, Taff, we would like to respond to the representations that asked us to make changes to electoral division boundaries that are community or community ward boundaries. For such changes to take place it would first be necessary to undertake a review of community or community ward boundaries. It is evident from these requests that some uncertainty exists about the appropriate machinery for effecting such reviews. We wish to set out the statutory position.

5.2 Section 55(2) of the 1972 Act (as amended by the 1994 Act) requires each principal council in Wales to keep the whole of their area under review for the purpose of considering whether to make recommendations to the Commission for the constitution of new communities, the abolition of communities or the alteration of communities in their area. The Commission then consider the principal council’s proposals and report to the Welsh Assembly Government which may, if it thinks fit, by order give effect to any of the proposals.

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5.3 Under Section 57(4) of the 1972 Act (as amended by the 1994 Act), the principal councils also have a duty to keep under review the electoral arrangements (which include the community ward boundaries) for the communities within their areas, for the purpose of considering whether to make substantive changes. The principal councils must also consider requests for changes made by a community council or by not less than thirty local government electors of a community and, if they think fit, make an order giving effect to those changes.

5.4 Changes to the boundaries of communities and community wards are therefore a matter for the principal council to consider in the first instance and may not be considered by us as part of this review. We will use the community and community wards as they exist at the start of this review as the building blocks for the proposed electoral divisions.

Councillor to electorate ratio

5.5 The Minister's directions include the following at 3.7 (a): "It is considered that the aim should be to achieve electoral divisions with a councillor to electorate ratio no lower than 1:1,750.” The Minister has indicated to the Commission that this means that the number of electors per councillor should not normally fall below 1,750, and this is how the Commission has interpreted and applied the Direction. We bear very much in mind that the directions are provided as guidance and should not be applied without regard to the special circumstances of the particular area: there may well be circumstances, having to do with topography or population etc of the area where it will be considered that an electoral division of fewer than 1,750 electors to be represented by each councillor is appropriate. This was explained in the letter from the Minister (Appendix 4) which stated: “This means that the ratio remains as the aim to be worked towards and not as a goal to be achieved in each case. In doing so attention should be paid to local communities having their own identifiable representation even where the indicative figure of 1,750 electors/ councillor is not always achievable”. In the absence of special circumstances we will aim to propose electoral arrangements in which the level of representation does not fall below 1,750 electors per councillor. We are not constrained in the same way by this direction from proposing electoral arrangement in which the number of electors to be represented by each councillor is, in appropriate cases, higher than 1,750. Throughout this review we will keep the ratio of 1:1,750 very much in mind, and will not normally think it necessary to refer to it expressly in every case.

Council size

5.6 At present the size of the council at 75 members is within the criteria set out in the directions issued by the Minister (Appendix 4). The current county average level of representation is 2,304 per councillor. There are currently 31 single member and 21 multi-member divisions.

5.7 We reviewed the electoral arrangements for the County Borough of Rhondda, Cynon, Taff in the light of the Minister’s directions for our guidance and took account of the representations which had been made to us. In our deliberations we considered the ratio of local government electors to the number of councillors to be elected, with a view to proposing changes to ensure that the number of local

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government electors shall be, as nearly as may be, the same in every division in the principal area. We considered the size and character of the authority and a wide range of other factors including population density, the local topography, road communications and local ties.

5.8 For the reasons given below we believe that in the interests of effective and convenient local government a council size of 75 would be appropriate to represent the County Borough of Rhondda, Cynon, Taff. This determination of the council size results in an average of 2,304 electors being represented by each councillor.

Number of Electors

5.9 The numbers shown as the electorate for 2009 and the estimates for the electorate in the year 2014 are those submitted to us by Rhondda, Cynon, Taff County Borough Council. The forecast figures supplied by Rhondda, Cynon, Taff County Borough Council show a forecasted rise in the electorate of 1,522 from 172,820 to 174,342.

Electoral Divisions

5.10 We have considered the electoral arrangements of the existing electoral divisions of , Cwm Clydach, Cymmer, , Llanharan, Llanharry, , , , , , Town, , , , East, , and , and the ratio of local government electors to the number of councillors to be elected and we propose that the existing arrangements should continue. We considered changes to the remaining electoral divisions. Details of the current electoral arrangements for Cilfynydd, Cwm Clydach, Cymmer, Gilfach Goch, Llanharan, Llanharry, Llantwit Fardre, Maerdy, Pentre, Penygraig, Penywaun, Pontypridd Town, Porth, Treherbert, Treorchy, Tonyrefail East, Tonypandy, Ynyshir and Ystrad can be found at Appendix 2.

Aberaman North, South and

5.11 The Community of Aberaman has no Community Council and is therefore not divided into community wards for the purposes of community council electoral arrangements. Under the current electoral arrangements for the County Borough Council however the Community of Aberaman is divided on the basis of former District Council wards that were abolished in 1996. One of the rules that the Commission are required to observe (3.5 iii above) requires that ‘every community which is not divided into community wards shall lie wholly within a single electoral division’. As the Community of Aberaman is not divided into community wards then the current situation, whereby the Community is divided between two electoral divisions, is anomalous. As part of this review of electoral arrangements we are required by the rules to make proposals that will rectify this anomaly.

5.12 The Community of Aberaman is divided into two electoral divisions, namely and Aberaman South. Aberaman North electoral division has an electorate of 3,768 (3,664 projected) represented by 2 councillors. This gives a level of representation of 1,884 electors per councillor that is 18% below the current

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county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. Aberaman South electoral division has 3,363 electors (3,269 projected) represented by 2 councillors. This gives a level of representation of 1,682 electors per councillor which is 27% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. The Cwmbach electoral division consists of the Community of Cwmbach and has 3,189 electors (3,099 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 38% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We consider that it would be desirable, if possible, to re-arrange the combination of communities that form the electoral divisions in this area in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity and to remove the anomaly mentioned above.

5.13 Combining the adjoining Communities of Aberaman and Cwmbach would form an electoral division with a total of 10,320 electors (10,032 projected) which, if represented by 4 councillors, will result in a level of representation of 2,580 electors per councillor which is 12% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We put this scheme forward as a proposal. This proposal combines a single-member electoral division and two multi-member electoral divisions to form a new multi-member division. This amalgamation will result in a reduction of 1 councillor representing the area but it will improve the electoral parity. We have given the proposed electoral division a working name of Aberaman. We would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

Abercynon and

5.14 electoral division consists of the Community of Abercynon and has 4,510 electors (4,226 projected) represented by 2 councillors. This gives a level of representation of 1:2,255 electors per councillor which is 2% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. Ynysybwl electoral division consists of the Community of Ynysybwl and Coed-y-Cwm and has 3,567 electors (3,367 projected) represented by 1 councillor giving a ratio of 1:3,567 which is 55% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We consider that it would be desirable, if possible, to re-arrange the combination of communities that form the electoral divisions in this area in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

5.15 Combining the adjoining Communities of Abercynon and Ynysybwl and Coed-y- Cwm to form a new electoral division would give a total electorate of 8,077 (7,593 projected) which, if represented by 3 councillors, would result in a level of representation of 1:2,692 electors per councillor which is 17% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We put this scheme forward as a proposal. This proposal combines a single-member division with a multi-member electoral division to form a new multi-member division. We have given the proposed electoral division a working name of Abercynon although we would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

Aberdare East and West /

5.16 The Community of Aberdare has no Community Council and is therefore not divided into community wards for the purposes of community council electoral arrangements. Under the current electoral arrangements for the County Borough

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Council however the Community of Aberdare is divided on the basis of former District Council wards that were abolished in 1996. As we have considered with Aberaman at 5.11 above, the current arrangements are anomalous because the Community does not lie wholly within an electoral division as required by the rules. As part of this review of electoral arrangements we are required by the rules to make proposals that will rectify this anomaly.

5.17 The Community of Aberdare is currently divided between two electoral divisions, namely and Aberdare West / Llwydcoed. Aberdare East electoral division consists of the former Aberdare East District Council ward with 5,117 electors (4,976 projected) represented by 2 councillors. This gives a level of representation of 2,559 electors per councillor which is 11% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. Aberdare West / Llwydcoed electoral division consists of the former Aberdare West District Council ward (6,128 electors, 5,790 projected) and the Community of Llwydcoed (1,032 electors, 1,172 projected) with a total of 7,160 electors (6,962 projected) represented by 3 councillors. This gives a level of representation of 2,387 electors per councillor which is 4% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We consider that it would be desirable, if possible, to re-arrange the combination of communities that form the electoral divisions in this area in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity and to remove the anomaly mentioned above.

5.18 Combining the electoral divisions of Aberdare East and Aberdare West / Llwydcoed would form an electoral division with a total electorate of 12,227 (11,938 projected) which, if represented by 5 councillors, would result in a level of representation of 1:2,445 electors per councillor which is 7% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We put this scheme forward as a proposal. This proposal combines two multi-member electoral divisions to form a new multi- member division. We have given the proposed electoral division a working name of Aberdare although we would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

Beddau and Llantrisant Town

5.19 electoral division consists of the Beddau ward of the Community of Llantrisant and has 3,232 electors (3,418 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 40% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. Llantrisant Town electoral division consists of the Town ward of the Community of Llantrisant and has 3,726 electors (4,114 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 62% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We consider that it would be desirable, if possible, to re-arrange the combination of community wards that form the electoral divisions in this area in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

5.20 We have noted the representations from Councillor Joyce Cass and the Beddau Ward Labour Party who both suggest making changes to the boundary of Graig ward of the Community of Pontypridd and the Beddau ward of the Community of Llantrisant. For the reasons given at 5.1 to 5.4 above we are unable to consider such changes as part of this review.

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5.21 Combining the Beddau and Town wards of the Community of Llantrisant to form a new electoral division would give a total electorate of 6,598 (7,532 projected) which, if represented by 3 councillors, would result in a level of representation of 1:2,319 which is 1% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We put this scheme forward as a proposal. This proposal combines two single-member electoral divisions to form a new multi-member division and will result in an increase of one Councillor representing the area. We have given the proposed electoral division a working name of Llantrisant although we would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

Church Village and Ton-teg

5.22 electoral division consists of the Church Village ward of the Community of Llantwit Fardre and has 3,435 electors (3,632 projected) represented by 1 councillor giving a ratio of 1:3,435 which is 49% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. Ton-teg electoral division consists of the Ton-teg ward of the Community of Llantwit Fardre and has 3,408 electors (3,603 projected) represented by 2 councillors giving a ratio of 1:1,704 which is 26% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We consider that it would be desirable, if possible to re-arrange the combination of community wards that form the electoral divisions in this area in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

5.23 Combining these two wards of the Community of Llantwit Fardre to form a new electoral division would give a total electorate of 6,843 (7,235 projected) which, if represented by 3 councillors, would result in a level of representation of 2,281 electors per councillor which is 1% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. As this proposal joins together two wards of the same Community we are of the view that no local ties will be broken by the fixing of this electoral division boundary. We put this scheme forward as a proposal. This proposal combines a single-member electoral division and a multi-member electoral division to form a new multi-member division. We have given the proposed electoral division a working name of Church Village although we would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

Ferndale and

5.24 Ferndale electoral division consists of the Community of Ferndale and has 3,200 electors (3,072 projected) represented by 2 councillors. This gives a level of representation of 1:1,600 electors per councillor which is 31% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor and 9% below 1,750 electors per councillor. Tylorstown electoral division consists of the Community of Tylerstown and has 3,196 electors (3,074 projected) represented by 2 councillors giving a ratio of 1:1,598 which is 31% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor.

5.25 We have noted the representation from Councillor Adams (Tylorstown electoral division) who considers that Tylorstown electoral division should retain two councillors. Councillor Adams is of the view that the number of electors is due to increase because of attainers (young people becoming eligible to vote) and to

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housing developments. We have noted however that the projected electoral figures, in respect of Tylorstown, that have been supplied to us by Rhondda, Cynon, Taff County Borough Council do not support this statement. Councillor Adams also asked us to consider the geographical makeup of the division which is made up of villages that have separate identities, independent views and problems. We have considered this point and are of the view that combining Tylorstown with a Community of a similar geographic makeup, such as Ferndale, would still allow these various views and problems to be appropriately represented and at the same time achieve substantial improvements in electoral parity

5.26 Combining the adjoining Communities of Ferndale and Tylerstown to form a new electoral division would give a total electorate of 6,396 (6,146 projected) which, if represented by 3 councillors, would result in a level of representation of 2,132 electors per councillor which is still 7% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We put this scheme forward as a proposal. This proposal combines two multi-member electoral divisions to form a new multi-member division. This amalgamation would result in a reduction of 1 councillor representing the area but it improves the electoral parity. We have given the proposed electoral division a working name of Ferndale although we would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

Hawthorn and Taffs Well

5.27 Hawthorn electoral division consists of the Hawthorn (1,616 electors, 1,941 projected) and Rhydfelin Lower (1,165 electors, 1,399 projected) wards of the Community of Pontypridd and has 2,781 electors (3,340 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 21% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. Taffs Well electoral division consists of the Community of Taffs Well and has 2,716 electors (3,263 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 18% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We consider that it would be desirable, if possible, to re-arrange the combination of communities and community wards that form the electoral divisions in this area in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

5.28 Combining the electoral divisions of Hawthorn and Taffs Well to form a new electoral division would give a total electorate of 5,497 (6,603 projected) which, if represented by 3 councillors, would result in a level of representation of 1,832 electors per councillor which is 20% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We put this scheme forward as a proposal. This proposal combines two single member electoral divisions new multi-member division and will result in an increase of one Councillor representing the area. We have given the proposed electoral division a working name of Hawthorn although we would welcome any suggestions for alternative names

Llanharan and

5.29 Llanharan electoral division consists of the Llanharan ward of the Community of Llanharan and has 2,434 electors (2,687 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 6% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. Brynna electoral division consists of the Brynna (2,119 electors, 2,339 projected)

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and wards of the Community of Llanharan and has 2,919 electors (3,223 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 27% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We consider that it would be desirable, if possible, to re-arrange the combination of community wards that form the electoral divisions in this area in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

5.30 Combining these adjoining three wards of the community of Llanharan to form a new electoral division would give a total electorate of 5,353 (5,910 projected) which, if represented by 2 councillors, would result in a level of representation of 2,677 electors per councillor which is 9% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We put this scheme forward as a proposal. This proposal combines two single member electoral divisions to form a new multi-member division. We have given the proposed electoral division a working name of Llanharan although we would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

Llwyn-y-pia and

5.31 The Llwyn-y-pia electoral division consists of the Community of Llwyn-y-pia and has 1,697 electors (1,652 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 26% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor and 3% below 1,750 electors per councillor. Trealaw electoral division consists of the Community of Trealaw and has 2,987 electors (2,906 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 30% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We consider that it would be desirable, if possible, to re-arrange the combination of communities that form the electoral divisions in this area in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

5.32 Combining these two adjoining electoral divisions would give a total electorate of 4,684 (4,558 projected) which, if represented by 2 councillors, would result in a level of representation of 2,342 electors per councillor which is 2% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We put this scheme forward as a proposal. This proposal combines two single-member electoral divisions to form a new multi-member division. We have given the proposed electoral division a working name of Llwyn-y-pia although we would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

Mountain Ash East, Mountain Ash West and

5.33 The Community of Mountain Ash has no Community Council and is therefore not divided into community wards for the purposes of community council electoral arrangements. Under the current electoral arrangements for the County Borough Council however the Community of Mountain Ash is divided on the basis of former District Council wards that were abolished in 1996. As we have considered with Aberaman at 5.11 above, the current arrangements are anomalous because the Community does not lie wholly within an electoral division as required by the rules. As part of this review of electoral arrangements we are required by the rules to make proposals that will rectify this anomaly.

5.34 The Community of Mountain Ash is divided into two electoral divisions, namely and Mountain Ash West. Mountain Ash East electoral division

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has 2,232 electors (2,090 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 3% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. Mountain Ash West electoral division has 3,176 electors (2,976 projected) represented by 2 councillors. This gives a level of representation of 1,588 electors per councillor which is 31% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. The Penrhiwceiber electoral division consists of the Community of Penrhiwceiber and has 4,243 electors (3,975 projected) represented by 2 councillors. This gives a level of representation of 2,122 electors per councillor which is 8% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We consider that it would be desirable, if possible, to re-arrange the combination of communities that form the electoral divisions in this area in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity and to remove the anomaly mentioned above.

5.35 Combining the Communities of Mountain Ash and Penrhiwceiber to form a new electoral division would give a total electorate of 9,651 (9,041 projected) which, if represented by 4 councillors, would result in a level of representation of 2,413 electors per councillor which is 5% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We put this scheme forward as a proposal. This proposal combines a single member electoral division and two multi member electoral divisions to form a new multi-member electoral division. This amalgamation would result in a reduction of 1 councillor representing the area but it improves the electoral parity. We have given the proposed electoral division a working name of Mountain Ash although we would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

Rhigos and

5.36 electoral division consists of the Community of Rhigos with 688 electors (631 projected) and the Penderyn ward of the Community of Hirwaun with 704 electors (645 projected) giving a total of 1,392 electors (1,276 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 40% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. Hirwaun electoral division consists of the Hirwaun ward of the Community of Hirwaun with 3,128 electors (2,963 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 36% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We are of the view that it is not an appropriate arrangement for such a wide variation of electoral representation to exist in two adjoining electoral divisions, particularly ones which contain wards of the same community. We consider therefore that it would be desirable, if possible, to re- arrange the combination of communities and community wards that form the electoral divisions in this area in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

5.37 We have noted the representation from Hirwaun Community Council who consider that 1,750 electors per councillor should be a maximum figure and where possible a lesser figure should be encouraged. As we have mentioned at 5.5 above we will be keeping the level of representation of 1,750 electors per councillor very much in mind as the aim to be worked towards whilst paying attention to the aspirations of local communities having their own identifiable representation. The current average level of representation in Rhondda, Cynon, Taff is 2,304 electors per councillor. If this were reduced to 1,750 electors per councillor as suggested then the councillor numbers would rise from 75 to 99. This would not then comply with another of the Minister’s Directions that suggests in order to minimise the risk of a

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Council becoming unwieldy and difficult to manage a maximum number of 75 councillors is ordinarily required for the proper management of the affairs of a county or a county borough council. We are therefore of the view that a significant increase in the number of councillors representing Rhondda, Cynon, Taff County Borough Council would not be of benefit in terms of effective and convenient local government. Nor are we aware of any special circumstances affecting Hirwaun that would call for exceptional consideration. We note Hirwaun Community Council’s view that multi-member electoral divisions are an acceptable alternative to a higher ratio of electors to councillors.

5.38 We have also noted the representation from Rhigos Community Council where they stated that they would wish to stand alone in their own electoral division. The number of electors in the Rhigos Community is however only 688 and, if represented by 1 councillor, the suggested electoral division would be 70% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We do not consider that such a variation between the level of electoral parity in Rhigos and that of the remainder of the County Borough Council would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government. As in 5.37, we are not aware of any special circumstances affecting Rhigos that would call for exceptional consideration. We note that Rhigos is currently combined for electoral purposes with the Penderyn ward of the Community of Hirwaun and consider therefore that it would be appropriate to consider combining the Communities of Rhigos and Hirwaun together to form an electoral division.

5.39 Combining the Communities of Rhigos and Hirwaun to form a new electoral division would give a total electorate of 4,520 (4,239 projected) which, if represented by 2 councillors, would result in a level of representation of 2,260 electors per councillor which is 2% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We put this scheme forward as a proposal. This proposal combines two single-member electoral divisions to form a new multi-member division. We have given the proposed electoral division a working name of Hirwaun and Rhigos although we would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

Rhondda and

5.40 Rhondda electoral division consists of the Rhondda ward of the Community of Pontypridd and has 3,279 electors (3,079 projected) represented by 2 councillors. This gives a level of representation of 1,640 electors per councillor which is 29% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. Glyncoch electoral division consists of the Glyncoch ward of the Community of Pontypridd and has 1,975 electors (1,866 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 14% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We consider that it would be desirable, if possible, to re-arrange the combination of community wards that form the electoral divisions in this area in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

5.41 Combining the Rhondda and Glyncoch wards of the Community of Pontypridd to form a new electoral division would give a total electorate of 5,254 (4,945 projected) which, if represented by 2 councillors, would result in a level of representation of 2,627 electors per councillor which is 7% above the current county average of

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2,304 electors per councillor. As this proposal joins together two wards of the same Community we are of the view that no local ties will be broken by the fixing of this electoral division boundary. We put this scheme forward as a proposal. This proposal combines a single member electoral division and a multi member electoral division to form a new multi-member division. This amalgamation would result in a reduction of 1 councillor representing the area but it improves the electoral parity. We have given the proposed electoral division a working name of Rhondda although we would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

Talbot Green and

5.42 electoral division consists of the Talbot Green ward of the Community of Llantrisant and has 1,992 electors (2,119 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 14% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. Pontyclun electoral division consists of the Community of Pontyclun which has 6,022 electors (6,648 projected) represented by 2 councillors. This gives a level of representation of 3,011 electors per councillor which is 31% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We consider that it would be desirable, if possible, to re-arrange the combination of communities and community wards that form the electoral divisions in this area in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

5.43 Combining Talbot Green ward of the Community of Llantrisant and the Community of Pontyclun to form a new electoral division would give a total electorate of 8,014 (8,767 projected) which, if represented by 3 councillors, would result in a level of representation of 2,671 electors per councillor which is 16% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We put this scheme forward as a proposal. This proposal combines a single member electoral division and a multi- member electoral division to form a new multi-member division. We have given the proposed electoral division a working name of Pontyclun although we would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

Trallwng and Graig

5.44 Trallwng electoral division consists of the Trallwng ward of the Community of Pontypridd and has 2,876 electors (2,716 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 25% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. Graig electoral division consists of the Graig ward of the Community of Pontypridd and has 1,692 electors (1,596 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 27% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We consider that it would be desirable, if possible, to re-arrange the combination of community wards that form the electoral divisions in this area in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

5.45 As stated at 5.20 above, we have noted the representations from Councillor Joyce Cass and the Beddau Ward Labour Party who both suggest making changes to the boundary of Graig ward of the Community of Pontypridd and the Beddau ward of the Community of Llantrisant. For the reasons given at 5.1 to 5.4 above we are unable to consider such changes as part of this review.

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5.46 Combining these two wards of the Community of Pontypridd to form a new electoral division would give a total electorate of 4,568 (4,312 projected) which, if represented by 2 councillors, would result in a level of representation of 2,284 electors per councillor which is 1% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We put this scheme forward as a proposal. This proposal combines two single member electoral divisions to form a new multi-member division. We have given the proposed electoral division a working name of Trallwng although we would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

Treforest and Rhydfelin Central / Ilan

5.47 electoral division consists of the Treforest ward of the Community of Pontypridd and has 2,486 electors represented by 1 councillor which is 8% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. Rhydfelin Central / Ilan electoral division consists of the Ilan and Rhydfelin Central wards of the Community of Pontypridd and has 3,084 electors (3,704 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 34% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We consider that it would be desirable, if possible, to re-arrange the combination of community wards that form the electoral divisions in this area in order to achieve improvements in electoral parity.

5.48 Combining these three adjoining wards of the Community of Pontypridd to form a new electoral division would give a total electorate of 5,570 (6,689 projected) which, if represented by 3 councillors, would result in a level of representation of 1,857 electors per councillor which is 19% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor. We put this scheme forward as a proposal. This proposal combines two single member electoral divisions to form a new multi-member division and will result in an increase of one Councillor representing the area. We have given the proposed electoral division a working name of Treforest although we would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

Tonyrefail West

5.49 Tonyrefail West electoral division consists of the Penrhiw-fer (1,042 electors, 1,146 projected), Thomastown (1,158 electors, 1,274 projected) and Tynybryn (2,212 electors, 2,434 projected) wards of the Community of Tonyrefail with a total of 4,412 electors (4,854 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 91% above the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor.

5.50 We propose to increase the number of Councillors representing the Tonyrefail West electoral division to 2. This would result in a level of representation of 2,206 electors per councillor (4% below the current county average of 2,304 electors per councillor, instead of 91% above), achieving a substantial improvement in electoral parity.

6. PROPOSALS

6.1. We propose that the overall council size remains unchanged at a council of 75 members but with 35 electoral divisions as set out in Appendix 3. For purposes of

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comparison the present electoral arrangements for the County Borough are given at Appendix 2. The boundaries of the proposed electoral divisions are shown by continuous yellow lines on the map placed on deposit with this Report at the Offices of Rhondda, Cynon, Taff County Borough Council and the Office of the Commission in Cardiff.

6.2. This draft scheme represents our preliminary views on the electoral arrangements for the County Borough of Rhondda, Cynon, Taff. We shall welcome any representations in respect of these proposals. We will consider carefully all representations made to us in respect of them before formulating our final proposals and submitting them to the Welsh Assembly Government.

7. RESPONSES TO THIS REPORT

7.1. All observations on this draft scheme should be sent to:

The Secretary Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales Caradog House 1-6 St Andrews Place Cardiff CF10 3BE

not later than 30 March 2010.

MR P J WOOD (Chairman)

REV. HYWEL MEREDYDD DAVIES BD (Deputy Chairman)

Mr D J BADER (Member)

17

E H LEWIS BSc. DPM FRSA FCIPD (Secretary)

January 2010

18 Appendix 1

GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN THIS REPORT

Commission The Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales

Council size The number of councillors elected to the council

Directions issued to the Commission by the Government Directions under Section 59 of the 1972 Act

How many Councillors there should be on the council of local government area, the parts into which the area Electoral should be divided for the purpose of electing councillors, arrangements the number of councillors for each electoral division, and the name of any electoral area

The divisions into which principal areas are divided for the Electoral purpose of electing councillors, sometimes referred to divisions colloquially as wards

Electoral A review in which the Commission considers electoral review arrangements for a local government area

The number of persons entitled to vote in a local Electorate government area The principle that votes within a principal area should carry equal weight, measured by a comparison between Electoral parity an electoral division and the county average of the number of electors represented by a single councillor. Government The Welsh Assembly Government

Person or body who has an interest in the outcome of an electoral review such as the principal council concerned, Interested person local MPs, AMs and political parties, community and town councils

Multi Electoral division within a principal area represented by member more than one councillor division

Order made by the Government, giving effect to the Order proposals of the Commission, either as submitted or with modifications

The area governed by a principal council: in Wales, a Principal area County or County Borough

1 Appendix 1

In Wales, one of the unitary authorities: a County or Principal council County Borough council

The five-year forecast of the number of electors provided Projected electorate by the Council for the area under review

Body or individual person who responds to the Respondent Commission’s consultation by making representations or suggesting alternative proposals

Rules to be observed by the Commission in considering Rules electoral arrangements

Single Electoral division of a principal authority represented by member one councillor division

The Local Government Act 1972 as amended by the 1994 The 1972 Act Act

The 1994 Act The Local Government (Wales) Act 1994

A principal council - the single tier organ of local government, responsible for all or almost all local Unitary government functions within its area, which in Wales authority replaced the two tier system of county councils and district councils: a County Council, or a County Borough Council The electoral areas of Community Councils (not all Wards Community Council areas are warded). The term is also used to describe the principal council electoral divisions

2 Appendix 2 COUNTY BOROUGH OF RHONDDA, CYNON, TAFF Page 1 EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

NO OF % variance % variance ELECTORATE 2009 ELECTORATE 2014 No. NAME DESCRIPTION COUNCILLORS from County from County 2009 RATIO 2014 RATIO 2009 average average

That part of the Community of Aberaman specified in relation to the existing district ward of Aberaman Aberaman North North in column 2 of Schedule 1 to the Borough of 2 3,768 1,884 -18% 3,664 1,832 -21% (Electoral Arrangements) Order 1 1983(a) That part of the Community of Aberaman not Aberaman South contained in the electoral division of Aberaman 2 3,363 1,682 -27% 3,269 1,635 -30% 2 North 3 Abercynon The Community of Abercynon 2 4,510 2,255 -2% 4,226 2,113 -9% That part of the Community of Aberdare specified in relation to the existing district ward of Aberdare Aberdare East 2 5,117 2,559 11% 4,976 2,488 7% East in column 2 of Schedule 1 to the Borough of 4 Cynon Valley (Electoral Arrangements) Order The Community of Llwydcoed and that part of the Aberdare West/Llwydcoed Community of Aberdare not contained in the 3 7,160 2,387 4% 6,962 2,321 0% 5 electoral division of Aberdare East 6 Beddau The Beddau ward of the Community of Llantrisant 1 3,232 3,232 40% 3,418 3,418 47% The Brynna and Llanilid wards of the Community Brynna 1 2,919 2,919 27% 3,223 3,223 39% 7 of Llanharan The Church Village ward of the Community of Church Village 1 3,435 3,435 49% 3,632 3,632 56% 8 Llantwit Fardre The Cilfynydd ward of the Community of Cilfynydd 1 2,142 2,142 -7% 2,022 2,022 -13% 9 Pontypridd 10 Cwm Clydach The Community of Cwm Clydach 1 2,117 2,117 -8% 2,060 2,060 -11% 11 Cwmbach The Community of Cwmbach 1 3,189 3,189 38% 3,099 3,099 33% 12 Cymmer The Communities of Cymmer and 2 4,407 2,204 -4% 3,929 1,965 -15% 13 Ferndale The Community of Ferndale 2 3,200 1,600 -31% 3,072 1,536 -34% 14 Gilfach Goch The Community of Gilfach Goch 1 2,450 2,450 6% 2,696 2,696 16% The Glyncoch ward of the Community of Glyncoch 1 1,975 1,975 -14% 1,866 1,866 -20% 15 Pontypridd 16 Graig The Graig ward of the Community of Pontypridd 1 1,692 1,692 -27% 1,596 1,596 -31% The Hawthorn and Rhydfelen Lower wards of the Hawthorn 1 2,781 2,781 21% 3,340 3,340 44% 17 Community of Pontypridd 18 Hirwaun The Hirwaun ward of the Community of Hirwaun 1 3,128 3,128 36% 2,963 2,963 27% The Llanharan ward of the Community of Llanharan 1 2,434 2,434 6% 2,687 2,687 16% 19 Llanharan 20 Llanharry The Community of Llanharry 1 2,644 2,644 15% 2,920 2,920 26% 21 Llantrisant Town The Town ward of the Community of Llantrisant 1 3,726 3,726 62% 4,114 4,114 77% The and Llantwit Fardre wards of the Llantwit Fardre 2 4,661 2,331 1% 4,928 2,464 6% 22 Community of Llantwit Fardre 23 Llwyn-y-pia The Community of Llwyn-y-pia 1 1,697 1,697 -26% 1,652 1,652 -29% 24 Maerdy The Community of Maerdy 1 2,391 2,391 4% 2,295 2,295 -1% That part of the Community of Mountain Ash specified in relation to the existing district ward of Appendix 2 Mountain Ash East Mountain Ash East in column 2 of Schedule 1 to 1 2,232 2,232 -3% 2,090 2,090 -10% the Borough of Cynon Valley (Electoral 25 Arrangements) Order 1983 That part of the Community of Mountain Ash not Mountain Ash West contained in the electoral division of Mountain Ash 2 3,176 1,588 -31% 2,976 1,488 -36% 26 East Appendix 2 COUNTY BOROUGH OF RHONDDA, CYNON, TAFF Page 2 EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

NO OF % variance % variance ELECTORATE 2009 ELECTORATE 2014 No. NAME DESCRIPTION COUNCILLORS from County from County 2009 RATIO 2014 RATIO 2009 average average

27 Penrhiwceiber The Community of Penrhiwceiber 2 4,243 2,122 -8% 3,975 1,988 -14% 28 Pentre The Community of Pentre 2 4,033 2,017 -12% 3,920 1,960 -16% 29 Pen-y-graig The Community of Pen-y-graig 2 4,152 2,076 -10% 4,040 2,020 -13% 30 Pen-y-waun The Community of Pen-y-waun 1 2,022 2,022 -12% 1,851 1,851 -20% 31 Pont-y-clun The Community of Pont-y-clun 2 6,022 3,011 31% 6,648 3,324 43% 32 Pontypridd Town The Town ward of the Community of Pontypridd 1 2,289 2,289 -1% 2,161 2,161 -7% 33 Porth The Community of Porth 2 4,448 2,224 -3% 4,235 2,118 -9% The Community of Rhigos and the Penderyn ward Rhigos 1 1,392 1,392 -40% 1,276 1,276 -45% 34 of the Community of Hirwaun The Rhondda ward of the Community of Rhondda 2 3,279 1,640 -29% 3,366 1,683 -28% 35 Pontypridd The Ilan and Rhydfelen Central wards of the Rhydfelen Central/Ilan 1 3,084 3,084 34% 3,704 3,704 59% 36 Community of Pontypridd 37 Taffs Well The Community of Taffs Well 1 2,716 2,716 18% 3,263 3,263 40% The Talbot Green ward of the Community of Talbot Green 1 1,992 1,992 -14% 2,119 2,119 -9% 38 Llantrisant The Ton-teg ward of the Community of Llantwit Ton-teg 2 3,408 1,704 -26% 3,603 1,802 -23% 39 Fardre 40 Tonypandy The Community of Tonypandy 1 2,652 2,652 15% 2,580 2,580 11% The Coedely, Collena and Tylcha wards of the Tonyrefail East 2 4,265 2,133 -7% 4,692 2,346 1% 41 Community of Tonyrefail The Penrhiw-fer, Thomastown and Tynybryn wards Tonyrefail West 1 4,412 4,412 91% 4,854 4,854 109% 42 of the Community of Tonyrefail

43 Trallwng The Trallwng ward of the Community of Pontypridd 1 2,876 2,876 25% 2,716 2,716 17% 44 Trealaw The Community of Trealaw 1 2,987 2,987 30% 2,906 2,906 25% The Treforest ward of the Community of Treforest 1 2,486 2,486 8% 2,985 2,985 28% 45 Pontypridd 46 Treherbert The Community of Treherbert 2 4,306 2,153 -7% 4,186 2,093 -10% 47 Treorchy The Community of Treorchy 3 5,905 1,968 -15% 5,741 1,914 -18% 48 Tylorstown The Community of Tylorstown 2 3,196 1,598 -31% 3,074 1,537 -34% The Tyn-y-nant ward of the Community of Tyn-y-nant 1 2,578 2,578 12% 2,726 2,726 17% 49 Llantrisant 50 Ynyshir The Community of Ynyshir 1 2,457 2,457 7% 2,294 2,294 -1% 51 Ynysybwl The Community of Ynysybwl and Coed-y-Cwm 1 3,567 3,567 55% 3,367 3,367 45% 52 Ystrad The Community of Ystrad 2 4,507 2,254 -2% 4,385 2,193 -6% TOTALS: 75 172,820 2,304 174,342 2,325

Ratio is the number of electors per councillor. The number of electors for 2009 and 2014 (in brackets) are included in the description of those electoral divisions which comprise more than one community / community ward. Electoral figures supplied by Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council Appendix 2 2009 2014 Greater than + or - 50% of County average 36%48% Between + or - 25% and + or - 50% of County average 18 35% 19 37% Between + or - 10% and + or - 25% of County average 13 25% 18 35% Between 0% and + or - 10% of County average 18 35% 11 21% Appendix 3 Page 1

COUNTY BOROUGH OF RHONDDA, CYNON, TAFF PROPOSED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP % % variance variance NO. OF ELECTORATE 2009 ELECTORAT 2014 No. NAME DESCRIPTION from from COUNCILLORS 2009 RATIO E 2014 RATIO County County average average The Communities of Aberaman 7,131 (6,933) and Aberaman 4 10,320 1 Cwmbach 3,189 (3,099) 2,580 5% 10,032 2,508 9% The Communities of Abercynon 4,510 (4,226) and Abercynon 3 8,077 2 Ynysybwl and Coed-y-Cwm 3,567 (3,367) 2,692 10% 7,593 2,531 10% The Communities of Aberdare 11,245 (10,766) and 3 Aberdare Llwydcoed 1,032 (1,172) 5 12,277 2,455 0% 11,938 2,388 4% The Church Village 3,435 (3,632) and Ton-teg 3,408 Church Village 3 6,843 4 (3,603) wards of the Community of Llantwit Fardre 2,281 -7% 7,235 2,412 5% 5 Cilfynydd The Cilfynydd ward of the Community of Pontypridd 1 2,142 2,142 -13% 2,022 2,022 -12% 6 Cwm Clydach The Community of Cwm Clydach 1 2,117 2,117 -14% 2,060 2,060 -10% The Communities of Cymmer 3,844 (3,653) and Trehafod Cymmer 2 4,407 7 563 (563) 2,204 -10% 4,216 2,108 -8% The Communities of Ferndale 3,200 (3,072) and 3 6,396 8 Ferndale Tylerstown 3,196 (3,074) 2,132 -13% 6,146 2,049 -11% 9 Gilfach Goch The Community of Gilfach Goch 1 2,450 2,450 0% 2,696 2,696 18% The Hawthorn 1,616 (1,941) and Rhydfelin Lower 1,165 Hawthorn (1,399) wards of the Community of Pontypridd and the 3 5,497 10 Community of Taffs Well 2,716 (3,263) 1,832 -25% 6,603 2,201 -4% 11 Llanharan The Community of Llanharan 2 5,353 2,677 9% 5,910 2,955 29% 12 Llanharry The Community of Llanharry 1 2,644 2,644 8% 2,920 2,920 27% The Town 3,726 (4,114) and Beddau 3,232 (3,418) wards Llantrisant 3 6,958 13 of the Community of Llantrisant 2,319 -6% 7,532 2,511 9% The Efail Isaf 1,019 (1,077)and Llantwit Fardre 3,642 Llantwit Fardre 2 4,661 14 (3,851) wards of the Community of Llantwit Fardre 2,331 -5% 4,928 2,464 7% The Communities of Llwyn-y-pia 1,697 (1,652) and Llwyn-y-pia 2 4,684 15 Trealaw 2,987 (2,906) 2,342 -5% 4,558 2,279 -1% 16 Maerdy The Community of Maerdy 1 2,391 2,391 -3% 2,295 2,295 0% The Communities of Mountain Ash 5,408 (5,066) and Mountain Ash 4 9,651 17 Penrhiwceiber 4,243 (3,975) 2,413 -2% 9,041 2,260 -1%

18 Pentre The Community of Pentre 2 4,033 2,017 -18% 3,920 1,960 -15% Appendix 3 19 Pen-y-graig The Community of Pen-y-graig 2 4,152 2,076 -16% 4,040 2,020 -12% 20 Pen-y-waun The Coomunity of Pen-y-waun 1 2,022 2,022 -18% 1,851 1,851 -19% The Community of Pont-y-clun 6,022 (6,648) and the Pont-y-clun Talbot Green 1,992 (2,119) ward of the Community of 3 8,014 21 Llantrisant 2,671 9% 8,767 2,922 27% Appendix 3 Page 2

COUNTY BOROUGH OF RHONDDA, CYNON, TAFF PROPOSED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP % % variance variance NO. OF ELECTORATE 2009 ELECTORAT 2014 No. NAME DESCRIPTION from from COUNCILLORS 2009 RATIO E 2014 RATIO County County average average Pontypridd The Town ward of the Community of Pontypridd 22 Town 1 2,289 2,289 -7% 2,161 2,161 -6% 23 Porth The Community of Porth 2 4,448 2,224 -9% 4,235 2,118 -8% The Communities of Hirwaun 3,832 (3,608) and Rhigos Hirwaun and 2 4,520 24 Rhigos 688 (631) 2,260 -8% 4,239 2,120 -8% The Rhondda 3,279 (3,079) and Glyncoch 1,975 (1,866) Rhondda 2 5,254 25 wards of the Community of Pontypridd 2,627 7% 4,945 2,473 8% 26 Tonypandy The Community of Tonypandy 1 2,652 2,652 8% 2,580 2,580 12% The Coedely 1,313 (1,445), Collena 1,649 (1,814) and Tonyrefail East Tylcha 1,303 (1,433) wards of the Community of 2 4,265 27 Tonyrefail 2,133 -13% 4,692 2,346 2% The Penrhiw-fer 1,042 (1,146), Thomastown 1,158 Tonyrefail West (1,274) and Tynybryn 2,212 (2,434) wards of the 2 4,412 28 Community of Tonyrefail 2,206 -10% 4,854 2,427 6% The Graig 1,692 (1,596) and Trallwng 2,876 (2,716) Trallwng 2 4,568 29 wards of the Community of Pontypridd 2,284 -7% 4,312 2,156 -6% The Treforest 2,486 (2,985), Ilan 963 (1,148) and Treforest Rhydfelin Central 2,121 (2,556) wards of the Community 3 5,570 30 of Pontypridd 1,857 -24% 6,689 2,230 -3% 31 Treherbert The Community of Treherbert 2 4,306 2,153 -12% 4,186 2,093 -9% 32 Treorchy The Community of Treorchy 3 5,905 1,968 -20% 5,741 1,914 -17% 333 Tyn-y-nant The Tyn-y-nant ward of the Community of Llantrisant 1 2,578 2,578 5% 2,726 2,726 19% 34 Ynyshir The Community of Ynyshir 1 2,457 2,457 0% 2,294 2,294 0% 35 Ystrad The Community of Ystrad 2 4,507 2,254 -8% 4,385 2,193 -4% TOTALS: 75 172,820 2,304 174,342 2,325 Ratio is the number of electors per councillor The number of electors for 2009 and 2014 (in brackets) are included in the description of those electoral divisions which comprise more than one communit community ward. Electoral figures supplied by Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council Appendix 3 2009 2014 Greater than + or - 50% of County average 0 0% 0 0% Between + or - 25% and + or - 50% of County average 0 0% 3 8% Between + or - 10% and + or - 25% of County average 15 42% 13 36% Between 0% and + or - 10% of County average 21 58% 20 56% Appendix 4

- 1 - Appendix 4

- 2 - Appendix 4

- 3 - Appendix 4

- 4 - Appendix 5

SUMMARY OF INITIAL REPRESENTATIONS

Rhondda, Cynon, Taff County Borough Council wrote to confirm that it would not be submitting a draft scheme by way of initial observations.

Hirwaun and Penderyn Community Council had considered the information outlined in the Commissions presentation to the County Borough Council and resolved to make the following points:  That a ratio of 1:1,750 councillors to electors should be a maximum figure, and where possible a lesser figure should be encouraged.  Multi member wards [electoral divisions] are an acceptable alternative to a higher ratio of electors to councillors.

Rhigos Community Council wrote briefly stating that Rhigos would prefer to stand alone.

County Councillor Mark Adams, Member for Tylorstown wrote to enclose his submission to retain two councillors in the Tylorstown electoral division. Reasons for this include the number of current electors in the division, the prospective increase in electorate due to the current number of young people that would be eligible to vote in 2012 and a projected rise of new housing in the area with several developments in the pipeline.

He added that he would like the Commission to take into account the geographical makeup of the division and the villages therein who all have separate identities, independent views and problems.

County Councillor Joyce Cass, Member for Graig wrote to suggest the incorporation of the whole of Pencoedcae community into the Graig electoral division.

Secretary of the Beddau Ward Labour Party, wrote to suggest community and electoral division boundary changes in the Pencoedcae area affecting the Beddau and Graig electoral divisions.

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