LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

Review of the Electoral Arrangements of the County of Ceredigion

Final Recommendations Report

May 2019 © LDBCW copyright 2019

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This document is also available from our website at www.ldbc.gov.wales FOREWORD

The Commission is pleased to present this Report to the Minister, which contains its recommendations for revised electoral arrangements for the County of Ceredigion. This review is part of the programme of reviews being conducted under the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013, and follows the principles contained in the Commission’s Policy and Practice document. The issue of fairness is at the heart of the Commission’s statutory responsibilities. The Commission’s objective has been to make recommendations that provide for effective and convenient local government, and which respect, as far as possible, local community ties. The recommendations are aimed at improving electoral parity, so that the vote of an individual elector has as equal a value to those of other electors throughout the County, so far as it is possible to achieve. The Commission is grateful to the Members and Officers of Ceredigion County Council for their assistance in its work, to the Community and Town Councils for their valuable contributions, and to all who have made representations throughout the process. Owen Watkin OBE DL Chair

LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES REVIEW OF THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS OF THE COUNTY OF CEREDIGION FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT Contents Page Chapter 1 Introduction 1 Chapter 2 The Draft Proposals 2 Chapter 3 Summary of Final Recommendations 3 Chapter 4 Assessment 7 Chapter 5 The Final Recommendations 9 Chapter 6 Summary of Recommended Arrangements 51 Chapter 7 Responses to this Report 52 Chapter 8 Acknowledgements 53

APPENDIX 1 GLOSSARY OF TERMS APPENDIX 2 EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP APPENDIX 3 RECOMMENDED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP APPENDIX 4 RULES AND PROCEDURES APPENDIX 5 SUMMARY OF DRAFT REPRESENTATIONS APPENDIX 6 CABINET SECRETARY FOR FINANCE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT 23 JUNE 2016 - WRITTEN STATEMENT

1st Edition printed May 2019

The Commission welcomes correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Mae’r ddogfen ar hon ar gael yn y Gymraeg.

The Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales Hastings House Fitzalan Court CARDIFF CF24 0BL

Tel Number: (029) 2046 4819 Fax Number: (029) 2046 4823

E-mail: [email protected] www.ldbc.gov.wales LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

Julie James, AM Minister for Housing and Local Government Welsh Government

Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION 1. The Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales (the Commission) has conducted a review of the electoral arrangements of the County of Ceredigion. This review was conducted in accordance with the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (the Act), specifically Sections 29, 30 and 34-36. 2. Pursuant to the Act, the Commission has completed the review of the electoral arrangements for the County of Ceredigion and presents its final recommendations for future electoral arrangements. 3. This programme of reviews has come as a result of the former Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government’s Written Statement of 23 June 2016, where the Commission was asked to restart its programme of reviews, with an expectation that all 22 electoral reviews be completed in time for the new arrangements to be put in place for the 2022 local government elections. The Written Statement can be found at Appendix 6. 4. The rules and procedures the Commission follows can be found in the Commission’s Electoral Reviews: Policy and Practice [2016] and outlined in Appendix 4. A Glossary of Terms can be found at Appendix 1, providing a short description of some of the common terminology used within this report. 5. Section 35 of the Act lays down the procedural guidelines which are to be followed in carrying out a review. In compliance with Section 35 the Commission wrote to Ceredigion County Council, all the community and town councils in the area, the mandatory consultees and other interested parties on 17 January 2017 to inform them of our intention to conduct the review and request their preliminary views. This consultation ran from 26 January 2017 to 19 April 2017. The Commission also made copies of its Electoral Reviews: Policy and Practice [2016] document available. 6. The Commission published its Draft Proposals Report on 16 January 2018, and requested views on the proposals. This consultation ran from 23 January 2018 to 16 April 2018. 7. The Commission publicised the review on its website and social media channels and asked Ceredigion County Council to publicise the review and provided the Council with a number of public notices to display. These were also provided to the community and town councils in the area. In addition, the Commission made a presentation to both county and town and community councillors to explain the review process and the Commission’s policies. The County Council was invited to submit a suggested scheme for new electoral arrangements.

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Chapter 2. THE DRAFT PROPOSALS 1. Prior to the formulation of the draft proposals, the Commission received representations from Ceredigion County Council, five town and community councils, two county councillors and 44 other interested bodies and residents. 2. Ceredigion County Council proposed a full scheme of arrangements (which can be seen in full in the Commission’s Draft Proposals Report, January 2018), which resulted in a scheme of 39 members. They also proposed boundary changes between the Town of Cardigan and the Community of Y Ferwig, between the Town of Aberystwyth and the Community of Faenor, between the Town of New Quay and the Community of Llanllwchaiarn, and to restructure the wards within the Communities of Llandysul and Troedyraur. A number of representations received highlighted the differences in the needs of rural and urban communities within the County and several of the representations received from community and town councils presented alternative suggestions to those submitted by the County Council. 3. These representations were taken into consideration and summarised in the Draft Proposals Report published on 16 January 2018, informing the listed mandatory consultees and other interested parties of a period of consultation on the draft proposals which commenced on 23 January 2018 and ended on 16 April 2018. The Commission asked Ceredigion County Council to display copies of the report alongside public notices in the area. The Commission’s draft proposals proposed a change to the arrangement of electoral wards that would have achieved a marked improvement in the level of electoral parity across the County of Ceredigion. 4. The Commission proposed a council of 38 members. This resulted in a proposed county average of 1,384 electors per member. The Commission proposed 33 electoral wards, a reduction from 40 existing electoral wards. 5. The largest under-representation (in terms of electoral variance) was proposed to be in Llandysul North and Troedyraur (23% above the proposed county average). At present the greatest under-representation is in Llansantffraed (34% above the proposed county average). 6. The largest over-representation (in terms of electoral variance) was proposed to be in Aberystwyth Penparcau (25% below the proposed county average). At present the greatest over-representation is in Llanbadarn Fawr Sulien (46% below the proposed county average). 7. The Commission proposed five two-member electoral wards in the County. 8. The Commission proposed no changes to 16 electoral wards. 9. The Commission proposed to have eight electoral wards within the county which combined part of a warded community or town, along with its neighbouring community. These community splits were present within the Town of Aberystwyth and the Communities of Dyffryn Arth, Llandysul, Melindwr and Nantcwnlle. 10. The Commission proposed no boundary changes.

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Chapter 3. SUMMARY OF FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS • The Commission received representations from Ceredigion County Council, 17 town and community councils, five county councillors, one community committee and 34 members of the public in response to the Draft Proposals. The Commission considered all of these representations carefully before it formulated its recommendations. A summary of those representations can be found at Appendix 5. • The Commission recommends a change to the arrangement of electoral wards that will achieve a marked improvement in the level of electoral parity across the County of Ceredigion. • The Commission recommends a council of 38 members, a reduction from the present 42 members. This results in a recommended county average of 1,384 electors per member. • The Commission recommends 34 electoral wards, a reduction from 40 existing wards. • The largest under-representation (in terms of variance from the recommended county average) is recommended to be 23% above the recommended county average (Llandysul North and Troedyraur). At present the greatest variance is 34% above the recommended county average (Llansantffraed). • The largest over-representation (in terms of variance from the recommended county average) is recommended to be 25% below the recommended county average (Aberystwyth Penparcau). At present the greatest variance is 46% below the recommended county average (Llanbadarn Fawr Sulien). • The Commission recommends four two-member electoral wards in the County; Aberporth and Y Ferwig, Aberystwyth Morfa a Glais, Aberystwyth Penparcau and Beulah and Llangoedmor. • The Commission recommends no change to 19 electoral wards. • The Commission recommends five electoral wards within the county which combine a part of a warded community, along with its neighbouring community. These community splits are present within the Communities of Dyffryn Arth, Llandysul, and Nantcwnlle. • The Commission recommends no boundary changes.

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Summary Maps 1. On the following pages are thematic maps illustrating the existing and recommended arrangements and their variances from the recommended county average. Those areas in green are within ±10% of the county average; yellow and hatched yellow between ±10% and ± 25% of the county average; and, orange and hatched orange between ±25% and ±50% of the county average. 2. As can be seen from these maps, the new arrangements provide for a marked improvement in electoral parity across the county.

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Insert existing thematic

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Insert recommended thematic map

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Chapter 4. ASSESSMENT 1. The Commission has a duty to achieve electoral parity across the council. In order to advance this we apply the Policy and Practice in the following way.

Council size 2. The council size for the County of Ceredigion has been determined by our council size policy and methodology. This policy can be found in our Electoral Reviews: Policy and Practice [2016] document. The methodology sets out a council size of 38 for the County of Ceredigion. At present the size of the council at 42 members is four members above the methodology’s aim. 3. The Commission reviewed the electoral arrangements for the County of Ceredigion in the light of our methodology and took account of the representations which had been made. For the reasons given below, we consider that in the interests of effective and convenient local government, a council size of 38 would be appropriate to represent the County of Ceredigion.

Number of electors 4. The numbers shown as the electorate for 2017 and the estimates for the electorate in the year 2022 are those submitted to us by Ceredigion County Council. The forecast figures supplied by Ceredigion County Council show a forecasted rise in the electorate of 2,892 from 52,598 to 55,490. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has also provided its estimated number of persons eligible to vote within the County of Ceredigion. This showed an estimated 9,547 more people eligible to vote than the 2017 electorate. 5. The Commission is aware that there are Welsh Government proposals to legislate to extend the franchise to include 16 and 17 year olds and foreign nationals, not currently eligible to vote, at the 2022 local government elections. The Commission‘s Council Size Policy utilises the entire population to determine council size and these two groups were included in the Council Size deliberations. 6. While 16 and 17 year olds are not in the existing electoral figures provided by Ceredigion County Council, they will have been included in the forecasted figures provided by the Council. Consideration of these figures has been included in the Commission’s deliberations on its recommendations. 7. Foreign nationals are included in the census data provided by the ONS. Consideration of this data has been included as part of the Commission’s deliberations on its recommendations.

Councillor to electorate ratio 8. In respect of the number of electors per councillor in each electoral ward, there is a wide variation from the current county average of 1,252 electors per councillor ranging from 41% below (742 electors) to 48% above (1,848 electors). The determination of the council size above results in an average of 1,384 electors being represented by each councillor. 9. In its deliberations the Commission 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 government electors shall be, as near as may be, the same in every ward in the principal area. The Commission considered the size and character of the council and a wide range of other factors including local topography, road communications, and local ties.

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Judgement and Balance 10. In producing a scheme of electoral arrangements, the Commission must have regard to a number of issues contained in the legislation. It is not always possible to resolve all of these, sometimes conflicting, issues. The Commission’s recommended scheme has placed emphasis on achieving improvements in electoral parity whilst maintaining community ties wherever possible. The Commission has made every effort to ensure that the revised electoral wards, in the Commission’s view, are an appropriate combination of existing communities and community wards. 11. The Commission has looked at each area and is satisfied that it would be difficult to achieve electoral arrangements that keep the existing combination of communities and community wards, without having a detrimental effect on one or more of the other issues that we must consider.

Electoral Ward Names 12. In the creation of these final recommendations the Commission has considered the names of all the electoral wards proposed in Welsh and English, where appropriate. For these final recommendations the Commission has considered names of either electoral wards or communities that appear in Orders, where they exist; those recommended by the Welsh Language Commissioner; and, in the representations it has received. 13. The Commission consulted with the Welsh Language Commissioner on the suitability of the names in their draft form prior to the publication of these final recommendations, with a particular focus on the Welsh language names. This recognises the Welsh Language Commissioner’s responsibility to advise on the standard forms of Welsh place-names and specialist knowledge in the field. It must be clear that these recommendations are not proposals for changes to any place names. At each recommendation an indication is given of the Welsh Language Commissioner’s recommended alternative and, where they differ, the specific recommendation and why they proposed an alternative to the Commission’s recommended name.

Community and Town Council Arrangements 14. The Commission received a number of representations during the draft proposals consultation period which included a misunderstanding as to the scope of the review. The Commission therefore wishes to highlight that this review of electoral arrangements is seeking to make improvements to electoral representation within Ceredigion County Council. This process is independent from any changes to arrangements concerning community or town councils. Where combinations of communities are used to create single electoral wards, the individual communities in question will retain their existing community council arrangement. These councils will remain independent following the outcome of this review, any precepts generated or assets contained within a community council, will remain part of that community council. 15. Changes to community arrangements are dealt with under a separate part of the legislation, as part of a community review led by the Council.

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Chapter 5. THE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS 1. The Commission’s recommendations are described in detail in this chapter. For each new proposal the report sets out: • The name(s) of the existing electoral wards which wholly or in part constitute the proposed ward; • A brief description of the existing electoral wards in terms of the number of electors now and projected, and their percentage variance from the proposed county average; • Key arguments made during the draft consultation (if any). Although not all representations are mentioned in this section, all representations have been considered and a summary can be found at Appendix 5; • The views of the Commission; • The composition of the recommended electoral ward and the recommended name; • A map of the recommended electoral ward (please see key below).

Retained Electoral Wards 2. The Commission has considered the electoral arrangements of the existing electoral wards and the ratio of local government electors to the number of councillors to be elected. It is recommended that the existing arrangements should be retained within the following electoral wards. Names displayed in bold within the list below denote the electoral wards where the existing geography and electoral ward names have been prescribed within Orders, and which the Commission is recommending to retain.

• Aberteifi/Cardigan-Mwldan • Llanfihangel Ystrad • Aberystwyth Penparcau • Llangeitho • Aberystwyth Rheidol • Llangybi • Borth • Llanrhystyd • Ceulanamaesmawr • Llanwenog • Ciliau Aeron • Melindwr • Faenor • Tirymynach • Llanarth • Trefuerig • Llandyfriog • Ystwyth • Llanfarian

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3. Whilst the Commission is recommending to preserve the geographical arrangements within the electoral wards listed above, it is recommending to introduce new electoral ward names for the following (names displayed in bold throughout the remainder of this report denote the Commission’s recommended electoral ward names): i) Aberteifi/Cardigan-Mwldan is recommended to have the single name of Mwldan. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received one representation from Cardigan Town Council proposing for this ward be renamed Mwldan. ii) Ceulanamaesmawr is recommended to have the single name of Ceulanamaesmawr. In the Draft Proposals the Commission proposed this electoral ward be given the single name of Ceulanamaesmawr. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name prior to the publication of the Commission’s Draft Proposals and recommended the adoption of the single name of Ceulan a Maesmawr. The Commission received one representation from Ceulanamaesmawr Community Council in support of the Commission’s proposal to apply the single name of Ceulanamaesmawr. iii) Llanarth is recommended to have the single name of Llanarth. In the Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to change the Welsh name of Llannarth to Llanarth, and to apply this single name across both languages. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name prior to the publication of the Commission’s Draft Proposals and recommended the adoption of the single name of Llannarth. The Commission received one representation from Ceredigion County Council which supported the Commission’s proposal to have the single name of Llanarth, as opposed to the recommendation from the Welsh Language Commissioner.

Proposed Electoral Wards 4. The Commission considered changes to the remaining 21 existing electoral wards. Details of the existing electoral arrangements can be found at Appendix 2. The Commission’s recommended arrangements can be found in Appendix 3.

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Aberteifi/Cardigan-Rhyd-y-Fuwch and Aberteifi/Cardigan-Teifi 5. The existing Aberteifi/Cardigan-Rhyd-y-Fuwch electoral ward is composed of the Rhyd y Fuwch ward of the Town of Cardigan. It has 884 electors (911 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 36% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 957 eligible electors. 6. The existing Aberteifi/Cardigan-Teifi electoral ward is composed of the Teifi ward of the Town of Cardigan. It has 762 electors (806 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 45% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 848 eligible electors. 7. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed the Town of Cardigan form a two-member electoral ward. 8. The Commission received five representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from: Ceredigion County Council, Cardigan Town Council, two County Councillors and a resident of Llanon. 9. Ceredigion County Council were opposed to the Commission’s draft proposal to create a two- member ward for the Town of Cardigan, and proposed that two single-member wards were retained for the Town, by retaining the existing Cardigan Mwldan electoral ward and by combining the town wards of Rhyd-y-Fuwch and Teifi to form a new single-member electoral ward. The Council proposed the new single-member ward be called Aberteifi – Teifi in Welsh and Cardigan – Teifi in English. 10. Cardigan Town Council also opposed the Commission’s draft proposal to create a two- member ward for Cardigan. The Town Council support the implementation of two single- member wards within the town; one single-member ward formed of the Mwldan ward, and a single-member ward formed by combining the Rhyd-y-Fuwch and Teifi wards of the town. The town council propose that these electoral wards be named Mwldan, and Teifi, respectively. 11. Councillor John Adams-Lewis (Aberteifi/Cardigan-Mwldan) and Councillor Catrin Miles (Aberteifi/Cardigan-Teifi) both supported the views of Ceredigion County Council and Cardigan Town Council and supported two single-member wards within the Town of Cardigan. Councillor Adams-Lewis proposed the name of Teifi for the new single-member ward. 12. The resident of Llanon also proposed the same single-member arrangements put forward by Ceredigion County Council and Cardigan Town Council and proposed the new single-member ward be named Cardigan Castle. 13. The Commission recommends the Rhyd-y-Fuwch and Teifi wards of the Town of Cardigan are combined to form an electoral ward of 1,646 electors (1,717 projected), which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation 19% above the proposed county average. 14. The Commission considers that there are good communication links and social ties between the wards of Cardigan and this proposal improves the level of electoral variance while supporting the preferences for single-member arrangements for the Town. 15. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the single name of Teifi. The Commission recommends the name as it was supported within representations. The Welsh

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Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 16. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government. 17. This recommendation allows the retention of the existing electoral ward of Aberteifi/Cardigan Mwldan, as described in paragraphs 2 and 3.

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Aberporth and Penparc 18. The existing Aberporth electoral ward is composed of the Community of Aberporth. It has 1,756 electors (1,871 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 27% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,975 eligible electors. 19. The existing Penparc electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Llangoedmor and Y Ferwig. It has 1,838 electors (1,872 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 33% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,878 eligible electors. 20. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to create a two-member ward for Communities of Aberporth and Y Ferwig. 21. The Commission received three representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from: Ceredigion County Council, Ferwig Community Council, and a member of the public. 22. Ceredigion County Council opposed the Commission’s draft proposals and recommended to preserve the existing arrangements for the electoral wards of Aberporth and Penparc. The Council highlighted that the creation of a multi-member ward within a rural area was undesirable. 23. Ferwig Community Council supported the Commission’s draft proposals to create a two- member ward for the Communities of Aberporth and Y Ferwig. 24. A resident of Llanon proposed to retain the electoral ward boundaries for Aberporth and Penparc. 25. The Commission recommends the Communities of Aberporth and Y Ferwig are combined to form an electoral ward of 2,683 electors (2,812 projected) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation 3% below the proposed county average. 26. The Commission noted that to improve the levels of electoral variance in the electoral wards of Aberporth and Penparc it would be necessary to combine the Community of Aberporth with a further community area to form an electoral ward. The Commission felt that this proposal both provided an arrangement with improved electoral variances in these communities and also respected the differences between these rural communities and the urban wards of the Town of Cardigan. This proposed two-member electoral ward combines the Communities of Aberporth and Y Ferwig, which are both situated along the coastline and share communication links along the A487 trunk road. 27. The Commission proposed the Welsh language name of Aberporth a’r Ferwig and the English language name of Aberporth and Y Ferwig in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received no representations in regard to the name. 28. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the Welsh language name of Aberporth a’r Ferwig; and the English language name of Aberporth and Y Ferwig. The Commission recommended this name as it is formed of the existing community ward names with which the electoral ward will be coterminous. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name should be Aber-porth a’r Ferwig in the Welsh language and Aber-porth and Y Ferwig in the English language, as recommended in the Gazetteer of Welsh Place-

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Names, with the inclusion of a hyphen to aid the correct pronunciation of the Welsh Place- name. Any comments on the recommended names can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 29. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Beulah and Penparc 30. The existing Beulah electoral ward is composed of the Community of Beulah. It has 1,333 electors (1,373 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 4% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,362 eligible electors. 31. The existing Penparc electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Llangoedmor and Y Ferwig. It has 1,838 electors (1,872 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 33% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,878 eligible electors. 32. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to create a two-member ward by combining the Communities of Beulah and Llangoedmor. 33. The Commission received four representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from: Ceredigion County Council, Beulah and Llangoedmor Community Councils and a member of the public. 34. Ceredigion County Council opposed the Commission’s draft proposals and recommended to preserve the existing arrangements for the electoral wards of Beulah and Penparc. The Council highlighted that the creation of a multi-member ward within a rural area was undesirable. 35. Beulah Community Council and Llangoedmor Community Council opposed the Commission’s draft proposal and recommended to preserve the existing arrangements for the electoral wards of Beulah and Penparc. Beulah Community Council highlighted the differences between the areas of Beulah and Llangoedmor and stated there has been no cooperation between these two communities; with Llangoedmor traditionally linked westward towards Cardigan, and Beulah linked with Newcastle Emlyn (Carmarthanshire) to the south-west. 36. A resident of Llanon proposed to retain the electoral ward boundaries for Beulah and Penparc. 37. The Commission recommends combining the Communities of Beulah and Llangoedmor to form an electoral ward of 2,244 electors (2,304 projected) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 19% below the proposed county average. 38. The Commission noted that to improve the levels of electoral variance in the electoral ward of Penparc, the Communities of Llangoedmor and Y Ferwig need to be included with alternative community areas when forming electoral wards. The Commission considered the available alternatives and considered that the most appropriate area to combine with Llangoedmor is the Community of Beulah. This proposed two-member electoral ward respects the rural/urban divide between these communities and the Town of Cardigan and combines areas which are linked via the A484 and B4570 roads. 39. The Commission proposed the Welsh language name of Beulah a Llangoedmor and the English language name of Beulah and Llangoedmor in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received no representations in regard to the name. 40. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the Welsh language name of Beulah a Llangoedmor; and the English language name of Beulah and Llangoedmor. The

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Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the recommended names. Any comments on the recommended names can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 41. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Capel Dewi and Llandysul Town 42. The existing Capel Dewi electoral ward is composed of the Capel Dewi, Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul. It has 1,025 electors (1,056 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 26% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,090 eligible electors. 43. The existing Llandysul Town electoral ward is composed of the Trefol ward of the Community of Llandysul. It has 1,022 electors (1,101 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 26% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,081 eligible electors. 44. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to combine the Capel Dewi and Trefol wards of the Community of Llandysul to form a single-member electoral ward. 45. The Commission received two representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from Ceredigion County Council and member of the public. 46. Ceredigion County Council supported the Commission’s draft proposal. 47. A resident of Llanon proposed to retain the existing electoral ward of Llandysul Town and to combine the Capel Dewi, Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul with the Llangynllo ward of the Community of Troedyraur to form a new single-member electoral ward. 48. The Commission recommends combining the Capel Dewi and Trefol wards of the Community of Llandysul to form an electoral ward of 1,396 electors (1,488 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation 1% above the proposed county average. 49. The Commission notes the high levels of over-representation in the existing electoral wards of Capel Dewi and Llandysul Town, compared to the proposed county average. In order to improve the levels of electoral variance in these wards and the surrounding area the Commission has proposed combining neighbouring southern community wards of the Community of Llandysul, which share communication links and a common boundary along the B4476 road. 50. The Commission proposed the Welsh language name of De Llandysul and the English language name of Llandysul South in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received no representations in regard to the name. 51. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the Welsh Language name of De Llansysul; and the English Language name of Llandysul South. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the recommended name. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 52. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Insert map of Llandysul South

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Capel Dewi and Troedyraur 53. The existing Capel Dewi electoral ward is composed of the Capel Dewi, Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul. It has 1,025 electors (1,056 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 26% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,090 eligible electors. 54. The existing Troedyraur electoral ward is composed of the Community of Troedyraur. It has 1,047 electors (1,065 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 24% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,101 eligible electors. 55. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to combine the Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul with the Community of Troedyraur to form a single- member electoral ward. 56. The Commission received three representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from: Ceredigion County Council, County Councillor Maldwyn Lewis (Troedyraur) and a member of the public. 57. Ceredigion County Council supported the Commission’s draft proposal. 58. Councillor Maldwyn Lewis (Troedyraur) also supported the Commission’s draft proposal and confirms the areas proposed to be combined have a great deal in common and share village halls, chapels and churches, while the nature of the population and housing are similar. 59. A resident of Llanon proposed to combine the Capel Dewi, Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul with the Llangynllo ward of the Community of Troedyraur to form an electoral ward; and to form a further electoral ward by combining the Troedyraur ward of the Community of Troedyraur with the Community of Penbryn. 60. The Commission recommends combining the Community of Troedyraur with the Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul to form an electoral ward of 1,698 electors (1,734 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation 23% above the proposed county average. 61. The Commission notes the high level of over-representation in the existing electoral ward of Capel Dewi, compared to the proposed county average. In order to improve the levels of electoral variance in these wards and the surrounding area the Commission has proposed combining the northern community wards of the Community of Llandysul with the Community of Troedyraur, which share similar rural characteristics and recognisable community links either side of the A486 trunk road. 62. The Commission proposed the Welsh language name of Gogledd Llandysul a Throedyraur and the English language name of Llandysul North and Troedyraur in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received no representations in regard to the name. 63. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the Welsh Language name of Gogledd Llandysul a Throedyraur; and the English Language name of Llandysul North and Troedyraur. The Commission recommended this name as it is uses the existing Community names for the areas which form the electoral ward. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name should be Gogledd Llandysul a Throed-yr-aur in the Welsh language and Llandysul North and Troed-yr-aur in the English language, as recommended in the Gazetteer

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of Welsh Place-Names, with the inclusion of a hyphen to aid pronunciation. Any comments on the recommended names can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 64. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Insert map of Llandysul North and Troedyraur

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Llandysiliogogo and New Quay 65. The existing Llandysiliogogo electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Llandysiliogogo and Llanllwchaiarn. It has 1,511 electors (1,565 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 9% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,607 eligible electors. 66. The existing New Quay electoral ward is composed of the Town of New Quay. It has 841 electors (880 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 39% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 864 eligible electors. 67. In its Draft Proposals, the Commission proposed to combine the Town of New Quay with the Community of Llanllwchaiarn. 68. The Commission received three representations regarding this area in response to its Draft Proposals from: Ceredigion County Council, Llanllwchaearn Community Council and a member of the public. 69. Ceredigion County Council state that, although there are no major or historical links between New Quay and Llanllwchaiarn, they agree with the Commission’s draft proposal. The Council suggest the new electoral ward be given the Welsh Language name of Cei Newydd a Llanllwchaearn; and the English language name of New Quay and Llanllwchaearn. 70. Llanllwchaearn Community Council oppose the Commission’s draft proposal and expressed their disappointment that the Commission’s proposal ignored the views of the elected members submitted within the initial consultation phase of this review. A resident of Llanon supported the Commission’s draft proposal for this area. 71. The Commission recommends combining the Town of New Quay with the Community of Llanllwchaiarn to form an electoral ward of 1,527 electors (1,599 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation 10% above the proposed county average. 72. The Commission note that in order to improve the level of electoral variance in New Quay, the only viable arrangement based upon the existing community structures would require a combination of these two areas. The Commission identified communication links between the areas of New Quay and Llanllwchaiarn via the A486 and B4342 roads and recognises the seasonal effect that tourism has on both areas. 73. The Commission proposed the Welsh language name of Ceinewydd gyda Llanllwchaiarn and the English language name of New Quay with Llanllwchaiarn in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name should be Ceinewydd gyda Llanllwchaearn in the Welsh Language and New Quay with Llanllwchaearn in the English Language, as recommended in the Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names, as this follows the national standard of spelling for this area. The Commission received two representations in regard to the name from Llanllwchaearn Community Council and a resident of Llanon. Llanllwchaearn Community Council oppose the use of the existing community name “Llanllwchaiarn” within the name of their electoral ward. A resident of Llanon recommended that the ward be named New Quay and Llanllwchaiarn. 74. The Commission recommends giving the electoral ward the Welsh Language name of Ceinewydd a Llanllwchaearn; and the English Language name of New Quay and

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Llanllwchaearn. The Commission recommend these names as proposed by Ceredigion County Council within their representation and in support of the Welsh Language Commissioner’s recommendation to use the form Ceinewydd in the Welsh language. Any comments on the recommended names can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 75. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Insert map of New Quay and Llanllwchaearn

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Llandysiliogogo and Penbryn 76. The existing Llandysiliogogo electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Llandysiliogogo and Llanllwchaiarn. It has 1,511 electors (1,565 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 9% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,607 eligible electors. 77. The existing Penbryn electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Llangrannog and Penbryn. It has 1,695 electors (1,755 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 22% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,668 eligible electors. 78. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to combine the Communities of Llandysiliogogo and Llangrannog to form a single-member electoral ward. 79. The Commission received two representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding these areas from Ceredigion County Council and a member of the public. 80. Ceredigion County Council state that, although they were concerned that Community ties would be lost between the areas of Llandysiliogogo and Llanllwchaiarn, they agree with the Commission’s draft proposal. The Council suggest the new electoral ward be given the Welsh Language name of Llandysilio a Llangrannog; and the English language name of Llandysilio and Llangrannog, as these names better reflect those used by the community councils. 81. The Commission recommends combining the Communities of Llandysiliogogo and Llangrannog to form an electoral ward of 1,456 electors (1,495 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation 5% above the proposed county average. 82. The Commission proposed the Welsh language name of Llandysiliogogo a Llangrannog and the English language name of Llandysiliogogo and Llangrannog in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received no representations in regard to the name. 83. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the Welsh Language name of Llandysilio a Llangrannog; and the English Language name of Llandysilio and Llangrannog. The Commission recommend these names as proposed by Ceredigion County Council within their representation. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with these names. Any comments on the recommended names can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 84. Due to the strong communication links along the A487 road between the Communities of Llandysiliogogo and Llangrannog, and their similarities in terms of rurality, the Commission proposes a single-member electoral ward, with an appropriate level of electoral variance be formed of the Community of Penbryn. 85. The Commission, as a consequence, recommends the Community of Penbryn form an electoral ward of 1,064 electors (1,106 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 23% below the proposed county average. 86. The Commission proposed the single name of Penbryn in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received no representations in regard to the name.

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87. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the single name of Penbryn. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with this name. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 88. The Commission considers that these recommendations would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Insert map of Llandysilio and Llangrannog

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Insert map of Penbryn

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Aberaeron and Llansantffraed 89. The existing Aberaeron electoral ward is composed of the Town of Aberaeron. It has 1,070 electors (1,105 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 23% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,147 eligible electors. 90. The existing Llansantffraed electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Dyffryn Arth and Llansantffraed. It has 1,848 electors (1,922 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 34% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,970 eligible electors. 91. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to combine the Town of Aberaeron and the Llanddewi Aberarth ward of the Community of Dyffryn Arth to form a single-member electoral ward; and to form a further single-member electoral ward by combining the Community of Llansantffraed with the Llandbadarn Trefeglwys ward of the Community of Dyffryn Arth. 92. The Commission received four representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding these areas from: Ceredigion County Council, Aberaeron Town Council, Llansantffraed Community Council and a member of the public. 93. Ceredigion County Council supports the Commission’s proposals for the proposed electoral wards of Aberaeron and Llansantffraed. 94. Aberaeron Town Council submitted a representation to state that they did not oppose the Commission’s draft proposal for Aberaeron. Llansantffraed Community Council submitted a representation to state that they did not oppose the Commission’s draft proposal for Llansantffraed. 95. A resident of Llanon proposed to combine the Town of Aberaeron and the Community of Dyffryn Arth to form an electoral ward. The resident also recommended to form a further electoral ward by combining the Community of Llansantffraed with the Haminiog ward of the Community of Llanrhystyd. 96. The Commission recommends combining the Town of Aberaeron with the Llanddewi Aberarth ward of the Community of Dyffryn Arth to form an electoral ward of 1,408 electors (1,452 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation 2% above the proposed county average. 97. The Commission proposed the single name of Aberaeron in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received a representation from Ceredigion County Council in regard to the name. The Council recommended the Commission’s draft proposal for Aberaeron be given the Welsh Language name of Aberaeron ac Aberarth; and the English Language name of Aberaeron and Aberarth. 98. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the Welsh Language name of Aberaeron ac Aber-arth; and the English Language name of Aberaeron and Aberarth. The Commission recommend these names as proposed by Ceredigion County Council within their representation. The Welsh Language Commissioner recommends the use of the hyphenated form of Aber-arth in the English Language, as recommended in the Gazetteer of Welsh Place names, and to aid pronunciation. Any comments on the recommended names can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government.

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99. The Commission, as a consequence, recommends combining the Community of Llansantffraed with the Llandbadarn Trefeglwys ward of the Community of Dyffryn Arth to form an electoral ward of 1,510 electors (1,575 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation 9% above the proposed county average. 100. The Commission proposed the Welsh language name of Llansanffraid and the English language name of Llansantffraed in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name should be Llansanffraid, as recommended within the Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names and in support of the use of a single form for both languages. The Welsh Language Commissioner also highlighted that this is the recommended spelling for this, and several other places across Wales which share the same name. The Commission received one representation in regard to the name from Llansantffraed Community Council. The Community Council stated their belief that the single name of Llansanffraid would be acceptable in both languages. 101. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the single name of Llansanffraid. The Commission recommend this name as recommended by Llansantffraed Community Council. The Welsh Language Commissioner agrees with this name. Any comments on the recommended names can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 102. The Commission acknowledges that this recommendation, adopted from the initial proposals of Ceredigion County Council, incorporates an area which currently forms part of the existing electoral ward of Llansantffraed, and the Community of Dyffryn Arth, with the Town of Aberaeron. However, the Commission recognises the improvement this proposal has upon the level of electoral variances for both electoral wards. The Commission considers that the proposal will maintain the shared community identity between the community ward of Llanbadarn Trefeglwys and the Community of Llansantffraed. 103. The Commission considers that these recommendations would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Insert map of Aberaeron and Aberarth

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Insert map of Llansanffraid

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Lampeter 104. The existing Lampeter electoral ward is composed of the Town of Lampeter. It has 1,657 electors (1,790 projected electors) represented by two councillors which is 40% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,448 eligible electors. 105. In the Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to form a single-member electoral ward from the Town of Lampeter. 106. The Commission received two representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from Ceredigion County Council and member of the public. Both representations supported the Commission’s draft proposal to reduce the number of elected members to one, forming a single-member electoral ward for the town. 107. The Commission recommends the Town of Lampeter forms an electoral ward of 1,657 electors (1,790 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation 20% above the proposed county average. 108. This recommendation retainins the existing electoral ward boundary for the Town of Lampeter whilst it reduces the number of elected members for the ward to one and improves the levels of electoral variance to allow for an appropriate level of variance within the town. 109. The Commission proposed the Welsh language name of Llanbedr Pont Steffan and the English language name of Lampeter in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received no representations in regard to the name. 110. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the Welsh Language name of Llanbedr Pont Steffan; and the English Language name of Lampeter. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the recommended name. Any comments on the recommended names can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 111. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Insert Map of Lampeter

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Lledrod and Tregaron 113. The existing Lledrod electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Lledrod, Ysbyty Ystwyth, Ystrad Fflur and Ystrad Meurig. It has 1,744 electors (1,784 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 26% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,715 eligible electors. 114. The existing Tregaron electoral ward is composed of the Town of Tregaron. It has 899 electors (944 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 35% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 955 eligible electors. 115. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to combine the Town of Tregaron with the Community of Llangeitho to form an electoral ward which resolved the inappropriate level of over-representation in the Town. In addition, the Commission proposed to resolve the level of under-representation in the Community of Lledrod by forming one electoral ward from the Communities of Lledrod, Ystrad Fflur and Ystrad Meurig and by combining the Community of Ysbyty Ystwyth with the Communities of Blaenrheidol, Pontarfynach and the Goginan and Penllwyn wards of the Community of Melindwr to form an electoral ward. The Commission considered this proposal best addressed the inappropriate levels of electoral variance in this region whilst also taking account of the strong opposition, within representations, to combining the Town of Tregaron with the Blaepennal ward of the Community of Lledrod. 116. The Commission received 31 representations regarding this area in response to the Draft Proposals from: Ceredigion County Council, Tregaron Town Council, Llangeitho, Lledrod, Tregaron and Ystwyth Community Councils, County Councillor Ifan Davies (Lledrod), County Councillor Rhodri Evans (Llangeitho), the Committee of Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group (CBBCG), 26 members of the public and a submission of 260 signed letters from Llangeitho Community Council. 117. Ceredgion County Council opposed the Commission’s draft proposals and recommended to retain the existing arrangements for Lledrod and Tregaron. 118. Llangeitho Community Council opposed the Commission’s draft proposal and stated their unanimous opposition to the initial representation from CBBCG which recommended to combine the Community of Llangeitho with the Town of Tregaron. The Community Council highlighted the similarities between the Communities of Llanddewi Brefi and Llangeitho, and recommended to retain the current arrangement. They suggest that it would make more sense to combine the Blaenpennal ward of the Community of Lledrod with the Town of Tregaron. 119. Llangeitho Community Council also submitted a collection of 260 signed letters which opposed the Commission’s draft proposal to combine Llangeitho and Tregaron, and to recommend that the existing Llangeitho electoral ward is retained. These letters highlight the differences in rurality that exist between the Community of Llangeitho and the Town of Tregaron. 120. Lledrod Community Council agreed with the Commission’s draft proposal for Lledrod and submitted several reasons as to why they remain opposed to Ceredigion County Council’s initial representation to combine the Town of Tregaron with the Blaenpennal ward of the Community of Lledrod.

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121. Tregaron Town Council opposed the Commission’s draft proposal and recommended to form an electoral ward with appropriate levels of electoral variance by combining the Town of Tregaron with the Blaenpennal ward of the Community of Lledrod. 122. Ystwyth Community Council opposed the Commission’s draft proposal to include the Community of Ysbyty Ystwyth within the proposed electoral ward of Melindwr. The Community Council’s representation also included two representations from residents of the Community who also opposed the Commission’s draft proposal. The Community Council stated there are strong links between the communities within the existing Lledrod electoral ward, however, they highlighted the improvement in electoral representation which would result from combining the Blaenpennal ward of the Community of Lledrod with the Town of Tregaron. 123. Councillor Rhodri Evans (Llangeitho) opposed the Commission’s draft proposal for the electoral wards of Tregaron with Llangeitho, and, Llangybi and Llanddewi Brefi. The Councillor highlighted the incompatibility between Llangybi (which has stronger connections to the Town of Lampeter) and Llanddewi Brefi, suggesting it would be preferential to retain the existing electoral ward of Llangeitho. 124. Councillor Ifan Davies (Lledrod) opposed the Commission’s draft proposals for the electoral wards of Lledrod and Melindwr and recommended to retain the electoral ward of Lledrod. The Councillor highlights the natural boundary that exists between Ysbyty Ystwyth and the rest of the proposed Melindwr electoral ward, and how the community has stronger links towards its service centre of Pontrhydfendigaid, within the existing Lledrod electoral ward. 125. CBBCG supported the Commission’s draft proposal for Lledrod. 126. 19 residents of the Blaenpennal ward of the Community of Lledrod supported the Commission’s draft proposals for Lledrod. 127. Five residents from the Community of Llangeitho opposed the Commissions draft proposal to combine the Community of Llangeitho with the Town of Tregaron, expressing differences in rurality between the two areas. They supported the retention of the existing Llangeitho electoral ward. 128. Two residents of Ysbyty Ystwyth opposed the Commission’s draft proposals for Lledrod and Melindwr and felt the draft proposal for Melindwr would leave residents of the Community of Ysbyty Ystwyth isolated. The resident highlighted that their community is linked with Pontrhydfendigaid. 129. A resident of Llanon supported the Commission’s draft proposal for the electoral ward of Lledrod and proposed to form an electoral ward by combining the Communities of Pontarfynach, Trawsgoed and Ysbyty Ystwyth. 130. The Commission recommends combining the Town of Tregaron with the Community of Ystrad Fflur to form an electoral ward of 1,469 electors (1,548 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation 6% above the proposed county average. 131. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the Welsh Language name of Tregaron ac Ystrad-fflur; and the English Language name of Tregaron and Ystrad Fflur. The Commission recommends this name as it identifies with the community names for the area. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name should be Tregaron and Ystrad-fflur

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in the English Language, as recommended in the Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names. Any comments on the recommended names can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 132. The Commission, as a consequence, recommends combining the Communities of Lledrod, Ystrad Meurig and Ysbyty Ystwyth to form an electoral ward of 1,174 electors (1,180 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation 15% below the proposed county average. 133. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the single name of Lledrod. The Commission recommends this name as all three communities are included within the existing electoral ward of Lledrod. The Welsh Language Commissioner agrees with this name. Any comments on the recommended names can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 134. The Commission has considered all the representations it has received concerning this area. The Commission considers that the two recommended wards of Lledrod and Tregaron provide an appropriate level of electoral variance; are formed from whole community areas; provide for arrangements that would provide the greatest level of support in the wider area; and, the least amount of disruption to the existing arrangements in the area. 135. In consideration of the recommended electoral wards of Lledrod and Tregaron, described above, and in acknowledgement of the large number of representations received in opposition to the Commission’s draft proposals for neighbouring electoral wards, the Commission is recommending to retain the existing electoral ward arrangements for Llanfarian, Llangeitho, Llangybi and Melindwr. This supports the views submitted within the representations we received and retains the existing arrangements which have appropriate levels of electoral variance. 136. The Commission considers that these recommendations would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Insert map of Tregaron and Ystrad Fflur

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Insert Map of Lledrod

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Llanbadarn Fawr Padarn and Llanbadarn Fawr Sulien 137. The Llanbadarn Fawr Padarn electoral ward is composed of the Padarn ward of the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr. It has 771 electors (815 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 44% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 776 eligible electors. 138. The Llanbadarn Fawr Sulien electoral ward is composed of the Sulien ward of the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr. It has 742 electors (846 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 46% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,090 eligible electors. 139. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to combine the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr with the Bronglais ward of the Town of Aberystwyth to form a two-member electoral ward. 140. The Commission received six representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from: Ceredigion County Council, Aberystwyth Town Council, Llanbadarn Fawr Community Council and three members of the public. 141. Ceredigion County Council agreed with the Commission’s draft proposal. 142. Aberystwyth Town Council opposed the Commission’s draft proposal and were against any changes to the electoral ward boundaries until after a review of community boundaries takes place. The Town Council felt that the Bronglais ward of the Town would not function well with the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr and highlighted differences between the two areas. Subsequent to the Town Council’s initial consultation response, they submitted suggestions for altering the ward boundaries within the Town of Aberystwyth to address the imbalance of electors within the Town, which supported the notion of keeping the wards of Aberystwyth separate from the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr. 143. Llanbadarn Fawr opposed the Commission’s draft proposal and recommended a single- member electoral ward for the whole Community of Llanbadarn Fawr. 144. One resident of Ceredigion opposed the Commission’s draft proposals, stating their concern regarding the accountability in multi-member wards, considering that members in the draft proposal would be responsible for a ward of the Town of Aberystwyth and the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr. The resident also put forward a proposed boundary amendment within the Town of Aberystwyth. 145. One resident of Ceredigion opposed the Commission’s draft proposal and recommended the retention of the electoral wards of Aberystwyth Bronglais and Llanbadarn Fawr Padarn. The resident explains that, in the Commission’s draft proposal, elected members may have to deal with conflicting issues. 146. A resident of Llanon opposed the Commission’s draft proposal and recommends forming an electoral ward from the whole of the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr. 147. The Commission recommends that the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr forms an electoral ward of 1,513 electors (1,661 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation 9% above the proposed county average. 148. The Commission considers that the recommended electoral ward provides an appropriate way to resolve the existing levels of electoral variance within the Community of Llanbadarn

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Fawr by creating a single-member arrangement and avoiding any combination with wards of the Town of Aberystwyth. 149. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the single name of Llanbadarn Fawr. The Commission recommends this name as it is name of the Community with which it is coterminous. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. Any comments on the recommended names can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 150. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Insert Map of Llanbadarn Fawr

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Aberystwyth Bronglais, Aberystwyth Canol/Central and Aberystwyth Gogledd/North 151. The existing Aberystwyth Bronglais electoral ward is composed of the Bronglais ward of the Town of Aberystwyth. It has 909 electors (1,025 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 34% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,803 eligible electors. 152. The existing Aberystwyth Canol/Central electoral ward is composed of the Canol/Central ward of the Town of Aberystwyth. It has 1,165 electors (1,422 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 16% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,326 eligible electors. 153. The existing Aberystwyth Gogledd/North electoral ward is composed of the Gogledd/North ward of the Town of Aberystwyth. It has 1,115 electors (1,206 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 19% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,477 eligible electors. 154. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to combine the Bronglais ward of the Town of Aberystwyth with the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr to form a two-member electoral ward. There were no changes proposed for the Aberystwyth Central/Gogledd and Aberystwyth Gogledd/North electoral wards. 155. The Commission received six representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from: Ceredigion County Council, Aberystwyth Town Council, Llanbadarn Fawr Community Council and three members of the public. 156. Ceredigion County Council agreed with the Commission’s draft proposal. 157. Aberystwyth Town Council opposed the Commission’s draft proposal and were against any changes to the electoral ward boundaries until after a review of community boundaries takes place. The Town Council felt that the Bronglais ward of the Town would not function well with the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr and highlighted differences between the two areas. Subsequent to the Town Council’s initial consultation response, they submitted suggestions for altering the ward boundaries within the Town of Aberystwyth to address the imbalance of electors within the Town, which involved transferring areas from the Canol/Central and Rheidol wards into the Bronglais ward. 158. Llanbadarn Fawr opposed the Commission’s draft proposal for Bronglais and Llanbadarn Fawr. 159. One resident of Ceredigion opposed the Commission’s draft proposals, stating their concern regarding the accountability in multi-member wards, considering that members in the draft proposal would be responsible for a ward of the Town of Aberystwyth and the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr. The resident also put forward a proposed boundary amendment within the Town of Aberystwyth. However, the number of electors proposed in the transfer would still result in an inappropriate level of electoral variance to retain a single-member Bronglais ward. 160. One resident of Ceredigion opposed the Commission’s draft proposal and recommended to retain the electoral wards of Aberystwyth Bronglais and Llanbadarn Fawr Padarn. The resident explained that, with the Commission’s draft proposal, elected members may have to deal with conflicting issues. 161. A resident of Llanon opposes the Commission’s draft proposal and recommended forming an electoral ward by combining the Aberystwyth Bronglais and Aberystwyth Canol/Central wards

Page 47 CEREDIGION FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT

of the Town. Furthermore, the resident proposed to form an electoral ward by combining the Aberystwyth Gogledd/North ward of the Town with the Waunfawr ward of the Community of Faenor. 162. The Commission recommends combining the Aberystwyth Bronglais, Aberystwyth Canol/Central and Aberystwyth Gogledd/North wards of the Town of Aberystwyth to form an electoral ward of 3,189 electors (3,653 projected), which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation 15% above the proposed county average. 163. The Commission considers that this recommendation better reflects the majority of the views submitted within representations, which propose to keep the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr and the Town of Aberystwyth separate. 164. The Commission also considered the recommendations for ward boundary changes included within the representations and identified that the proposed boundary changes would require further revisions to produce arrangements which create wards with appropriate levels of electoral variance. In producing final recommendations for the electoral wards of Ceredigion the Commission felt they were unable to support new recommendations for boundary change proposals which had not been made available for public consultation. 165. This recommendation reduces the overall number of elected members serving the Town of Aberystwyth to five. The Commission considered a range of options within the Town, and wider area, and concluded that the retention of six members for the Town, without combining with neighbouring areas, would have detrimental effects upon the levels of electoral variance within other recommended electoral wards in other parts of the County. Therefore, the Commission recommends the Town be served by five councillors;to produce effective arrangements which maintain and support appropriate levels of electoral variance across the region. 166. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the single name of Aberystwyth Morfa a Glais. The Welsh Language Commissioner agrees with this proposed name. Any comments on the recommended names can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 167. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

Page 48 LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

Insert Map of Aberystwyth Morfa a Glais

Page 49 CEREDIGION FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT

Chapter 6. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ARRANGEMENTS 1. The existing electoral arrangements (as shown at Appendix 2) provide for the following levels of electoral representation within the County of Ceredigion: • Electoral variance ranges from 41% below the current county average (Llanbadarn Fawr Sulien) to 48% above the current county average (Llansantffraed) of 1,252 electors per councillor. • 16 electoral wards have a level of representation in excess of 25% above or below the current county average of 1,252 electors per councillor. • 16 electoral wards have a level of representation between 10% and 25% above or below the current county average of 1,252 electors per councillor. • 8 electoral wards have a level of representation less than 10% above or below the current county average of 1,252 electors per councillor. 2. In comparison with the existing electoral arrangements shown above, the recommended electoral arrangements (as shown in Appendix 3) illustrate the following improvements to the electoral representation across the County: • Electoral variance ranges from 25% below the recommended county average (Aberystwyth Penparcau) to 23% above the recommended county average (Llandysul North and Troedyraur) of 1,384 electors per councillor. • None of the electoral wards have a level of representation in excess of 25% above or below the proposed county average of 1,384 electors per councillor. • 19 electoral wards have a level of representation between 10% and 25% above or below the proposed county average of 1,384 electors per councillor. • 15 electoral wards have a level of representation less than 10% above or below the proposed county average of 1,384 electors per councillor. 3. As described in Chapter 4 and Appendix 4, in producing a scheme of electoral arrangements we must have regard to a number of issues contained in the legislation. It is not always possible to resolve all of these, sometimes conflicting, issues. In the Commission’s recommended scheme we have placed emphasis on achieving improvements in electoral parity whilst maintaining community ties wherever possible. The Commission recognises that the creation of electoral wards which depart from the pattern which now exists would inevitably bring some disruption to existing ties between communities and may straddle community council areas. The Commission has made every effort to ensure that the revised electoral wards do reflect logical combinations of existing communities and community wards. 4. The Commission has looked at each area and is satisfied that it would be difficult to achieve electoral arrangements that keep the existing combination of communities and community wards without having a detrimental effect on one or more of the other issues that it must consider.

Page 50 LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

Chapter 7. RESPONSES TO THIS REPORT 1. Having completed the review of the County of Ceredigion and submitted the Commission’s recommendations to the Welsh Government on the future electoral arrangements for the principal authority, the Commission has fulfilled its statutory obligations under the Act. 2. It now falls to the Welsh Government, if it thinks fit, to give effect to these recommendations either as submitted, or with modifications. The Welsh Government may also direct us to conduct a further review. 3. Any further representations concerning the matters in this report should be addressed to the Welsh Government. They should be made as soon as possible and, in any event, not later than six weeks from the date the Commission’s recommendations are submitted to the Welsh Government. Representations should be addressed to:

Local Government Democracy Team Democracy, Diversity and Remuneration Division Welsh Government Cathays Park Cardiff CF10 3NQ

Or by email to:

[email protected]

Page 51 CEREDIGION FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT

Chapter 8. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1. The Commission wishes to express its gratitude to the principal council, all the community councils and other interested bodies and persons who made representations to us during the course of developing these final recommendations. We, the undersigned, commend this recommendations report.

OWEN WATKIN OBE DL (Chair)

CERI STRADLING (Deputy Chair)

DAVID POWELL (Member)

JULIE MAY (Member)

THEODORE JOLOZA (Member)

SHEREEN WILLIAMS (Chief Executive)

May 2019

Page 52 APPENDIX 1

APPENDIX 1 – GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Commission The Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales.

Community (area) The unit of local government that lies below the level of the Principal Council.

Community Council An elected council that provides services to their particular community area. A Community Council may be divided for community electoral purposes into community wards.

Community / Town An area within a Community Council created for community electoral ward purposes.

Directions Directions issued by Welsh Ministers under Section 48 of the Act.

Electoral wards The areas into which Principal Councils are divided for the purpose of electing county councillors, previously referred to as electoral divisions. Electoral review A review in which the Commission considers the electoral arrangements for a Principal Council.

Electoral variance How far the number of electors per councillor in a ward varies from the county average; expressed as a percentage.

Electorate The number of persons registered to vote in a local government area.

Estimated The estimated number of eligible persons (18+) within a local Population of government area who are eligible to vote. These figures have been Eligible Voters sourced from the Office of National Statistics’ 2015 Ward population estimated for Wales, mid-2015 (experimental statistics).

Interested party Person or body who has an interest in the outcome of an electoral review such as a community or town council, local MP or AM or political party.

Order Order made by an implementing body, giving effect to proposals made by the Principal Council or the Commission.

Over- Where there are fewer electors per councillor in a ward compared to representation the county average.

Principal area The area governed by a Principal Council: in Wales a county or county borough.

1 APPENDIX 1

Principal council The single tier organ of local government, responsible for all or almost all local government functions within its area. A county or county borough council.

Projected The five-year forecast of the electorate. electorate

Split Community A Community which is divided between two, or more, Electoral Wards.

The Act The Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013.

Town Council A Community Council with the status of a town are known as Town Councils. A Town Council may be divided for community electoral purposes into wards.

Under- Where there are more electors per councillor in a ward compared to representation the county average.

2 CEREDIGION COUNTY COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

% % variance variance Population No. OF ELECTORATE 2017 ELECTORATE 2022 No. NAME DESCRIPTION from County from Eligible to COUNCILLORS 2017 RATIO 2022 RATIO average County Vote average

1 Aberaeron The Town of Aberaeron 1 1,070 1,070 -15% 1,105 1,105 -16% 1,147

2 Aberporth The Community of Aberporth 1 1,756 1,756 40% 1,871 1,871 42% 1,975

3 Aberteifi/Cardigan-Mwldan The Mwldan ward of the Town of Cardigan 1 1,485 1,485 19% 1,529 1,529 16% 1,476

Aberteifi/Cardigan-Rhyd-y- 4 The Rhyd y Fuwch ward of the Town of Cardigan 1 884 884 -29% 911 911 -31% 957 Fuwch

5 Aberteifi/Cardigan-Teifi The Teifi ward of theTown of Cardigan 1 762 762 -39% 806 806 -39% 848

6 Aberystwyth Bronglais The Bronglais ward of the Town of Aberystwyth 1 909 909 -27% 1,025 1,025 -22% 1,803

7 Aberystwyth Canol/Central The Canol/Central ward of the Town of Aberystwyth 1 1,165 1,165 -7% 1,422 1,422 8% 2,326

8 Aberystwyth Gogledd/North The Gogledd/North ward of the Town of Aberystwyth 1 1,115 1,115 -11% 1,206 1,206 -9% 2,477

9 Aberystwyth Penparcau The Penparcau ward of the Town of Aberystwyth 2 2,078 1,039 -17% 2,190 1,095 -17% 2,317

10 Aberystwyth Rheidol The Rheidol ward of the Town of Aberystwyth 1 1,573 1,573 26% 1,745 1,745 32% 2,415

11 Beulah The Community of Beulah 1 1,333 1,333 6% 1,373 1,373 4% 1,362

12 Borth The Communities of Borth and Geneu'r Glyn 1 1,576 1,576 26% 1,631 1,631 23% 1,706

13 Capel Dewi The Capel Dewi, Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul 1 1,025 1,025 -18% 1,056 1,056 -20% 1,090

14 Ceulanamaesmawr The Communities of Ceulanamaesmawr, Llangynfelyn and Ysgubor-y-coed 1 1,474 1,474 18% 1,531 1,531 16% 1,499

15 Ciliau Aeron The Communities of Ciliau Aeron and Henfynyw 1 1,524 1,524 22% 1,568 1,568 19% 1,600

16 Faenor The Community of Faenor 1 1,353 1,353 8% 1,640 1,640 24% 2,312

17 Lampeter The Town of Lampeter 2 1,657 829 -34% 1,790 895 -32% 2,448

18 Llanarth The Community of Llanarth 1 1,135 1,135 -9% 1,172 1,172 -11% 1,268

19 Llanbadarn Fawr-Padarn The Padarn ward of the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr 1 771 771 -38% 815 815 -38% 776

20 Llanbadarn Fawr-Sulien The Sulien ward of the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr 1 742 742 -41% 846 846 -36% 2,090

21 Llandyfriog The Community of Llandyfriog 1 1,415 1,415 13% 1,455 1,455 10% 1,467

22 Llandysilio-gogo The Communities of Llandysiliogogo and Llanllwchaiarn 1 1,511 1,511 21% 1,565 1,565 18% 1,607

23 Llandysul Town The Trefol ward of the Community of Llandysul 1 1,022 1,022 -18% 1,101 1,101 -17% 1,081 CEREDIGION COUNTY COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

% % variance variance Population No. OF ELECTORATE 2017 ELECTORATE 2022 No. NAME DESCRIPTION from County from Eligible to COUNCILLORS 2017 RATIO 2022 RATIO average County Vote average

24 Llanfarian The Community of Llanfarian 1 1,147 1,147 -8% 1,185 1,185 -10% 1,183

25 Llanfihangel Ystrad The Community of Llanfihangel Ystrad and the Nantcwnlle and Trefilan wards of the Community of Nantcwnlle 1 1,616 1,616 29% 1,680 1,680 27% 1,664

26 Llangeitho The Communities of Llanddewi Brefi and Llangeitho 1 1,082 1,082 -14% 1,115 1,115 -16% 1,192

27 Llangybi The Communities of Llanfair Clydogau and Llangybi and the Gartheli ward of the Community of Nantcwnlle 1 1,114 1,114 -11% 1,167 1,167 -12% 1,182

28 Llanrhystyd The Communities of Llangwyryfon and Llanrhystyd 1 1,242 1,242 -1% 1,303 1,303 -1% 1,272

29 Llansantffraed The Communities of Dyffryn Arth and Llansantffraid 1 1,848 1,848 48% 1,922 1,922 45% 1,970

30 Llanwenog The Communities of Llanwenog and Llanwnnen 1 1,407 1,407 12% 1,439 1,439 9% 1,471

31 Lledrod The Communities of Lledrod, Ysbyty Ystwyth, Ystrad Fflur and Ystrad Meurig 1 1,744 1,744 39% 1,784 1,784 35% 1,715

32 Melindwr The Communities of Blaenrheidol, Melindwr and Pontarfynach 1 1,519 1,519 21% 1,596 1,596 21% 1,589

33 New Quay The Town of New Quay 1 841 841 -33% 880 880 -33% 864

34 Penbryn The Communities of Llangrannog and Penbryn 1 1,695 1,695 35% 1,755 1,755 33% 1,668

35 Pen-parc The Communities of Llangoedmor and Y Ferwig 1 1,838 1,838 47% 1,872 1,872 42% 1,878

36 Tirymynach The Community of Tirymynach 1 1,356 1,356 8% 1,414 1,414 7% 1,442

37 Trefeurig The Community of Trefeurig 1 1,327 1,327 6% 1,393 1,393 5% 1,364

38 Tregaron The Town of Tregaron 1 899 899 -28% 944 944 -29% 955

39 Troedyraur The Community of Troedyraur 1 1,047 1,047 -16% 1,065 1,065 -19% 1,101

40 Ystwyth The Communities of Llanilar and Trawsgoed 1 1,541 1,541 23% 1,623 1,623 23% 1,588

TOTAL: 42 52,598 1,252 55,490 1,321 62,145 Ratio is the number of electors per councillor Electoral figures supplied by Ceredigion County Council Population figures supplied by the Office for National Statistics

2017 2022 More than + or - 25% of County average 16 40% 14 35% Between + or - 10% and + or - 25% of County average 16 40% 19 48% Between 0% and + or - 10% of County average 8 20% 7 18% CEREDIGION COUNTY COUNCIL APPENDIX 3 FINAL RECOMMENDED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

% variance % variance No. OF ELECTORATE 2017 ELECTORATE 2022 No. NAME DESCRIPTION from County from County COUNCILLORS 2017 RATIO 2022 RATIO average average 1 Aberaeron and Aberarth The Town of Aberaeron and the Llanddewi Aberarth ward of the Community of Dyffryn Arth 1 1,408 1,408 2% 1,452 1,452 -1%

2 Aberporth and Y Ferwig The Communities of Aberporth and Y Ferwig 2 2,683 1,342 -3% 2,812 1,406 -4%

3 Aberystwyth Morfa a Glais The Bronglais, Canol/Central and Gogledd/North wards of the Town of Aberystwyth 2 3,189 1,595 15% 3,653 1,827 25%

4 Aberystwyth Penparcau The Penparcau ward of the Town of Aberystwyth 2 2,078 1,039 -25% 2,190 1,095 -25%

5 Aberystwyth Rheidol The Rheidol ward of the Town of Aberystwyth 1 1,573 1,573 14% 1,745 1,745 19%

6 Beulah and Llangoedmor The Communities of Beulah and Llangoedmor 2 2,244 1,122 -19% 2,304 1,152 -21%

7 Borth The Communities of Borth and Geneu'r Glyn 1 1,576 1,576 14% 1,631 1,631 12%

8 Ceulanamaesmawr The Communities of Ceulanamaesmawr, Llangynfelyn and Ysgubor-y-Coed 1 1,474 1,474 6% 1,531 1,531 5%

9 Ciliau Aeron The Communities of Ciliau Aeron and Henfynyw 1 1,524 1,524 10% 1,568 1,568 7%

10 Faenor The Community of Faenor 1 1,353 1,353 -2% 1,640 1,640 12%

11 Lampeter The Town of Lampeter 1 1,657 1,657 20% 1,790 1,790 23%

12 Llanarth The Community of Llanarth 1 1,135 1,135 -18% 1,172 1,172 -20%

13 Llanbadarn Fawr The Community of Llanbadarn Fawr 1 1,513 1,513 9% 1,661 1,661 14%

14 Llandyfriog The Community of Llandyfriog 1 1,415 1,415 2% 1,455 1,455 0%

15 Llandysilio and Llangrannog The Communities of Llandysiliogogo and Llangrannog 1 1,456 1,456 5% 1,495 1,495 2%

16 Llandysul North and Troedyraur The Community of Troedyraur and the Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul 1 1,698 1,698 23% 1,734 1,734 19%

17 Llandysul South The Capel Dewi and Trefol wards of the Community of Llandysul 1 1,396 1,396 1% 1,488 1,488 2%

18 Llanfarian The Community of Llanfarian 1 1,147 1,147 -17% 1,185 1,185 -19%

19 Llanfihangel Ystrad The Community of Llanfihangel Ystrad and the Nantcwnlle and Trefilan wards of the Community of Nantcwnlle 1 1,616 1,616 17% 1,680 1,680 15%

20 Llangeitho The Communities of Llanddewi Brefii and Llangeitho 1 1,082 1,082 -22% 1,115 1,115 -24%

21 Llangybi The Communities of Llanfair Clydogau and Llangybi and the Gartheli ward of the Community of Nantcwnlle 1 1,114 1,114 -20% 1,167 1,167 -20%

22 Llanrhystyd The Communities of Llangwyryfon and Llanrhystyd 1 1,242 1,242 -10% 1,303 1,303 -11%

23 Llansanffraid The Community of Llansantffraed and the Llanbadarn Trefeglwys ward of the Community of Dyffryn Arth 1 1,510 1,510 9% 1,575 1,575 8% CEREDIGION COUNTY COUNCIL APPENDIX 3 FINAL RECOMMENDED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

% variance % variance No. OF ELECTORATE 2017 ELECTORATE 2022 No. NAME DESCRIPTION from County from County COUNCILLORS 2017 RATIO 2022 RATIO average average

24 Llanwenog The Communities of Llanwenog and Llanwnnen 1 1,407 1,407 2% 1,439 1,439 -1%

25 Lledrod The Communities of Lledrod, Ystrad Meurig and Ysbyty Ystwyth 1 1,174 1,174 -15% 1,180 1,180 -19%

26 Melindwr The Communities of Blaenrheidol, Pontarfynach and Melindwr 1 1,519 1,519 10% 1,596 1,596 9%

27 Mwldan The Mwldan ward of the Town of Cardigan 1 1,485 1,485 7% 1,529 1,529 5%

28 New Quay and Llanllwchaearn The Town of New Quay and the Community of Llanllwchaiarn 1 1,527 1,527 10% 1,599 1,599 10%

29 Penbryn The Community of Penbryn 1 1,064 1,064 -23% 1,106 1,106 -24%

30 Teifi The Rhyd-y-Fuwch and Teifi wards of the Town of Cardigan 1 1,646 1,646 19% 1,717 1,717 18%

31 Tirymynach The Community of Tirymynach 1 1,356 1,356 -2% 1,414 1,414 -3%

32 Trefeurig The Community of Trefeurig 1 1,327 1,327 -4% 1,393 1,393 -5%

33 Tregaron and Ystrad Fflur The Town of Tregaron and the Community of Ystrad Fflur 1 1,469 1,469 6% 1,548 1,548 6%

34 Ystwyth The Communities of Llanilar and Trawsgoed 1 1,541 1,541 11% 1,623 1,623 11%

TOTAL: 38 52,598 1,384 55,490 1,460 Ratio is the number of electors per councillor Electoral figures supplied by Ceredigion County Council

2017 2022 More than + or - 25% of County average 0 0% 0 0% Between + or - 10% and + or - 25% of County average 18 53% 19 56% Between 0% and + or - 10% of County average 16 47% 15 44% APPENDIX 4 RULES AND PROCEDURES

Scope and Object of the Review

1. Section 29 (1) of the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (the Act) lays upon the Commission the duty, at least once in every review period of ten 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 Government for a change in those electoral arrangements. In conducting a review the Commission must seek to ensure effective and convenient local government (Section 21 (3) of the Act).

2. The former Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government of the Welsh Government asked the Commission to submit a report in respect of the review of electoral arrangements for the County of Ceredigion before the 2022 local government elections.

Electoral Arrangements

3. The changes that the Commission may recommend in relation to an electoral review are:

(a) such changes to the arrangements for the principal area under review as appear to it appropriate; and

(b) in consequence of such changes:

(i) Such community boundary changes as it considers appropriate in relation to any community in the principal area;

(ii) Such community council changes and changes to the electoral arrangements for such a community as it considers appropriate; and

(iii) Such preserved county changes as it considers appropriate.

4. The “electoral arrangements” of a principal area are defined in section 29 (9) of the 2013 Act as:

i) the number of members for the council for the principal area;

ii) the number, type and boundaries of the electoral wards;

iii) the number of members to be elected for any electoral ward in the principal area; and

iv) the name of any electoral ward.

1 APPENDIX 4 Considerations for a review of principal area electoral arrangements

5. Section 30 of the Act requires the Commission, in considering whether to make recommendations for changes to the electoral arrangements for a principal area, to:

(a) seek to ensure that the ratio of local government electors to the number of members of the council to be elected is, as near as may be, the same in every electoral ward of the principal area;

(b) have regard to:

(i) the desirability of fixing boundaries for electoral wards which are and will remain easily identifiable;

(ii) the desirability of not breaking local ties when fixing boundaries for electoral wards.

6. In considering the ratio of local government electors to the number of members, account is to be taken of:

(a) any discrepancy between the number of local government electors and the number of persons that are eligible to be local government electors (as indicated by relevant official statistics); and

(b) any change to the number or distribution of local government electors in the principal area which is likely to take place in the period of five years immediately following the making of any recommendation.

Local government changes

7. Since the last review of electoral arrangements there have been no changes to local government boundaries in Ceredigion.

Procedure

8. Chapter 4 of the Act lays down procedural guidelines which are to be followed in carrying out a review. In compliance with this part of the Act, the Commission wrote on 18 January 2017 to Ceredigion County 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. The Commission invited the County Council to submit a suggested scheme or schemes for new electoral arrangements. The Commission also requested Ceredigion County Council display a number of public notices in their area. The Commission also made available copies of the Electoral Reviews: Policy and Practice document. In addition, the Commission made a presentation to both County and Community councillors explaining the review process. The initial consultation period closed on 19 April 2017.

2 APPENDIX 4 9. In line with Section 35 of Chapter 4 of the Act, the Commission published its Draft Proposals Report on 16 January 2018, notifying the listed mandatory consultees and other interested parties of a period of consultation on the draft proposals would commence on 23 January 2018 and end on 16 April 2018. The Commission met with Ceredigion County Council Group Leaders and Chief Executive to discuss the Draft Proposals and the process of developing the Final Recommendations. The Commission invited the County Council and other interested parties to submit comments on the Draft Proposals and how they could be improved. The Commission also asked Ceredigion County Council to display copies of the report alongside public notices in the area.

10. The boundaries of the recommended electoral wards are shown by continuous blue lines on the map placed on deposit with this Report at the Offices of Ceredigion County Council and the Office of the Commission in Cardiff, as well as on the Commission’s website (http://ldbc.gov.wales).

Policy and Practice

11. The Commission published the Electoral Reviews: Policy and Practice document in October 2016. This document details the Commission’s approach to resolving the challenge of balancing electoral parity and community ties; it sets out the issues to be considered and gives some understanding of the broad approach which the Commission takes towards each of the statutory considerations to be made when addressing a review’s particular circumstances. However, because those circumstances are unlikely to provide for the ideal electoral pattern, in most reviews compromises are made in applying the policies in order to strike the right balance between each of the matters the Commission must consider.

12. The document also provides the overall programme timetable, and how this was identified, and the Commission’s Council Size Policy. The document can be viewed on the Commission’s website or are available on request.

Crown Copyright

13. The maps included in this report, and published on the Commission’s website, were produced by the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales under licence from Ordnance Survey. These maps are subject to © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction will infringe Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Any newspaper editor wishing to use the maps as part of an article about the draft proposals should first contact the copyright office at Ordnance Survey.

3 APPENDIX 5

SUMMARY OF REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVEDR TFO HE COMMISSIONS DRAFT PROPOSALS CONSULTATION ON THE REVIEW OF EL ECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS IN THE COUNTY OF CEREDIGION

1. Ceredigion County Council wrote on the 16 April 2018 outlining their response to the Commission’s Draft Proposals in respect of Electoral Arrangements in Ceredigion.

Ceredigion County Council agreed with 25 (76%) of the Commission’s draft proposals, as listed below: • Aberaeron • Llandysul North and Troedyraur • Aberystwyth Central • Llandysul South • Aberystwyth North • Llanfihangel Ystrad • Aberystwyth Penparcau • Llanrhystud • Aberystwyth Rheidol • Llansantffraed • Bronglais and Llanbadarn Fawr • Llanwenog • Ceulanamaesmawr • New Quay with Llanllwchaearn • Ciliau Aeron • Penbryn • Faenor • Tirymynach • Lampeter • Trefeurig • Llanarth • Y Borth • Llandyfriog • Ystwyth • Llandysiliogogo & Llangrannog

Ceredigion County Council opposed eight (24%) of the Commission’s draft proposals, as listed below: • Aberporth and Y Ferwig • Llangybi and Llanddewi Brefi • Beulah and Llangoedmor • Lledrod • Cardigan • Melindwr • Llanfarian • Tregaron with Llangeitho

The County Council proposed alternative arrangements for eight of the Commission’s proposals (listed directly above), which involved retaining the existing electoral arrangements of Aberporth, Beulah, Cardigan-Mwldan, Pen-parc, Llanfarian, Llangeitho, Llangybi, Lledrod, Melindwr and Tregaron; and proposing to form a single- member electoral ward by combining the Rhyd-y-Fuwch and Teifi wards of the Town of Cardigan.

The Council also commented upon the proposed electoral ward names and/or the views of the Welsh Language Commissioner for the names of the following wards: • Aberaeron • Llandyfriog • Cardigan Teifi (CCC proposed) • Llandysiliogogo & Llangrannog • Ceulanamaesmawr • New Quay with Llanllwchaearn • Llanarth • Y Borth

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Further details concerning the responses provided by Ceredigion County Council, in response to the Commissions Draft proposals can be seen in the following table.

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2. Aberaeron Town Council wrote on the 16 March 2018 to inform the Commission that they did not oppose the proposal for the electoral ward of Aberaeron.

3. Aberystwyth Town Council wrote on the 8 March 2018 to oppose any changes to electoral ward boundaries within the town of Aberystwyth, preferring to await the next review of community boundaries where a rebalancing of boundaries within Aberystwyth could be examined.

The town council do not feel that Aberystwyth and Llanbadarn will function well together (Bronglais and Llanbadarn Fawr) and highlights the contrast between representation for urban and rural areas within the county council, stating their belief that forming an electoral ward by combing Bronglais with Llanbadarn Fawr would compromise the voice of Aberystwyth residents even further. The Council believe the Commission’s proposal would result in an erosion of democracy in highly populated and continuously developing urban areas.

Aberystwyth Town Council also wrote on the 12 April 2018 and submitted the following suggestions for altering the ward boundaries within the town of Aberystwyth, in order to address the imbalance in voter numbers within the town: • Move the boundary between the Bronglais and Central wards of the Town from Stanley Road, to Plas Crug Avenue. This would transfer 43 properties (and 78 electors) from the Central ward into the Bronglais ward, which would address the level of over representation which exists within the current Bronglais electoral ward. • Transfer the area demarcated by Mill Street, Park Avenue, the Football Club and the River from the Rheidol ward into the Bronglais ward. This would, transfer an additional 171 electors into the Bronglais ward, and reduce the Rheidol ward by the same amount.

4. Beulah Community Council wrote on the 7 February 2018 to oppose the Beulah and Llangoedmor electoral ward proposal and to recommend the retention of the existing arrangements for Beulah. The Council highlighted the differences between the areas of Beulah and Llangoedmor, stating that there has been no cooperation between the two communities.

The community council also recommend the community of Llangoedmor should combine with Ferwig to form an electoral ward, highlighting that the location of Llangoedmor activities and links are traditionally with the Town of Cardigan, compared the links that exist between the Beulah region and Newcastle Emlyn.

5. Cardigan Town Council wrote on the 11 April 2018 to oppose the Commission’s proposal to create a two-member ward for Cardigan. The town council support the implementation of two single-member wards within the town; one single-member ward formed of the Mwldan ward, and a single-member ward formed by combining the Rhyd- y-Fuwch and Teifi wards of the town.

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The town council propose that these electoral wards be names Mwldan, and Teifi, respectively.

6. Ceulanamaesmawr Community Council wrote on the 28 March 2018 to support the Commission’s proposal for the electoral ward name. The Council states that the name of Ceulanamaesmawr is the form used by the Community Council in both languages, and it would be good to ensure consistency.

7. Ferwig Community Council wrote on the 12 April 2018 to support the Commission’s proposal to create a two-member electoral ward by combining the Communities of Aberporth and Y Ferwig.

8. Llanbadarn Fawr Community Council wrote on the 4 April 2018 to oppose the proposal to create the Bronglais and Llanbadarn Fawr electoral ward and to recommend forming a single-member electoral ward from the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr.

9. Llanddewi Brefi Community Council wrote on the 11 April 2018 to oppose the Commission’s draft proposal to combine the Communities of Llangybi and Llanddewi Brefi, based upon the lack of community ties between the areas of Llanddewi Brefi and Llangybi.

The community council highlighted that the Communities of Llanddewi Brefi and Llangeitho are both linked settlements to the Town of Tregaron, whereas the areas which form the existing Llangybi electoral ward are have stronger connections to the Town of Lampeter.

The Community council believe Llanddewi Brefi’s community ties, economy and geography are more aligned with Tregaron. However, the council also recommend that, if the combination of Llanddewi Brefi with Tregaron would require further revision of the surrounding wards, then they would be best served and represented by the existing arrangements, which combine the Communities of Llanddewi Brefi and Llangeitho.

10. Llangeitho Community Council wrote on the 8 April 2018 to state their unanimous opposition to the proposal made by the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to combine the Community of Llangeitho with the Town of Tregaron to form a single-member electoral ward.

The community council explains the similarities that exist between the Communities of Llanddewi Brefi and Llangeitho in terms of rurality, and suggest that the A485 road link between the areas of Tregaron and Blaenpennal provide a better communication pathway than those between Llangeitho and Tregaron, and the combination of Blaenpennal and Tregaron within an electoral ward would therefore make more sense.

- 8 - APPENDIX 5 Llangeitho Community Council also wrote on the 12 April 2018 and provided the Commission with 260 letters from the area’s residents expressing their opposition to the Commission’s proposal to combine the Community of Llangeitho with the Town of Tregaron.

These letters highlight the differences of rurality between the two areas and support the retention of the existing Llangeitho electoral ward arrangements.

11. Llangoedmor Community Council wrote on the 12 March 2018 to oppose the proposal to create the Beulah and Llangoedmor electoral ward and to recommend the retention of the status quo.

12. Llangybi Community Council wrote on the 4 April 2018 to oppose the Commission’s proposal for Llangybi and Llanddewi Brefi, citing differences in rurality between the two areas and proposing to retain the existing arrangements for Llangybi.

13. Llanllwchaearn Community Council wrote on the 4 April 2018 to oppose the Commission’s proposals relating to the Community of Llanllwchaiarn, and highlighted their comments raised in response to the Commissions previous review in 2010, and in the initial consultation phase of this review.

The community council expressed their disappointment that the Commission’s proposal ignored the views of elected members for the area, and the recommendation from the County Council. The community council implore the Commission to reconsider their recommendation concerning the electoral arrangements for the Community of Llanllwchaiarn, based upon their previous arguments.

The community council also oppose the use of the existing community name “Llanllwchaiarn” within the name of their electoral ward. Although “Llanllwchaiarn” is the legal Welsh and English name for the Community within the 2002 Order (The County of Ceredigion (Electoral Changes) Order 2002), the community council support the proposal of the Welsh Language Commissioner to use the form “Llanllwchaearn” in both Welsh and English.

The community council suggest that any merged name the Commission uses in future should recognise that historical context and put Llanllwchaearn first: e.g. “Llanllwchaearn including New Quay”.

14. Llansantffraed Community Council wrote on the 16 March 2018 to inform the Commission that they did not oppose the proposal for the electoral ward of Llansantffraed.

However, the Council states their belief that there is no need to give the ward an English name, as the Welsh name (Llansanffraid) would be sufficient.

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15. Lledrod Community Council wrote on the 14 April 2018 to support the Commission’s proposals for the electoral ward of Lledrod.

The community council also submitted several reasons why they remain opposed to the County Council’s initial proposal which recommended forming a single-member electoral ward by combining the Blaenpennal ward of the Community of Lledrod with the Town of Tregaron, citing the negative impact it would have upon physical, political, historical and cultural connections the area of Blaenpennal has with the remainder of Lledrod.

16. Pontarfynach Community Council wrote on the 12 April 2018 with no objection with the Commission’s proposals, however did question whether the current Melindwr ward would be a viable partnership with Ysbyty Ystwyth as the suggested ward would be a sparsely populated area.

The community council highlighted that Pontarfynach village is a rural centre and the needs are diverse to those of the surrounding area.

17. Tregaron Town Council wrote on the 23 March 2018 to oppose the Commissions draft proposals and to recommend combining the Blaenpennal ward of the Community of Lledrod with the Town of Tregaron to form a single-member electoral ward, based upon Ceredigion County Council’s response to the Commission’s initial consultation.

18. Ystwyth Community Council wrote on the 15 April 2018 to oppose the Commissions draft proposals to recommend combining the Community of Ysbyty Ystwyth within the Melindwr electoral ward.

The community council state that there are strong links between the communities within the existing Lledrod electoral ward and the needs of these communities are similar.

The community council highlighted the improved level of electoral representation in the Lledrod electoral ward that would result from the County Council’s proposal to combine the Blaenpennal ward from the Community of Lledrod with the Town of Tregaron.

The community council also attached two objections from residents of the Community of Ysbyty Ystwyth.

19. Councillor John Adams-Lewis (Cardigan-Mwldan) wrote on the 15 April 2018 to oppose the Commission’s proposal to create a two-member ward for Cardigan. Councillor Adams supports the views of Ceredigion County Council, and Cardigan Town Councils, proposal to create two electoral wards within the Town; with Mwldan retaining its existing single-member arrangement and Rhyd-y-Fuwch and Teifi being combined to form a single-member ward, called Teifi.

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20. Councillor Ifan Davies (Lledrod) wrote on the 16 April 2018 to oppose the Commission’s proposals for Lledrod and Melindwr, and to recommend the retention of the existing arrangements for Lledrod. Councillor Davies highlights the natural boundary between the Communities of Ysbyty Ystwyth (Lledrod) and Pontarfynach (Melindwr) known as ardal Rhos Y Gell (known by locals as Siberia Fach). The councillor noted that when the LDP of the Council was restructured 8-9 years previous, residents within the Community of Ysbyty Ystwyth strongly opposed that their service centre should be the village of Devil’s Bridge, and fought for the natural catchment fall of Pontrhydfendigaid in the Community of Ystrad Fflur (Lledrod) to be their service centre. With regards to the County council’s initial proposal to join the Blaenpennal ward of the Community of Lledrod with the Town of Tregaron, Councillor Davies acknowledges the views expressed by Lledrod Community Council and the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group, and as their councillor, confirms that he fully respects, understands and agrees with their reasoning, and has no further comments to add.

21. Councillor Rhodri Evans (Llangeitho) wrote on the 15 April 2018 to oppose the proposal to combine the Community of Llangeitho with the Town of Tregaron to form a single-member electoral ward. Councillor Evans states that Llanddewi Brefi and Llangybi are not a natural fit, and that Llanddewi Brefi’s community, geographical and economic ties are more aligned to Llangeitho, as per the existing arrangement. The councillor highlighted that the Communities of Llanddewi Brefi and Llangeitho are both linked settlements to the Town of Tregaron, whereas the areas which form the existing Llangybi electoral ward have stronger connections to the Town of Lampeter. Councillor Evans explained that a large number of his constituents have phoned and approached him regarding the Commission’s draft proposals, all of whom are against the proposals and supportive of retaining the existing arrangement for Llangeitho.

22. Councillor Maldwyn Lewis (Troedyraur) wrote on the 17 February 2018 to support the proposal to combine the north area of Llandysul with the Community of Troedyraur to form a single-member electoral ward, in order to balance the ratio of councillors to electors. Councillor Lewis confirms that the areas of north Llandysul and Troedyraur have a great deal in common and also share village halls, chapels and churches, while the nature of the population and houses are also similar.

- 11 - APPENDIX 5 Councillor Lewis accepts the ward name proposed by the Commission, however questions the need to include a mutation within the Welsh version “Gogledd Llandysul a Throed-yr-aur”.

23. Councillor Catrin Miles (Aberteifi/Cardigan-Teifi) wrote on the 13 April 2018 in opposition to the Commission’s proposal for the two-member ward of Cardigan.

Councillor Miles favours the creation of two single-member wards within the town, by combining the Rhyd-y-Fuwch and Teifi wards, and retaining the existing arrangements for Aberteifi/Cardigan-Mwldan.

Councillor Miles states her view that the figures within the Draft Proposals Report do not reflect the level of impact on the Teifi ward, outlining the various aspects of responsibility that would be required of the elected member if the Rhyd-y-Fuwch and Teifi were combined into a single-member ward.

24. Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group wrote on the 14 April 2018, following a public meeting held in the village of Blaenpennal on 21 February 2018 and confirmed their unanimous support for the Commission’s Draft proposal for Lledrod.

25. A resident of Llanon wrote on the 03 March 2018 to provide a scheme of arrangements for the County of Ceredigion, which results in 30 single-member, and four two-member, electoral wards.

A breakdown of the residents proposed scheme of electoral arrangements is provided in the table below, against the recommended electoral ward name.

Name of proposed ward community wards Councillor/s Aberaeron Aberaeron and Llanerchaeron Ciliau Aeron 1 Llanddewi Aberarth Aberporth Aberporth 1 Aberystwyth Bronglais Aberystwyth University 2 Aberystwyth Canol / Central Aberystwyth Gogledd / North Aberystwyth, Penglais 2 Waunfawr Aberystwyth, Penparcau Aberystwyth Penparcau 2 Aberystwyth, Rheidol Aberystwyth Rheidol 2 Cilcennin Llanbadarn Trefeglwys Aeron Valley Nantcwnlle 1 Penuwch Trefilan

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Bettws Evan Beulah Beulah and Cenarth Falls 1 Brongwyn Llandygwydd

Deiniol Blaenplwyf, Capel Seion and Llanbadarn y Creuddyn 1 Llanrhystud Llanychaiarn Mefenydd Borth Borth and Taliesin 1 Llangynfelyn Capel Dewi Llangynllo Capel Dewi and Tre-groes 1 Pontshaen Tregroes Rhyd y Fuwch Cardigan Castle 1 Teifi Llangoedmor Cardigan Rural 1 Y Ferwig Cardigan, Mwldan Mwldan 1 Ceulanamaesmawr Ceulanamaesmawr Geneu'r Glyn 1 Ysgubor-y-Coed Llangorwen Clarach and Bow Street 1 Tirymynach Llangwyryfon Hafod Ithel 1 Llanilar Lampeter Lampeter 1 Henfynyw Llanarth and Henfynyw 1 Llanarth Padarn Llanbadarn Fawr 1 Sulien Llandyfriog Llandyfriog and Aber-banc 1 Orllwyn Teifi Llandysul Town Trefol 1 Dihewid Llanfihangel Ystrad Llanfihangel Ystrad 1 Mydroilyn Cellan Gartheli Llangeitho and Llangybi Gwynfil 1 Llanfair Clydogau Llangybi Llandysiliogogo Llangrannog and Talgarreg 1 Llangrannog

- 13 - APPENDIX 5 Llanwenog Llanwenog Llanwnnen 1 Silian Llanllwchaiarn New Quay and Llanllwchaiarn 1 New Quay Penbryn Penbryn and Troedyraur 1 Troedyraur Blaenrheidol Faenor Rhiedol Valley and Faenor Goginan 1 Llanbadarn y Creuddyn Uchaf Penllwyn Haminiog Sant Non, Sant Ffraed a Rhyd Rosser 1 Llansantffraed

Blaenpennal Caron-Uwch-Clawdd Gwnnws Isaf Strata Florida 1 Gwnnws Uchaf Lledrod Isaf Lledrod Uchaf Trefeurig Trefeurig 1 Llanbadarn Odwyn Tregaron and Llandewi Brefi Llanddewi Brefi 1 Tregaron Llanafan Llanfihangel y Creuddyn Ystwyth Valley 1 Pontarfynach Ysbyty Ystwyth

The resident also suggests that if the Sant Non ward proposal is taken up then the name submitted is the formal Welsh language name of the electoral ward, to recognise the saints whose churches are in the ward.

26. A resident of Ysbyty Ystwyth wrote on the 16 March 2018 to oppose the Commission’s draft proposals for Lledrod and Melindwr, stating that the Community of Ysbyty Ystwyth is linked much more closely to Pontrhydfendigaid, and the proposal for the Lledrod electoral ward will still result in an electoral ward which is too large.

The resident believes the draft proposal for Melindwr would leave residents of the Ysbyty Ystwyth Community feeling isolated and potentially forgotten by their representative.

27. A resident of Ceredigion wrote on the 02 April 2018 to oppose the Commission’s draft proposals for Bronglais and Llanbadarn Fawr, stating their concern regarding the accountability of councillors in multi-member wards, considering that members in this

- 14 - APPENDIX 5 proposal would be accountable to Aberystwyth Town Council (Bronglais) and Llanbadarn Fawr Community Council.

The Resident highlighted that wards are not always reflective of voter turnout, and highlighted that, in 2017, more electors voted in the Bronglais ward, than they did in the Central ward of the Town.

The resident also highlighted that electoral registers don’t always reflect populations.

The resident recommended a better solution would be to move Stanley Road and Elm Tree Avenue to Bronglais ward, from the Central ward of the town.

28. A resident of Ceredigion wrote on the 02 April 2018 to state their view that the Commission’s proposal for Llanfarian does not reflect the geographical nature of the community.

The resident suggests the rural areas to the south of the existing Ystwyth electoral ward link closely to the villages of Llanfarian and Blaenplwyf, and recommends creating an electoral ward by combining the Llanfarian and Llanilar communities.

Furthermore, the resident believes the above proposal would allow the Llanbadarn y Creuddyn Uchaf ward of the Community of Melindwr to combine with the community of Trawsgoed to form an electoral ward, stating that these areas are closely linked.

29. A resident of Llangeitho wrote on the 05 April 2018 expressing opposition to the Commission’s proposal to combine the Community of Llangeitho with the Town of Tregaron.

The resident highlighted the differences of rurality between the two areas and supported the retention of the existing Llangeitho electoral ward arrangements.

30. A resident of Llangeitho wrote on the 05 April 2018 expressing opposition to the Commission’s proposal to combine the Community of Llangeitho with the Town of Tregaron.

The resident highlighted the differences of rurality between the two areas and supported the retention of the existing Llangeitho electoral ward arrangements.

31. A resident of Llangeitho wrote on the 05 April 2018 expressing opposition to the Commission’s proposal to combine the Community of Llangeitho with the Town of Tregaron.

The resident highlighted the differences of rurality between the two areas and supported the retention of the existing Llangeitho electoral ward arrangements.

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32. A resident of Llangeitho wrote on the 05 April 2018 expressing opposition to the Commission’s proposal to combine the Community of Llangeitho with the Town of Tregaron.

The resident highlighted the differences of rurality between the two areas and supported the retention of the existing Llangeitho electoral ward arrangements.

33. A resident of Blaenpennal wrote on the 11 April 2018 to support the Commission’s draft proposal for Lledrod.

The resident also authorised the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a letter on their behalf, to support this view.

34. Two residents of Blaenpennal wrote on the 11 April 2018 to support the Commission’s draft proposal for Lledrod.

The residents also authorised the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a letter on their behalf, to support this view.

35. Two residents of Blaenpennal wrote on the 12 April 2018 to support the Commission’s draft proposal for Lledrod.

The residents also authorised the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a letter on their behalf, to support this view.

36. A resident of Blaenpennal wrote on the 12 April 2018 to support the Commission’s draft proposal for Lledrod.

37. Three residents of Blaenpennal wrote on the 13 April 2018 to support the Commission’s draft proposal for Lledrod.

The residents also authorised the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a letter on their behalf, to support this view.

38. A resident of Blaenpennal wrote on the 13 April 2018 to inform the Commission of the outcome of a public meeting held in Blaenpennal on 21 February 2018.

The resident stated that, those present at the meeting, were unanimous in their support of the Commissions draft proposal for Lledrod, and strong opinions had been voiced in the area to oppose the recommendations of the County Council.

39. A resident of Blaenpennal wrote on the 13 April 2018 to support the Commission’s draft proposal for Lledrod.

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40. A resident of Blaenpennal wrote on the 13 April 2018 to support the Commission’s draft proposal for Lledrod.

The resident also authorised the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a letter on their behalf, to support this view.

41. A resident of Blaenpennal wrote on the 13 April 2018 to support the Commission’s draft proposal for Lledrod.

The resident also authorised the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a letter on their behalf, to support this view.

42. A resident of Blaenpennal wrote on the 14 April 2018 to support the Commission’s draft proposal for Lledrod.

The resident also authorised the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a letter on their behalf, to support this view.

43. A resident of Blaenpennal wrote on the 14 April 2018 to support the Commission’s draft proposal for Lledrod.

The resident also authorised the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a letter on their behalf, to support this view.

44. A resident of Llanddewi Brefi wrote on the 14 April 2018 to oppose the Commission’s draft proposal concerning the Community of Llanddewi Brefi.

The resident believes, foremost, that the existing arrangements for Llangeitho should be retained and stands by the view that the Community of Llanddewi Brefi is linked to Llangeitho.

However, if there is a requirement to change, the resident supports Llanddewi Brefi Community Council’s view that the Community of Llanddewi Brefi has more in common with Tregaron, rather than with Llangybi.

The resident also goes on to include Lledrod, Llanddewi Brefi and Llangeitho as part of Tregaron.

45. A resident of Llanddewi Brefi wrote on the 14 April 2018 to oppose the Commission’s draft proposals concerning the Community of Llanddewi Brefi.

The resident would prefer that the existing arrangements for Llangeitho are retained.

- 17 - APPENDIX 5 However, if there is a requirement to change, the resident would choose to join with Tregaron for all the same reasons that Llanddewi Brefi Community Council have raised to the Commission.

46. Two residents of Blaenpennal wrote on the 15 April 2018 to support the Commission’s draft proposal for Lledrod.

The residents believe the Commission’s proposal to be an improvement on the current arrangements for the ward because it provides a better balance between east and west, and improve representation from the county councillor.

47. A resident of Llanddewi Brefi wrote on the 15 April 2018 to oppose the Commission’s draft proposal for Llangybi and Llanddewi Brefi due to the negative impacts the resident believes would have upon social cohesion and social capital.

The resident believes that the Commission has placed too great an emphasis upon the desire to achieve electoral parity within this area, and fails to successfully consider the impact the proposal would have upon social cohesion and rural infrastructures within the Community of Llanddewi Brefi, and the knock-on effects this would have for the area and its population.

The resident cites the findings of a case study document “The Rural Challenge: Empowering Rural Communities to Achieve Growth and Sustainability”, and considers that many of the same issues discovered in rural County Kerry (Republic of Ireland) are applicable to Mid-Wales, highlighting several issues which they believe the Commission’s proposal fails to consider in Llanddewi Brefi.

The resident also suggests there is a lack of commonality between the Communities of Llanddewi Brefi and Llangybi and highlights that the council representative for the area would therefore have divided interests; the resident suggests this would dramatically reduce the level involvement and social interaction of people in the area.

The resident considers the Community of Llanddewi Brefi to have pre-existing links with the Town of Tregaron and, along with the Community of Llangeitho, is a linked settlement to the Rural Service Centre in Tregaron, whereas, the Community of Llangybi is linked to the Urban Service centre of Lampeter.

The resident concludes that the remaining social capital within the Community of Llanddewi Brefi can only be retained by protecting its social cohesion, and the present problems within Ceredigion will not be resolved by ‘number games’ with electoral boundaries.

48. A resident of Ysbyty Ystwyth wrote on the 15 April 2018 to oppose the Commission’s draft proposals concerning the Community of Ysbyty Ystwyth.

- 18 - APPENDIX 5 The resident explains that, both historically and currently, the Ysbyty Ystwyth community is more culturally, socially and linguistically aligned with the people of Pontrhydfendigaid (Community of Ystrad Fflur).

The resident feels the Communities within the existing Melindwr electoral ward are naturally drawn to the main service centre of Aberystwyth, and they are far less rural that Ysbyty Ystwyth.

The resident requests that the Community of Ysbyty Ystwyth remain part of the Lledrod electoral ward, as per the existing arrangement.

49. A resident of Ceredigion wrote on the 15 April 2018 to oppose the Commission’s draft proposals for Bronglais and Llanbadarn Fawr.

The resident explained that by combining the part of the Town of Aberystwyth with the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr, the elected members may have to deal with conflicted issues.

The resident also highlights that there will be an increase in the population of Bronglais before 2022 when Aberystwyth university reopens the Pantycelyn halls of residence, suggesting there will be a significantly higher number of voters in the Bronglais ward by the next round of elections.

The resident pleads with the Commission to keep the wards of Aberystwyth Bronglais and Llanbadarn Fawr Padarn as they current are.

50. A resident of Llanddewi Brefi wrote on the 15 April 2018 to oppose the Commission’s draft proposal to combine the Communities of Llangybi and Llanddewi Brefi, and to support the views submitted by Llanddewi Brefi Community Council.

The resident feels their representation would shift from a rural to a town-centric point of view in all matters and this would be disastrous to their micro-economy and community structure.

51. Two residents of Blaenpennal wrote on the 17 April 2018 to support the Commission’s draft proposal for Lledrod.

52. A resident of Llangeitho wrote on the 18 April 2018 expressing opposition to the Commission’s proposal to combine the Community of Llangeitho with the Town of Tregaron.

The resident highlighted the differences of rurality between the two areas and supported the retention of the existing Llangeitho electoral ward arrangements.

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WRITTEN STATEMENT BY THE WELSH GOVERNMENT

TITLE LOCAL ELECTIONS AND ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS

DATE Thursday 23rd JUNE 2016

MARK DRAKEFORD, CABINET SECRETARY FOR FINANCE AND BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The Local Authority Elections (Wales) Order 2014 provided for local elections in Wales to be delayed for a year, from May 2016 to May 2017. This allowed the elections to be separated from the Assembly elections.

At the present time, the Local Government Act 1972 provides that ordinary elections to local government in Wales take place on the first Thursday of May every four years. Therefore, the next local government elections would normally take place in May 2021. Since the implementation of the provisions of the Wales Act 2014, elections to the National Assembly take place on a five-yearly cycle. The policy of the Welsh Government is that elections at local level should also be placed on a five year cycle. It is intended that councillors elected next May will therefore hold office until May 2022.

The Wales Bill, currently before Parliament, includes provisions which would enable the Assembly to legislate to determine the term of office for local government. As the Bill is currently in draft form and should these provisions, for any reason, not come into force, the Welsh Government could use the same powers under the Local Government Act 2000 as we did in 2014 to delay the elections by a year. This statement therefore provides clarity to local government as to the length of office of those to be elected next year.

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In the light of this, I have considered the decision made last year in relation to the electoral arrangements of some principal councils. It was determined that reviews conducted by the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales in relation to nine principal areas would not be implemented, given the intention that councils elected in 2017 would only serve a short term prior to mergers.

However, even though the elections in May next year will now result in a full term, due to their proximity, the arrangements which would be required and the disruption for potential candidates, I do not intend to implement any changes to current electoral arrangements in advance of the 2017 elections resultant from those reviews. The councils concerned are Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Monmouthshire, Pembrokeshire, Powys and Torfaen.

The decision that councils will be elected for a full term also means that the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission (the Commission) will return to its normal ten-year cycle of reviews of electoral arrangements. I expect the Commission to publish a new, prioritised programme as soon as possible which takes into account the age of the current arrangements in some areas and the amount of change since the last review was undertaken. I will ask the Commission, in planning their work, to start by revisiting the nine outstanding reviews, with a view to presenting fresh reports on these at the very start of their programme.

It is my intention that reviews of electoral arrangements in principal councils will be conducted against a set of common criteria to be agreed through the Commission. I also expect electoral reviews to have been completed for all 22 authorities within the next local government term.

These arrangements provide clarity for those considering standing for election in 2017 and also set out a long term planning horizon for local authorities and their public service partners. However, I want to be clear that discussions on the reform agenda are on-going with local authorities and other stakeholders. I will be proposing a way forward on local government reform in the Autumn.

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