LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

Review of the Electoral Arrangements of the County of Carmarthenshire

Final Recommendations Report

August 2019

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FOREWORD

The Commission is pleased to present this Report to the Minister for Housing and Local Government, which contains its recommendations for revised electoral arrangements for the County of Carmarthenshire. 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 Carmarthenshire 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. Ceri Stradling Acting Chair

LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES REVIEW OF THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS OF THE COUNTY OF CARMARTHENSHIRE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT Contents Page Chapter 1 Introduction 1 Chapter 2 Summary of the Draft Proposals 2 Chapter 3 Summary of Final Recommendations 3 Chapter 4 Assessment 7 Chapter 5 The Final Recommendations 10 Chapter 6 Summary of Recommended Arrangements 51 Chapter 7 Consequential Arrangements 52 Chapter 8 Responses to this Report 53 Chapter 9 Acknowledgements 54

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 August 2019

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

The translation of this report was provided by Trosol.

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

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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 Carmarthenshire. 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 Carmarthenshire 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.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. 4. 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 Carmarthenshire County Council, all the community and town councils in the area, the mandatory consultees and other interested parties on 28 September 2017 to inform them of the Commission’s intention to conduct the review and request their preliminary views. This consultation ran from 5 October 2017 to 27 December 2017. The Commission also made copies of its Electoral Reviews: Policy and Practice [2016] document available. 5. The Commission published its Draft Proposals Report on 29 August 2018, and requested views on the proposals. This consultation ran from 5 September 2018 to 27 November 2018. 6. The Commission publicised the review on its website and social media channels and asked Carmarthenshire 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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CARMARTHENSHIRE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT Chapter 2. SUMMARY OF DRAFT PROPOSALS 1. Prior to the formulation of the draft proposals, the Commission received representations from one Assembly Member, three County Councillors, four Community Councils, two town councils and the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council.

2. These representations were taken into consideration and summarised in the Draft Proposals Report published on 29 August 2018. The listed mandatory consultees and other interested parties were informed of a period of consultation on the draft proposals which commenced on 5 September 2018 and ended on 27 November 2018. The Commission asked Carmarthenshire 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 Carmarthenshire.

3. The Commission proposed a council of 75 members. This resulted in a proposed county average of 1,915 electors per member. The Commission proposed 51 electoral wards, a reduction from 58 existing electoral wards.

4. The largest under-representation (in terms of electoral variance) was proposed to be in Llandeilo (24% above the proposed county average). At present the greatest under- representation is in Bynea (64% above the proposed county average).

5. The largest over-representation (in terms of electoral variance) was proposed to be in Llanfihangel Aberbythych (21% below the proposed county average). At present the greatest over-representation is in Cilycwm (38% below the proposed county average).

6. The Commission proposed 22 multi-member wards in the County consisting of 20 two-member electoral wards and two three-member electoral wards.

7. The Commission proposed no changes to 34 electoral wards.

8. The Commission proposed to have no electoral wards within the County which combine a part of a warded community, along with its neighbouring community.

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LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES Chapter 3. SUMMARY OF FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS • The Commission received 17 representations from: one political group, nine town and community councils, five county councillors, one other interested party and the Returning Officer for the County Council. The Commission considered all 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 Carmarthenshire.

• The Commission’s final recommendation is a council of 75 members an increase from the present 74 members. This results in a recommended county average of 1,915 electors per member.

• The Commission recommends 51 electoral wards, a reduction from 58 existing wards.

• The largest under-representation (in terms of electoral variance) is recommended to be in Llandeilo (24% above the proposed county average). At present the greatest under- representation is in Bynea (64% above the proposed county average).

• The largest over-representation (in terms of electoral variance) is recommended to be in Llanfihangel Aberbythych (21% below the proposed county average). At present the greatest over-representation is in Cilycwm (38% below the proposed county average).

• The Commission is recommending 22 multi-member wards in the County; 20 two-member electoral wards and two three-member electoral wards.

• The Commission has recommended no changes to 34 electoral wards.

• The Commission recommends to have no electoral wards within the County which combine a part of a warded community, along with its neighbouring community.

• The Commission recommends making a boundary change in the Town of Llanelli. The Commission has recommended consequential changes to Llanelli Town Council as a result of these boundary changes.

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CARMARTHENSHIRE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT Summary Maps 1. On the following pages are thematic maps illustrating the current and recommended arrangements and their variances from the proposed 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; orange and hatched orange between ±25% and ±50% of the county average; and those in red are over ±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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LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES Chapter 4. ASSESSMENT Council size 1. The council size for the County of Carmarthenshire 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 75 for the County of Carmarthenshire. At present the size of the council at 74 members is one member below the methodology’s overall aim. 2. The Commission reviewed the electoral arrangements for the County of Carmarthenshire in 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 75 would be appropriate to represent the County of Carmarthenshire. Number of electors 3. The numbers shown as the electorate for 2017 and the estimates for the electorate in the year 2022 are those submitted by Carmarthenshire County Council. The forecast figures supplied by Carmarthenshire County Council show a forecasted increase in the electorate from 143,598 to 147,611. 4. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has also provided its estimated number of persons eligible to vote but who are not on the electoral register. This showed an estimated 4,584 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 current 16 and 17 year olds are not in the existing electoral figures provided by Carmarthenshire County Council, those individuals 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 1,941 electors per councillor ranging from 39% below (1,191 electors) to 62% above (3,135 electors). The determination of the council size above results in an average of 1,915 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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CARMARTHENSHIRE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT 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. 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 is of the view that, in the first instance, it is desirable that each electoral ward of a principal authority area should return a single-member. However, in some areas, because of the number of electors in a community or community ward, the Commission has considered the creation of multi-member wards in order to achieve appropriate levels of electoral parity. This issue often arises in urban areas where the number of electors is too high to form a single-member ward. It also may arise in more rural wards where the creation of single-member wards would result in substantial variances in electoral parity. The Commission acknowledges the established practice of multi-member wards within the County and this is reflected in the Commission’s recommendations. 12. 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 the Commission must consider. Electoral Ward Names 13. The Commission is naming electoral wards and not the places within the proposed electoral wards. 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. 14. 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 the Welsh Language Commissioner has proposed an alternative to the Commission’s recommended name. Community and Town Council Arrangements 15. During this review the Commission is seeking to make improvements to electoral representation within Carmarthenshire County Council. This process, except where specifically described in Chapter 7, 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.

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LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES 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 at page 14).

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.

Abergwili Llanboidy Llannon Betws Llanddarog Llanybydder Burry Port Llandeilo Lliedi CarmarthenTown Llandovery Llwynhendy West Llandybie Pembrey Garnant Llanegwad Penygroes Glanamman Llanfihangel Pontyberem Glanymor Aberbythych Quarter Bach Glyn Llanfihangel-ar-Arth Saron Gorslas Llangadog Swiss Valley Hengoed Llangennech Trimsaran Laugharne Township Llangunnor Whitland

3. Whilst the Commission is recommending to preserve the geographical arrangements within the electoral wards listed above, it is proposing 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 name preferences): Page 9

CARMARTHENSHIRE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT • The electoral ward of Burry Port to retain the English language name of Burry Port, based on the County of Carmarthenshire (Electoral Arrangements) Order 1998, and to be given the Welsh language name of Porth Tywyn based on the Review of Electoral Arrangements Order (Pembrey and Burry Port Town Council – Pembrey and Burry Port wards) 2013. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and proposed no change to the Commission’s recommended name. • The electoral ward of Carmarthen Town West to retain the English language name of Carmarthen Town West, based on the 1998 Order, and to be given the Welsh language name of Gorllewin Tref Caerfyrddin. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and proposed no change to the Commission’s recommended name. • The electoral ward of Glanamman to retain the English language name of Glanamman based on the 1998 Order, and to be given the Welsh language name of Glanaman as recommended by the Welsh Language Commissioner and the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and proposed a change to the Commission’s recommended name (see paragraph 4 for further details). • The electoral ward of Glanymor to retain the English language name of Glanymor based on the 1998 Order, and to be given the Welsh language name of Glanymôr, based on the Review of Electoral Arrangements Order (Llanelli Town Council – Bigyn and Glanymor Wards) 2013. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and proposed a change to the Commission’s recommended name (see paragraph 4 for further details). • The electoral ward of Gorslas to retain the English language name of Gorslas, based on the 1998 Order, and to be given the Welsh language name of Gors-las based on the Gorslas Community Council (Councillors) Order 2004. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and proposed a change to the Commission’s recommended name (see paragraph 4 for further details). The Commission received a representation from Gorslas Community Council requesting that the Commission retains the existing single name of Gorslas as this is well understood and used locally. • The electoral ward of Laugharne Township to retain the English language name of Laugharne Township based on the 1998 Order, and to be given the Welsh language name of Lacharn. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and proposed a change to the Commission’s recommended name (see paragraph 4 for further details). The Commission received a representation from Laugharne Township Community Council objecting to the Welsh Language Commissioner’s recommended Welsh language name and suggest that the Commission uses the Welsh language name of Talacharn. • The electoral ward of Llandovery to retain the English language name of Llandovery based on the 1998 Order, and to be given the Welsh language name of Llanymddyfri. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and proposed no change to the Commission’s recommended name. • The electoral ward of Llangunnor to retain the English language name of Llangunnor, based on the 1998 Order, and to be given the Welsh language name of Llangynnwr. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and proposed a change to the Commission’s recommended name (see paragraph 4 for further details). • The electoral ward of Llannon to retain the English language name of Llannon, based on the 1998 Order, and to be given the Welsh language name of Llan-non, as recommended by the Welsh language Commissioner. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name Page 10

LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES and proposed a change to the Commission’s recommended name (see paragraph 4 for further details). • The electoral ward of Pembrey to retain the English language name of Pembrey, based on the 1998 Order, and to be given the Welsh language name of Pen-bre, based on the Review of Electoral Arrangements Order (Pembrey and Burry Port Town Council – Pembrey and Burry Port Wards) 2013. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and proposed a change to the Commission’s recommended name (see paragraph 4 further details). • The electoral ward of Quarter Bach to be given the single name of Cwarter Bach, based on the name of the community. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and proposed no change to the Commission’s recommended name. • The electoral ward of Whitland to retain the English name of Whitland, based on the 1998 order, and to be given the Welsh Language name of Hendy-Gwyn, based on the Review of Electoral Arrangements Order (Whitland Town Council – North and South Wards) 2013. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and proposed a change to the Commission’s recommended name (see paragraph 4 for further details). 4. The Commission has consulted the Welsh Language Commissioner with regards to the names of the retained electoral wards, and the Welsh Language Commissioner has recommended the following changes: • Betws to be given the single of name Y Betws in the English and Welsh language. The Welsh Language Commissioner notes that Y Betws is the standard Welsh form in the reference book A Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names (University of Wales Press, 1967) (Rhestr o Enwau Lleoedd). The Commissioner also notes the Welsh definite article needs to precede this name. • Garnant to be given the single name of Y Garnant. The Welsh Language Commissioner notes that Y Garnant is the standard Welsh form in the Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names (University of Wales Press, 1967) (Rhestr o Enwau Lleoedd). The Commissioner notes that the Welsh definite article needs to precede this name. • Glanamman to be given the single name Glanaman. The Welsh Language Commissioner highlights that Glanaman is the standard Welsh form in the Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names (University of Wales Press, 1967) (Rhestr o Enwau Lleoedd). The Commissioner also notes that if the difference between the Welsh form and the English form consists of only one or two letters, the use of a single form is recommended, with preference being given to the Welsh form. • Glanymor to be given the single name of Glan-y-môr. The Welsh Language Commissioner highlighted the hyphen is used in Welsh place-names when the Welsh definite article (y/ yr) occurs before a final monosyllable; hyphens are used before and after the definite article in order to highlight the individual elements and aid pronunciation, and that the standard spelling of ‘môr’ includes the circumflex. The Commissioner also noted that if the difference between the Welsh form and the 'English' form consists of only one or two letters, the use of a single form is recommended, with preference being given to the Welsh form. • Gorslas to be given the single name of Gor-slas. The Welsh Language Commissioner notes that the hyphen is used in Welsh place-names in order to aid pronunciation by showing that stress does not fall on the penultimate syllable. The stress falls on the final syllable of this name and is therefore preceded by a hyphen. Page 11

CARMARTHENSHIRE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT • Laugharne Township to be given the name Laugharne in the English language. The Welsh Language Commissioner has highlighted the names provided are inconsistent and the Commission should consider omitting ‘Township’ from the English form, if it is being removed in the Welsh language • Llandybie to be given the single name of Llandybïe. The Welsh Language Commissioner notes that Llandybïe is the standard Welsh form in the Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names (University of Wales Press, 1967) (Rhestr o Enwau Lleoedd). The Commissioner highlights that the dieresis needs to be included in this name. • Llanfihangel-ar-Arth to be given the single name Llanfihangel-ar-arth in the English and Welsh language. The Welsh Language Commissioner notes that Llanfihangel-ar-arth is the standard Welsh form in the Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names (University of Wales Press, 1967) (Rhestr o Enwau Lleoedd). The Commissioner highlights that there is no need for the ‘arth’ element to be capitalised. • Llangunnor to be given the single of name Llangynnwr. The Welsh Language Commissioner notes that if the difference between the Welsh form and the English form consists of only one or two letters, the use of a single form is recommended, with preference being given to the Welsh form. • Llannon to be given the name single name of Llan-non. The Welsh Language Commissioner notes that Llan-non is the standard Welsh form in the Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names (University of Wales Press, 1967) (Rhestr o Enwau Lleoedd). The Commissioner highlights that the hyphen is used in Welsh place-names in order to aid pronunciation by showing that stress does not fall on the penultimate syllable. The stress falls on the final syllable of this name and is therefore preceded by a hyphen. • Pembrey to be given the single name of Pen-bre. The Welsh Language Commissioner notes that Pen-bre is the standard Welsh form in the Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names (University of Wales Press, 1967) (Rhestr o Enwau Lleoedd). The Commissioner also notes that if the difference between the Welsh form and the English form consists of only one or two letters, the use of a single form is recommended, with preference being given to the Welsh form. • Penygroes to be given the single name of Pen-y-groes. The Welsh Language Commissioner notes that Pen-y-groes is the standard Welsh form recommended in the Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names (University of Wales Press, 1967) (Rhestr o Enwau Lleoedd). The Commissioner highlights that the hyphen is used in Welsh place-names when the Welsh definite article (y/ yr) occurs before a final monosyllable; hyphens are used before and after the definite article in order to highlight the individual elements and aid pronunciation. • Whitland to be given the name Hendy-gwyn ar Daf in the Welsh Language. The Welsh Language Commissioner advised using the full Welsh form Hendy-gwyn ar Daf when referring to the settlement in order to distinguish between the settlement and the monastery of Hendy-gwyn.

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LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES Recommended Electoral Wards 5. The Commission considered changes to the remaining 24 electoral wards. Details of the current electoral arrangements can be found at Appendix 2. The Commission’s recommended arrangements can be found in Appendix 3.

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LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES Carmarthen Town North and Carmarthen Town South 6. The existing Carmarthen Town North electoral ward is comprised of the North ward of the Town of Carmarthen. It has 3,831 electors (3,946 projected) represented by two councillors which is in line with the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 3,980 eligible voters. 7. The existing Carmarthen Town South electoral ward is comprised of the South ward of the Town of Carmarthen. It has 2,792 electors (2,876 projected) represented by two councillors which is 27% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 3,260 eligible voters. 8. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to combine the North and South wards of the Town of Carmarthen to form an electoral ward. 9. The Commission received three representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from: the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council, the Labour Group Carmarthenshire Council and Carmarthen Town Council. The Returning Officer made no further comment to their initial proposal. The Town Council proposed boundary changes within the town which would allow the town to retain six elected members. The Labour Group did not support the draft proposal as set out by the Commission, however, the Labour Group supported the boundary changes as proposed by the Town Council. 10. The Commission recommends combining the North and South wards of the Town of Carmarthen to form an electoral ward with 6,623 electors (6,822 projected) which, if represented by three councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 15% above the proposed county average. 11. The Commission considered the proposed boundary changes as recommended by Carmarthen Town Council. However, the Commission believes that the proposed boundaries do not appear to be easily identifiable, have been created arbitrarily and have not been subject to public consultation. The Commission is of the view that the electoral parity in the area is improved with one fewer member. 12. The Commission proposed the Welsh language name of Gogledd a De Tref Caerfyrddin and the English language name of Carmarthen Town North and South in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received no representations regarding the name. 13. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the Welsh language name of Gogledd a De Tref Caerfyrddin and the English language name of Carmarthen Town North and South. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 14. The Commission considers that this recommendation is justified because of the resulting improvements in electoral parity. This recommendation also retains the whole of the town centre within one electoral ward. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES Ammanford and Pontamman 15. The existing Ammanford electoral ward is composed of the Iscennen and Pantyffynnon wards of the Town of Ammanford. It has 1,964 electors (2,023 projected) represented by one councillor which is 3% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,102 eligible voters. 16. The existing Pontamman electoral ward is composed of the Myddynfych and Wernddu wards of the Town of Ammanford. It has 2,108 electors (2,171 projected) represented by one councillor which is 10% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,144 eligible voters. 17. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to combine the Iscennen, Myddynfych, Pantyffynnon and Wernddu wards of the Town of Ammanford to form an electoral ward. 18. The Commission received two representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from: the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council and the Labour Group Carmarthenshire Council. The Returning Officer made no further comment to their initial proposal. The Labour Group opposed the draft proposal for Ammanford stating that Ammanford and Pontamman both have acceptable levels of electoral variance. They also stated that the split nature of the existing electoral ward of Pontamman does not confuse the electorate in any way and therefore do not believe the proposed change is required. 19. The Commission recommends combining the Iscennen, Myddynfych, Pantyffynnon and Wernddu wards of the Town of Ammanford to form an electoral ward with 4,072 electors (4,194 projected) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 6% above the proposed county average. 20. To address the split ward of Pontamman, which is an anomaly in local government in Wales, the Commission recommends the creation of a two-member electoral ward in this relatively urban town in Carmarthenshire. There are very good communications and road links shared by the four wards of the town. The Commission believes that the four wards of the Town of Ammanford share a common identity. 21. The Commission proposed the Welsh language name of Rhydaman, and the English language name of Ammanford. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received no representations regarding the name. 22. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the Welsh language name of Rhydaman, and the English language name of Ammanford. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 23. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES Hendy and Tycroes 24. The existing Hendy electoral ward is composed of the Hendy and Llanedi wards of the Community of Llanedi. It has 2,544 electors (2,620 projected) represented by one councillor which is 33% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,651 eligible voters. 25. The existing Tycroes electoral ward is comprised of the Tycroes ward of the Community of Llanedi. It has 1,870 electors (1,926 projected) represented by one councillor which is 2% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,972 eligible voters. 26. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to combine the wards of Llanedi and Tycroes of the Community of Llanedi to form an electoral ward. 27. The Commission received two representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from: The Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council and the Labour Group Carmarthenshire Council. The Returning Officer made no further comment to their initial proposal. The Labour Group accepted the draft proposal. 28. The Commission recommends combining the wards of Llanedi and Tycroes of the Community of Llanedi to form an electoral ward with 2,119 electors (2,182 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 11% above the proposed county average. 29. The Commission proposed the single name Tycroes in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received no representations with regards to the name in response to the Draft Proposals. 30. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the single name of Tycroes. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 31. The Commission, as a consequence, proposes that the Hendy ward of the Community of Llanedi forms an electoral ward with 2,295 electors (2,364 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 20% above the proposed county average. 32. The Commission proposed the name Hendy in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received no representations with regards to the name in response to the Draft Proposals. 33. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the name of Hendy. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 34. The Commission considers that the recommended electoral wards provides for an improvement in electoral parity in the area, whilst retaining two single-member wards which the Commission believes is more appropriate than a multi-member ward, particularly in the more rural northern part of the community. 35. The Commission considers that these recommendations would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES Bynea 36. The existing Bynea electoral ward is comprised of the Bynea ward of the Community of Llanelli Rural. It has 3,135 electors (3,229 projected) represented by one councillor which is 64% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 3,370 eligible voters. 37. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to increase the number of elected members in the existing Bynea electoral ward from a single-member to form a two-member electoral ward. 38. The Commission received two representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council and the Labour Group Carmarthenshire Council. The Returning Officer made no further comment to their initial proposal. The Labour Group supported the draft proposal. 39. The Commission recommends the existing Bynea electoral ward form a two-member electoral ward (an increase of one) with 3,135 electors (3,229 projected) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 18% below the proposed county average. 40. The Commission acknowledges the alternative proposal made by the Returning Officer for this area during the initial consultation period. However, the Commission believes that an additional member representing Bynea is the most appropriate change to resolve the very large under-representation in the area. 41. The Commission proposed the Welsh language name of Bynie, and the English language name of Bynea in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner suggested using the singular name Bynea, noting that Bynea is the standard Welsh form recommended by the Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names (University of Wales Press, 1967) (Rhestr o Enwau Lleoedd). The Commission received no representations in regard to the name. 42. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the Welsh language name of Bynie, and the English language name of Bynea. The Welsh Language Commissioner suggested using the singular name Bynea. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 43. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES Dafen and Felinfoel 44. The existing Dafen electoral ward is comprised of the Dafen ward of the Community of Llanelli Rural. It has 2,527 electors (2,603 projected) represented by one councillor which is 32% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,790 eligible voters. 45. The existing Felinfoel electoral ward is comprised of the Felinfoel ward of the Community of Llanelli Rural. It has 1,418 electors (1,461 projected) represented by one councillor which is 26% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,553 eligible voters. 46. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed combining the Dafen and Felinfoel wards of the Community of Llanelli Rural to form an electoral ward. 47. The Commission received one representation in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council. The Returning Officer made no further comment on their initial proposal. 48. The Commission recommends combining the Dafen and Felinfoel wards of the Community of Llanelli Rural to form an electoral ward with 3,945 electors (4,064 projected) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 3% above the proposed county average. 49. The Commission believes that this recommendation provides for a significant improvement in electoral parity in the area and combines two wards of the same community council which have very good communication links. 50. The Commission proposed the Welsh language name of Dafen a Felinfoel, and the English language name of Dafen and Felinfoel. The Welsh Language Commissioner suggested using the name Dafen and Felin-foel in the English language, and Dafen a Felin-foel in the Welsh language, noting that a hyphen is used in Welsh place-names in order to aid pronunciation by showing that the stress does not fall on the penultimate syllable. With regard to Felin-foel, the stress falls on the final syllable of the name and is therefore preceded by a hyphen. The Commission received no representations in regard to the name. 51. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the Welsh language name of Dafen a Felinfoel, and the English language name of Dafen and Felinfoel. The Welsh Language Commissioner has suggested using the name Dafen and Felin-foel in the English language, and Dafen a Felin-foel in the Welsh language. 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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LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES Bigyn 53. The existing Bigyn electoral ward is comprised of the Bigyn ward of the Town of Llanelli. It has 4,839 electors (4,984 projected) represented by two councillors which is 26% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 5,107 eligible voters. 54. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to increase the number of elected members in the existing Bigyn electoral ward from a two-member ward to form a three-member electoral ward. 55. The Commission received two representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council and the Labour Group Carmarthenshire Council. The Returning Officer made no further comment on their initial proposal. The Labour Group supported the draft proposal. 56. The Commission recommends the existing Bigyn electoral ward form a three-member electoral ward (an increase of one) with 4,839 electors (4,984 projected) which if represented by three councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 16% below the proposed county average. 57. The Commission acknowledges the alternative proposal made by the Returning Officer for this area during the initial consultation period. However, the Commission believes that an additional member representing Bigyn is the most appropriate change to resolve the large under-representation in the area. 58. The Commission proposed to retain the single name of Bigyn. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the proposed name. The Commission received no representation in regard to the name. 59. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the single name of Bigyn. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the recommended name. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 60. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES Elli and Tyisha 61. The existing Elli electoral ward is comprised of the Elli ward of the Town of Llanelli. It has 2,387 electors (2,459 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 25% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,639 eligible voters. 62. The existing Tyisha electoral ward is comprised of the Tyisha ward of the Town of Llanelli. It has 2,677 electors (2,757 projected) represented by two councillors which is 30% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 3,225 eligible voters. 63. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to apply the boundaries as proposed by Councillor John Jenkins (Elli), transferring the polling district of TYI-B from the Tyisha ward, covering the area known locally as ‘Lakefield’ (823 electors) to form a new Elli ward. As a consequence, the Commission proposed to apply the boundaries as proposed by Councillor John Jenkins (Elli) to form a new Tyisha ward. 64. The Commission received five representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from: the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council, Llanelli Town Council, Councillor John Jenkins (Elli), Councillors Suzy Curry and Andre McPherson (Tyisha), and the Labour Group Carmarthenshire County Council. 65. The Commission considered the alternative proposals made by the Returning Officer and the alternative arrangements proposed by Llanelli Town Council which were supported by Councillors Suzy Curry and Andre McPherson (Tyisha) and the Labour Group Carmarthenshire County Council. 66. The town council objected to the draft proposals and instead proposed transferring the ELLC polling district (726 electors) from Elli to Tyisha. The representations expressed that Tyisha is an area of very high deprivation and is designated within the top three most deprived areas in Carmarthenshire. The town council highlighted that the scale of deprivation in the community is reflected in the level of caseload local members have and provides justification for a two-member electoral ward. 67. Councillor Jenkins (Elli) supported the Commission’s Draft Proposal. The Councillor submitted a representation in response to the proposal made by Llanelli Town Council stating that although Llanelli Town Council’s proposal would address the inappropriate levels of variance in Tyisha, the area being transferred in the draft proposal has much more in common with Elli than ELL-C polling district has with Tyisha. The Councillor stated that the proposal made by Llanelli Town Council may be politically motivated. It is not as bad as the previous Commission proposal to merge the Elli and Tyisha wards to create an unwieldly three-member ward. 68. The Commission recommends applying the boundaries as described in paragraph 66 and illustrated on page 31 to form a new Elli electoral ward with 1,661 electors (1,733 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 13% below the proposed county average. 69. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the single name of Elli. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the recommended name. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 70. The Commission recommends, as a consequence, to apply the new boundaries as described at paragraph 66 and illustrated on page 32, to form a new Tyisha electoral ward with 3,403 electors which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 12% below the proposed county average. Page 29

CARMARTHENSHIRE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT 71. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the single name of Tyisha. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the recommended name. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 72. The Commission considers that the recommended electoral wards provide for an improvement in electoral parity in the area, whilst increasing the number of elected members in an area where population increases are forecasted. The recommendations also address the majority of the representations received. 73. The Commission considers that these recommendations would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES Kidwelly and St. Ishmael 74. The existing Kidwelly electoral ward is comprised of the Town of Kidwelly. It has 2,833 electors (2,918 projected) represented by one councillor which is 48% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,836 eligible voters. 75. The existing St. Ishmael electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Llandyfaelog and St. Ishmael. It has 2,273 electors (2,341 projected) represented by one councillor which is 19% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,242 eligible voters. 76. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to combine the Town of Kidwelly with the Community of St. Ishmael to form an electoral ward. 77. The Commission received three representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from: the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council, Llandyfaelog and St. Ishmaels Community Councils and from the Labour Group Carmarthenshire County Council. The Returning Officer made no further comment from their initial representation. 78. Llandyfaelog and St. Ishmaels Community Councils were opposed to the Commission’s Draft Proposal. They stated that the Communities of Llandyfaelog and St. Ishmael work very well together as an existing electoral ward in a number of areas. They expressed that the same cooperation does not exist between Llandyfaelog and Llangyndeyrn Communities or between St. Ishmaels and Kidwelly. 79. The Labour Group did not support the draft proposal stating that the proposal would cross Assembly and Parliamentary boundaries causing great confusion to the electorate, they also stated that the areas do not share a common identity. 80. The Commission recommends combining the Town of Kidwelly and Community of St. Ishmael to form an electoral ward with 3,961 electors (4,080 projected) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 3% above the proposed county average. 81. The Commission considers that the recommended electoral ward addresses the inappropriate levels of electoral representation in Kidwelly and, in addition, avoids creating a geographically large three-member electoral ward in a relatively rural area. The Commission noted that Kidwelly and St. Ishmael are well connected via the B4308 and it is considered that together they could form a coherent electoral ward. 82. The Commission proposed the Welsh language name of Cydweli a Llanismel, and the English language name of Kidwelly and St. Ishmael. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received no representation with regards to the name in response to the Draft Proposals. 83. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the Welsh language name of Cydweli a Llanismel, and the English language name of Kidwelly and St. Ishmael. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 84. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES Llangyndeyrn and St. Ishmael 85. The existing Llangyndeyrn electoral ward is comprised of the Community of Llangyndeyrn. It has 2,809 electors (2,894 projected) represented by one councillor which is 47% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,640 eligible voters. 86. The existing St. Ishmael electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Llandyfaelog and St. Ishmael. It has 2,273 electors (2,341 projected) represented by one councillor which is 19% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,242 eligible voters. 87. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to combine the Communities of Llandyfaelog and Llangyndeyrn to form an electoral ward 88. The Commission received five representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from: The Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council, Llandyfaelog and St. Ishmaels Community Councils, Councillor W Tyssul Evans (Llangyndeyrn) and the Labour Group Carmarthenshire County Council. The Returning Officer made no further comment from their initial proposal. 89. Llandyfaelog and Llangyndeyrn Community Councils were opposed to the Commission’s Draft Proposal. They stated that the Communities of Llandyfaelog and St. Ishmael work very well together as an existing electoral ward in a number of areas. They expressed that the same cooperation does not exist between Llandyfaelog and Llangyndeyrn Communities or between St. Ishmaels and Kidwelly. 90. Councillor Evans (Llangyndeyrn) stated that he was relatively satisfied with the Commission’s Draft Proposals but expressed concerns that Llangyndeyrn was being combined with Llandyfaelog to form a two-member electoral ward, however, the Councillor acknowledged that this was the best solution to achieve electoral parity. 91. The Labour Group did not support the draft proposal stating that the areas do not share a common identity. 92. The Commission recommends combining the Communities of Llandyfaelog and Llangyndeyrn to form an electoral ward with 3,954 electors (4,073 projected) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 3% above the proposed county average. 93. The Commission considers that the recommended electoral ward addresses the inappropriate levels of electoral representation in Llangyndeyrn and, in addition, avoids creating a geographically large three-member electoral ward in a relatively rural area. The Commission noted that Llandyfaelog and Llangyndeyrn are well connected via the B4306 and B4309 and it is considered that together they could form a coherent electoral ward. 94. The Commission proposed the name Llangyndeyrn in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received no representation with regards to the name in response to the Draft Proposals. 95. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the name Llangyndeyrn. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 96. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government. Page 35

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Llansteffan and St. Clears 97. The existing Llansteffan electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Llangain, Llangynog and Llansteffan. It has 1,686 electors (1,736 projected) represented by one councillor which is 12% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,663 eligible voters. 98. The existing St. Clears electoral ward is comprised of the Town of St. Clears. It has 2,509 electors (2,585 projected) represented by one councillor which is 31% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,502 eligible voters. 99. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to combine the Communities of Llangain, Llangynog and Llansteffan with the Town of St. Clears to form an electoral ward. 100. The Commission received two representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council and Councillor Carys Jones (Llansteffan). The Returning Officer asked the Commission to reconsider his original proposal to combine the Community of St. Clears with Trelech and commented that many of the residents of Trelech look to St. Clears for facilities and services. Councillor Jones (Llansteffan) objected to the Draft Proposals. The Councillor commented that the communities of St. Clears and Llansteffan are two distinct areas with different needs and priorities. 101. The Commission recommends combining the Communities of Llangain, Llangynog and Llansteffan with the Town of St. Clears to form an electoral ward with 4,195 electors (4,321 projected) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 10% above the proposed county average. 102. The Commission considers that the recommended electoral ward addresses the inappropriate levels of electoral representation. This recommendation combines three communities, which already form the existing electoral ward of Llansteffan, with the Town of St. Clears, promoting the desirability to maintain community ties, and will be able to utilise existing community, communication, and social ties to form an effective electoral ward. 103. The Commission proposed the Welsh language name of Sanclêr gyda Llansteffan and the English language name of St. Clears with Llansteffan. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received one representation with regards to the name in response to the Draft Proposals from Councillor Jones (Llansteffan). The Councillor stated that the proposed name was very poor and should this proposal be enforced they would insist on local consultation regarding the name of the ward. 104. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the Welsh language name of Sanclêr gyda Llansteffan and the English language name of St. Clears with Llansteffan. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 105. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES Cynwyl Elfed and Trelech 106. The existing Cynwyl Elfed electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Bronwydd, Cynwyl Elfed, Llanpumsaint and, Newchurch and Merthyr. It has 2,530 electors (2,606 projected) represented by one councillor which is 32% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,533 eligible voters. 107. The existing Trelech electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Abernant, Llanwinio, Meidrim and Trelech. It has 1,744 electors (1,796 projected) represented by one councillor which is 9% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,718 eligible voters. 108. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to combine the Communities of Abernant, Llanwinio, Meidrim, Newchurch and Merthyr, and Trelech to form an electoral ward. 109. The Commission received one representation in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council. The Returning Officer states that his original proposal to combine the Community of St. Clears with Trelech should be reconsidered and commented that many of the residents of Trelech look to St. Clears for facilities and services. 110. The Commission recommends combining the Communities of Abernant, Llanwinio, Meidrim, Newchurch and Merthyr, and Trelech to form an electoral ward with 2,305 electors (2,374 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 20% above the proposed county average. 111. The Commission considered that the combination of these rural communities is supported by good communication links and contributes to the improvement in electoral parity in the wider area and will form an effective electoral ward. The Commission recognises that this proposal generates an increase in the level of electoral variance when compared to the existing arrangements within the Trelech electoral ward. However, the Commission believes the recommendation is suitably justified, in order to improve electoral parity in the wider area. 112. The Commission proposed the single name of Trelech. The Welsh Language Commissioner suggested using the single name Tre-lech, noting that the hyphen is used in Welsh place- names in order to aid pronunciation by showing that the stress does not fall on the penultimate syllable. The stress falls on the final syllable of this name and is therefore preceded by a hyphen. The Commission received no representations with regards to the name in response to the Draft Proposals. 113. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the single name of Trelech. The Welsh Language Commissioner suggested the name of Tre-lech. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 114. The Commission recommends, as a consequence, to combine the Communities of Bronwydd, Cynwyl Elfed and Llanpumsaint to form an electoral ward with 1,969 electors (2,028 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 3% above the proposed county average. 115. The Commission considers that the recommended electoral ward addresses the inappropriate levels of variance in the existing Cynwyl Elfed electoral ward and avoids creating a multi- member electoral ward in a large rural area. This recommendation also adheres to the representation submitted by Bronwydd Community Council in the initial consultation period, by retaining Bronwydd with Cynwyl Elfed and Llanpumsaint.

Page 39 CARMARTHENSHIRE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT 116. The Commission proposed the single name Cynwyl Elfed in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed names. The Commission received no representations with regards to the name in response to the Draft Proposals. 117. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the single name of Cynwyl Elfed. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 118. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Page 42 LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES Cenarth and Llangeler 119. The existing Cenarth electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Cenarth and Newcastle Emlyn. It has 1,650 electors (1,700 projected) represented by one councillor which is 14% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,774 eligible voters. 120. The existing Llangeler electoral ward is comprised of the Community of Llangeler. It has 2,756 electors (2,839 projected) represented by one councillor which is 44% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,735 eligible voters. 121. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to combine the Communities of Cenarth, Llangeler and Newcastle Emlyn to form an electoral ward. 122. The Commission received four representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from: the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council, Cenarth and Llangeler Community Councils and Councillor Hazel Evans (Cenarth). The Returning Officer made no further comment to their initial proposal. Cenarth and Llangeler Community Councils and Councillor Evans (Cenarth) opposed the Commission’s Draft Proposal stating their opposition to a two-member electoral ward in the area and proposed that the boundary between the two wards is changed so that the residents living along the B4333 are moved from the Llangeler ward into the Cenarth ward to enable the retention of single-member electoral wards in the area. 123. The Commission recommends combining the Communities of Cenarth, Llangeler and Newcastle Emlyn to form an electoral ward with 4,406 electors (4,539 projected) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 15% above the proposed county average. 124. The Commission considered the representations received and is of the view that it would be inappropriate to propose the boundary change as suggested at this point of the review due to the lack of public consultation that would take place on the change. The Commission considers that the recommendation significantly improves the level of electoral parity and utilises whole communities to create a two-member electoral ward for the area. The Commission are content that the recommendation for the area are formed from appropriate combinations of communities, which are well connected along the A484 road. 125. The Commission proposed the Welsh language name of Cenarth a Llangeler and the English language name of Cenarth and Llangeler. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received no representation with regards to the name in response to the Draft Proposals. 126. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the Welsh language name of Cenarth a Llangeler; and the English language name of Cenarth and Llangeler. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the recommended name. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 127. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES Cilycwm and Cynwyl Gaeo 128. The existing Cilycwm electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Cilycwm, Llansadwrn, and Llanwrda. It has 1,191 electors (1,228 projected) represented by one councillor which is 38% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,205 eligible voters. 129. The existing Cynwyl Gaeo electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Cynwyl Gaeo, Llansawel and Llanycrwys. It has 1,326 electors (1,365 projected) represented by one councillor which is 31% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,313 eligible voters. 130. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to combine the Communities of Cilycwm, Cynwyl Gaeo, Llansadwrn, Llanwrda and Llanycrwys to form an electoral ward. 131. The Commission received two representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council and the Labour Group Carmarthenshire Council. The Returning Officer made no further comment to their initial proposal. The Labour Group accepted the draft proposal. 132. The Commission recommends that the Communities of Cilycwm, Cynwyl Gaeo, Llansadwrn, Llanwrda and Llanycrwys are combined to form an electoral ward with 2,178 electors (2,244 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 14% above the proposed county average. 133. The Commission considers that this recommendation substantially improves the levels of electoral parity in the area. The Commission considered that these communities are well connected via the A482 road, and the recommendation also takes into account the large rural nature of these communities by retaining single-member wards in the area. 134. The Commission proposed the Welsh Language name of Cil-y-cwm, and the English language name of Cilycwm. The Welsh Language Commissioner suggested using the single name Cil-y- cwm, noting that the hyphen is used in Welsh place-names when the Welsh definite article (y/ yr) occurs before a final monosyllable; hyphens are used before and after the definite article in order to highlight the individual elements and aid pronunciation. They also highlighted that if the difference between the Welsh form and the English form consists of only one or two letters, the use of a single form is recommended, with preference being given to the Welsh form. The Commission received no representation with regards to the name in response to the Draft Proposals. 135. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the Welsh Language name of Cil- y-cwm, and the English language name of Cilycwm. The Welsh Language Commissioner suggested using the single name Cil-y-cwm. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 136. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES Cynwyl Gaeo and Manordeilo and Salem 137. The existing Cynwyl Gaeo electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Cynwyl Gaeo, Llansawel and Llanycrwys. It has 1,326 electors (1,365 projected) represented by one councillor which is 31% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,313 eligible electors 138. The existing Manordeilo and Salem electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Manordeilo and Salem, and Talley. It has 1,813 electors (1,867 projected) represented by one councillor which is 5% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,865 eligible voters 139. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed that the Communities of Llansawel, Manordeilo and Salem, and Talley are combined to form an electoral ward. 140. The Commission received one representation in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council. The Returning Officer made no further comment to their initial proposal. 141. The Commission recommends that the Communities of Llansawel, Manordeilo and Salem, and Talley are combined to form an electoral ward with 2,152 electors (2,216 projected) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 12% above the proposed county average. 142. The Commission considers that the recommendation is suitably justified, in order to improve electoral parity in the wider area. All of the communities in this recommendation are well connected via the B4302 and B4337 roads and, together, would form a coherent electoral ward. This recommendation also takes into account the large rural nature of these communities by retaining single-member wards in the area. 143. The Commission proposed the Welsh language name of Maenordeilo a Salem, and the English language name of Manordeilo and Salem. The Welsh Language Commissioner has suggested using the English language name of Maenordeilo and Salem. The Commissioner noted that Maenordeilo is the standard Welsh form recommended by the Gazetteer of Welsh Place- Names (University of Wales Press, 1967) (Rhestr o Enwau Lleoedd). They also highlighted that if the difference between the Welsh form and the English form consists of only one or two letters, the use of a single form is recommended, with preference being given to the Welsh form. The Commission received no representations with regards to the name in response to the Draft Proposals. 144. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the Welsh language name of Maenordeilo a Salem, and the English language name of Manordeilo and Salem. The Welsh Language Commissioner has suggested using the English language name of Maenordeilo and Salem. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 145. The Commission considers that these recommendations would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

Page 47

CARMARTHENSHIRE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT

Page 48

LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES 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 Carmarthenshire: • Electoral variance ranges from 39% below the current county average (Cilycwm) to 62% above the current county average (Bynea) of 1,941 electors per councillor. • One electoral ward has a level of representation in excess of 50% above or below the current county average of 1,941 electors per councillor. • 13 electoral wards have a level of representation in between 25% and 50% above or below the current county average of 1,941 electors per councillor. • 26 electoral wards have a level of representation between 10% and 25% above or below the current county average of 1,941 electors per councillor. • 18 electoral wards have a level of representation between 10% above or below the current county average of 1,941 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 21% below the recommended county average (Llanfihangel Aberbythych) to 24% above the recommended county average (Llandeilo) of 1,915 electors per councillor. • 32 electoral wards have a level of representation between 10% and 25% above or below the proposed county average of 1,915 electors per councillor. • 19 electoral wards have a level of representation less than 10% above or below the proposed county average of 1,915 electors per councillor. 3. As described in Chapter 4 and Appendix 4, 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. In the Commission’s recommended scheme the Commission 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 49 CARMARTHENSHIRE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT Chapter 7. CONSEQUENTIAL ARRANGEMENTS 1. In considering the changes to electoral wards where the Commission has recommended boundary changes, it has also been necessary to consider the consequence of these changes to the boundaries and electoral arrangements of the community and town councils. This section of the report details our recommendations for such consequential changes. The electoral statistics used in this section were also provided by Carmarthenshire County Council. Community and Community Ward Boundaries 1. There are two changes to electoral wards which, as a consequence, the Commission must consider the underlying community and community ward arrangements. The proposed changes to community and community ward boundaries are as follows:

LLANELLI TOWN COUNCIL 2. The proposed electoral ward of Elli is proposed to have the same consequential change to the Elli ward of the Town of Llanelli, as illustrated on the map at page 31. 3. The proposed electoral ward of Tyisha is proposed to have the same consequential change to the Elli ward of the Town of Llanelli, as illustrated on the map at page 32. Community Council Electoral Arrangements 4. The Commission are required to consider the consequential changes to the Town electoral arrangements that would occur following the proposals detailed above. The electoral arrangements and the proposed changes to those arrangements can be seen below.

Llanelli Town Council Electoral Arrangements

Existing Proposed

Electors Electors Town Town Wards Electors per Variance Electors per Variance Councillors Councillors Councillor Councillor

Bigyn 4,839 5 968 6% 4,839 5 968 11%

Elli 2,387 3 796 -13% 1,661 2 831 -5%

Glanymor 4,514 4 1,128 23% 4,514 5 903 4%

Lliedi 3,892 5 778 -15% 3,892 5 778 -11%

Tyisha 2,677 3 892 -3% 3,383 4 846 -3%

Total 18,309 20 915 18,309 21 872

5. The Commission is satisfied that the existing electoral arrangements are appropriate and are in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

Page 50 LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES Chapter 8. RESPONSES TO THIS REPORT 1. Having completed the review of the County of Carmarthenshire 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 CARMARTHENSHIRE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT Chapter 9. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1. The Commission wishes to express its gratitude to the principal council, all the town and 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.

CERI STRADLING (Acting Chair)

DAVID POWELL (Member)

JULIE MAY (Member)

THEODORE JOLOZA (Member)

SHEREEN WILLIAMS (Chief Executive)

[August 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 CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP Appendix 2

% variance % variance No. OF ELECTORATE 2017 ELECTORATE 2022 Population eligible No. NAME Description from County from County COUNCILLORS 2017 RATIO 2022 RATIO to vote average average The Communities of Abergwili and 1 Abergwili 1 1,903 1,903 -2% 1,960 1,960 -2% 1,919 Llanllawddog

The Iscennen and Pantyffynnon wards 2 Ammanford 1 1,964 1,964 1% 2,023 2,023 1% 2,102 of the Town of Ammanford

3 Betws The Community of Betws 1 1,841 1,841 -5% 1,896 1,896 -5% 1,846

4 Bigyn The Bigyn ward of the Town of Llanelli 2 4,839 2,420 25% 4,984 2,492 25% 5,107

The Burry Port ward of the Town of 5 Burry Port 2 3,340 1,670 -14% 3,440 1,720 -14% 3,419 Pembrey and Burry Port The Bynea ward of the Community of 6 Bynea 1 3,135 3,135 62% 3,229 3,229 62% 3,370 Llanelli Rural The North ward of the Town of 7 Carmarthen Town North 2 3,831 1,916 -1% 3,946 1,973 -1% 3,980 Carmarthen The South ward of the Town of 8 Carmarthen Town South 2 2,792 1,396 -28% 2,876 1,438 -28% 3,260 Carmarthen The West ward of the Town of 9 Carmarthen Town West 2 3,657 1,829 -6% 3,767 1,884 -6% 4,112 Carmarthen The Communties of Cenarth and 10 Cenarth 1 1,650 1,650 -15% 1,700 1,700 -15% 1,774 Newcastle Emlyn The Communities of Cilycwm, 11 Cilycwm 1 1,191 1,191 -39% 1,228 1,228 -38% 1,205 Llansadwrn and Llanwrda The Communities of Cynwyl Elfed, 12 Cynwyl Elfed Bronwydd, Llanpumsaint and, 1 2,530 2,530 30% 2,606 2,606 31% 2,533 Newchurch and Merthyr The Communities of Cynwyl Gaeo, 13 Cynwyl Gaeo 1 1,326 1,326 -32% 1,365 1,365 -32% 1,313 Llansawel and Llanycrwys The Dafen ward of the Community of 14 Dafen 1 2,527 2,527 30% 2,603 2,603 30% 2,790 Llanelli Rural

15 Elli The Elli ward of the Town of Llanelli 1 2,387 2,387 23% 2,459 2,459 23% 2,639

The Felinfoel ward of the Community 16 Felinfoel 1 1,418 1,418 -27% 1,461 1,461 -27% 1,553 of Llanelli Rural

The Pistillwyd and Twyn wards of the 17 Garnant 1 1,579 1,579 -19% 1,627 1,627 -18% 1,691 Community of Cwmamman

The Grenig and Tircoed wards of the 18 Glanamman 1 1,825 1,825 -6% 1,879 1,879 -6% 1,880 Community of Cwmamman The Glanymor ward of the Town of 19 Glanymor 2 4,514 2,257 16% 4,649 2,325 17% 4,750 Llanelli CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP Appendix 2

% variance % variance No. OF ELECTORATE 2017 ELECTORATE 2022 Population eligible No. NAME Description from County from County COUNCILLORS 2017 RATIO 2022 RATIO to vote average average The Glyn ward of the Community of 20 Glyn 1 1,707 1,707 -12% 1,758 1,758 -12% 1,735 Llanelli Rural 21 Gorslas The Community of Gorslas 2 3,677 1,839 -5% 3,788 1,894 -5% 3,523 The Hendy and Llanedi wards of the 22 Hendy 1 2,544 2,544 31% 2,620 2,620 31% 2,651 Community of Llanedi The Hengoed ward of the Community 23 Hengoed 2 3,175 1,588 -18% 3,270 1,635 -18% 3,096 of Llanelli Rural 24 Kidwelly The Town of Kidwelly 1 2,833 2,833 46% 2,918 2,918 46% 2,836

The Communities of Eglwyscummin, 25 Laugharne Township Llanddowror, Laugharne Township and 1 2,166 2,166 12% 2,231 2,231 12% 2,259 Pendine

The Communities of Cilymaenllwyd, 26 Llanboidy 1 1,694 1,694 -13% 1,744 1,744 -13% 1,688 Llanboidy and Llangynin The Communities of Llanarthney and 27 Llanddarog 1 1,660 1,660 -14% 1,710 1,710 -14% 1,726 Llanddarog The Community of Dyffryn Cennen and 28 Llandeilo 1 2,373 2,373 22% 2,148 2,148 8% 2,388 Town of Llandeilo The Town of Llandovery and 29 Llandovery 1 2,060 2,060 6% 2,121 2,121 6% 2,153 Community of Llanfair-y-Bryn

The Heolddu and Llandybie wards of 30 Llandybie 2 3,237 1,619 -17% 3,334 1,667 -16% 3,244 the Community of Llandybie

The Communities of Llanegwad, 31 Llanegwad Llanfihangel Rhos-y-Corn and 1 2,018 2,018 4% 2,079 2,079 4% 2,028 Llanfynydd The Communities of Llangathen and 32 Llanfihangel Aberbythych 1 1,504 1,504 -22% 1,549 1,549 -22% 1,515 Llanfihangel Aberbythych The Communities of Llanfihangel-ar- 33 Llanfihangel-ar-Arth 1 2,215 2,215 14% 2,282 2,282 14% 2,253 Arth and Llallwni

The Communities of Llandeussant, 34 Llangadog 1 1,598 1,598 -18% 1,646 1,646 -17% 1,592 Llangadog and Myddfai

35 Llangeler The Community of Llangeler 1 2,756 2,756 42% 2,839 2,839 42% 2,735 36 Llangennech The Community of Llangennech 2 4,002 2,001 3% 4,122 2,061 3% 4,074 37 Llangunnor The Community of Llangunnor 1 2,130 2,130 10% 2,194 2,194 10% 2,075 38 Llangyndeyrn The Community of Llangyndeyrn 1 2,809 2,809 45% 2,894 2,894 45% 2,640 39 Llannon The Community of Llannon 2 4,138 2,069 7% 4,263 2,132 7% 4,364 CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP Appendix 2

% variance % variance No. OF ELECTORATE 2017 ELECTORATE 2022 Population eligible No. NAME Description from County from County COUNCILLORS 2017 RATIO 2022 RATIO to vote average average The Communities of Llangain, 40 Llansteffan 1 1,686 1,686 -13% 1,736 1,736 -13% 1,663 Llangynog and Llansteffan The Communities of Llanybydder and 41 Llanybydder 1 2,075 2,075 7% 2,137 2,137 7% 2,230 Pencarreg

42 Lliedi The Lliedi ward of the Town of Llanelli 2 3,892 1,946 0% 4,009 2,005 0% 4,245

The Pemberton ward of the Community 43 Llwynhendy 2 3,201 1,601 -18% 3,297 1,649 -17% 3,342 of Llanelli Rural The Communities of Manordeilo and 44 Manordeilo and Salem 1 1,813 1,813 -7% 1,867 1,867 -6% 1,865 Salem, and Talley The Pembrey ward of the Town of 45 Pembrey 2 3,441 1,721 -11% 3,544 1,772 -11% 3,391 Pembrey and Burry Port The Penygroes ward of the Community 46 Penygroes 1 2,294 2,294 18% 2,363 2,363 18% 2,298 of Llandybie

The Myddynfych and Wernddu wards 47 Pontamman 1 2,108 2,108 9% 2,171 2,171 9% 2,144 of the Town of Ammanford

48 Pontyberem The Community of Pontyberem 1 2,164 2,164 12% 2,229 2,229 12% 2,277 49 Quarter Bach The Community of Quarter Bach 1 2,167 2,167 12% 2,232 2,232 12% 2,280 The Saron ward of the Community of 50 Saron 2 3,306 1,653 -15% 3,405 1,703 -15% 3,331 Llandybie 51 St. Clears The Town of St. Clears 1 2,509 2,509 29% 2,585 2,585 30% 2,502 The Communities of Llandyfaelog and 52 St. Ishmael 1 2,273 2,273 17% 2,341 2,341 17% 2,242 St. Ishmael The Swiss Valley ward of the 53 Swiss Valley 1 2,135 2,135 10% 2,199 2,199 10% 2,142 Community of Llanelli Rural The Communities of Abernant 54 Trelech 1 1,744 1,744 -10% 1,796 1,796 -10% 1,718 Llanwinio, Meidrim and Trelech 55 Trimsaran The Community of Trimsaran 1 1,911 1,911 -2% 1,968 1,968 -1% 1,995 The Tycroes ward of the Community of 56 Tycroes 1 1,870 1,870 -4% 1,926 1,926 -3% 1,972 Llanedi

57 Tyisha The Tyisha ward of the Town of Llanelli 2 2,677 1,339 -31% 2,757 1,379 -31% 3,225

The Community of Henllanfallteg and 58 Whitland 1 1,787 1,787 -8% 1,841 1,841 -8% 1,842 Town of Whitland TOTAL: 74 143,598 1,941 147,611 1,995 148,522

Ratio is the number of electors per councillor Electoral figures supplied by Carmarthenshire County Council CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP Appendix 2

% variance % variance No. OF ELECTORATE 2017 ELECTORATE 2022 Population eligible No. NAME Description from County from County COUNCILLORS 2017 RATIO 2022 RATIO to vote average average Population figures supplied by the Office for National Statistics

2017 2022 Greater than + or - 50% of County average 1 2% 1 2% Between + or - 25% and + or - 50% of County average 12 21% 12 21% Between + or - 10% and + or - 25% of County average 27 46% 24 41% Between 0% and + or - 10% of County average 18 31% 21 36% Appendix 3 CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL RECCOMENDED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

% Variance % variance No. OF ELECTORATE 2017 ELECTORATE 2022 No. NAME Description from from County COUNCILLORS 2017 RATIO 2022 RATIO County average The Communities of Abergwili and 1 Abergwili 1 1,903 1,903 -1% 1,960 1,960 0% Llanllawddog 2 Ammanford The Town of Ammanford 2 4,072 2,036 6% 4,194 2,097 7% 3 Betws The Community of Betws 1 1,841 1,841 -4% 1,896 1,896 -4% 4 Bigyn The Bigyn ward of the Town of Llanelli 3 4,839 1,613 -16% 4,984 1,661 -16% The Burry Port ward of the Town of 5 Burry Port 2 3,340 1,670 -13% 3,440 1,720 -13% Pembrey and Burry Port The Bynea ward of the Community of 6 Bynea 2 3,135 1,568 -18% 3,229 1,615 -18% Llanelli Rural The North and South wards of the Town 7 Carmarthen Town North and South 3 6,623 2,208 15% 6,822 2,274 16% of Carmarthen The West ward of the Town of 8 Carmarthen Town West 2 3,657 1,829 -4% 3,767 1,884 -4% Carmarthen The Communities of Cenarth, Newcastle 9 Cenarth and Llangeler 2 4,406 2,203 15% 4,539 2,270 15% Emlyn and Llangeler The Communities of Cilycwm, Cynwyl 10 Cilycwm Gaeo, Llansadwrn, Llanwrda and 1 2,178 2,178 14% 2,244 2,244 14% Llanycrwys 11 Quarter Bach The Community of Quarter Bach 1 2,167 2,167 13% 2,232 2,232 13% The Communities of Bronwydd, Cynwyl 12 Cynwyl Elfed 1 1,969 1,969 3% 2,028 2,028 3% Elfed and Llanpumsaint The Dafen and Felinfoel wards of the 13 Dafen and Felinfoel 2 3,945 1,973 3% 4,064 2,032 3% Community of Llanelli Rural 14 Elli The Elli ward of the Town of Llanelli 1 1,661 1,661 -13% n/a n/a n/a The Pistillwyd and Twyn wards of the 15 Garnant 1 1,579 1,579 -18% 1,627 1,627 -17% Community of Cwmamman The Grenig and Tircoed wards of the 16 Glanamman 1 1,825 1,825 -5% 1,879 1,879 -5% Community of Cwmamman The Glanymor ward of the Town of 17 Glanymor 2 4,514 2,257 18% 4,649 2,325 18% Llanelli The Glyn ward of the Community of 18 Glyn 1 1,707 1,707 -11% 1,758 1,758 -11% Llanelli Rural 19 Gorslas The Community of Gorslas 2 3,677 1,839 -4% 3,788 1,894 -4% Appendix 3 CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL RECCOMENDED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

% Variance % variance No. OF ELECTORATE 2017 ELECTORATE 2022 No. NAME Description from from County COUNCILLORS 2017 RATIO 2022 RATIO County average The Hendy ward of the Community of 20 Hendy 1 2,295 2,295 20% 2,364 2,364 20% Llanedi The Hengoed ward of the Community of 21 Hengoed 2 3,175 1,588 -17% 3,270 1,635 -17% Llanelli Rural The Town of Kidwelly and Community 22 Kidwelly and St. Ishmael 2 3,961 1,981 3% 4,080 2,040 4% of St. Ishmael The Communities of Eglwyscummin, 23 Laugharne Township Laugharne Township, Llanddowror and 1 2,166 2,166 13% 2,231 2,231 13% Pendine The Communities of Cilymaenllwyd, 24 Llanboidy 1 1,694 1,694 -12% 1,744 1,744 -11% Llanboidy and Llangynin The Communities of Llanarthney and 25 Llanddarog 1 1,660 1,660 -13% 1,710 1,710 -13% Llanddarog The Community of Dyffryn Cennen and 26 Llandeilo 1 2,373 2,373 24% 2,148 2,148 9% Town of Llandeilo The Town of Llandovery and 27 Llandovery 1 2,060 2,060 8% 2,121 2,121 8% Community of Llanfair-ar-y-Bryn The Heolddu and Llandybie wards of 28 Llandybie 2 3,237 1,619 -15% 3,334 1,667 -15% the Community of Llandybie The Communities of Llanegwad, 29 Llanegwad Llanfihangel Rhos-y-Corn and 1 2,018 2,018 5% 2,079 2,079 6% Llanfynydd The Communities of Llanfihangel 30 Llanfihangel Aberbythych 1 1,504 1,504 -21% 1,549 1,549 -21% Aberbythych and Llangathen The Communities of Llanfihangel-ar- 31 Llanfihangel-ar-Arth 1 2,215 2,215 16% 2,282 2,282 16% Arth and Llanllwni The Communities of Llanddeusant, 32 Llangadog 1 1,598 1,598 -17% 1,646 1,646 -16% Llangadog and Myddfai 33 Llangennech The Community of Llangennech 2 4,002 2,001 5% 4,122 2,061 5% 34 Llangunnor The Community of Llangunnor 1 2,130 2,130 11% 2,194 2,194 11% The Communities of Llandyfaelog and 35 Llangyndeyrn 2 3,954 1,977 3% 4,073 2,037 3% Llangyndeyrn Appendix 3 CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL RECCOMENDED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

% Variance % variance No. OF ELECTORATE 2017 ELECTORATE 2022 No. NAME Description from from County COUNCILLORS 2017 RATIO 2022 RATIO County average 36 Llannon The Community of Llannon 2 4,138 2,069 8% 4,263 2,132 8% The Communities of Llanybydder and 37 Llanybydder 1 2,075 2,075 8% 2,137 2,137 9% Pencarreg 38 Lliedi The Lliedi ward of the Town of Llanelli 2 3,892 1,946 2% 4,009 2,005 2% The Pemberton ward of the Community 39 Llwynhendy 2 3,201 1,601 -16% 3,297 1,649 -16% of Llanelli Rural The Communities of Llansawel, 40 Manordeilo and Salem 1 2,152 2,152 12% 2,216 2,216 13% Manordeilo and Salem, and Talley The Pembrey ward of the Town of 41 Pembrey 2 3,441 1,721 -10% 3,544 1,772 -10% Pembrey and Burry Port The Penygroes ward of the Community 42 Penygroes 1 2,294 2,294 20% 2,363 2,363 20% of Llandybie 43 Pontyberem The Community of Pontyberem 1 2,164 2,164 13% 2,229 2,229 13% The Saron ward of the Community of 44 Saron 2 3,306 1,653 -14% 3,405 1,703 -13% Llandybie The Communities of Llangain, 45 St Clears with Llansteffan Llangynog and Llansteffan, and the 2 4,195 2,098 10% 4,321 2,161 10% Town of St. Clears The Swiss Valley ward of the 46 Swiss Valley 1 2,135 2,135 12% 2,199 2,199 12% Community of Llanelli Rural The Communities of Abernant, 47 Trelech Llanwinio, Meidrim, Newchurch and 1 2,305 2,305 20% 2,374 2,374 21% Merthyr, and Trelech 48 Trimsaran The Community of Trimsaran 1 1,911 1,911 0% 1,968 1,968 0% The Llanedi and Tycroes wards of the 49 Tycroes 1 2,119 2,119 11% 2,182 2,182 11% Community of Llanedi 50 Tyisha The Tyisha ward of the Town of Llanelli 2 3,403 1,702 -11% n/a n/a n/a The Community of Henllanfallteg and 51 Whitland 1 1,787 1,787 -7% 1,841 1,841 -6% Town of Whitland TOTAL: 75 143,598 1,915 147,611 1,968 Ratio is the number of electors per councillor Electoral figures supplied by Carmarthenshire County Council

2017 2022 Greater than + or - 50% of County average 0 0% 0 0% Between + or - 25% and + or - 50% of County average 0 0% 0 0% Between + or - 10% and + or - 25% of County average 32 63% 29 57% Between 0% and + or - 10% of County average 19 37% 22 43% 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 Carmarthenshire 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 local government order in 1998 there has been a number of changes to local government boundaries in Carmarthenshire.

• Community Review of Carmarthenshire: Changes in Electoral Arrangements • Llanedi Community Council (Wards) Order 2004. • Review of Electoral Arrangements Order (Whitland Town Council – North and South Wards) 2013 • The Carmarthenshire (Llanelli Rural and Llangennech Communities) Order 2016

There have also been eight changes to the composition of a number of Community and Town Council across the County, enacted in 2003, 2004 and 2013 by Orders from the County Council.

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 28

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September 2017 to Carmarthenshire County Council, all the Town and 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 Carmarthenshire 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.

9. In line with Section 35 of Chapter 4 of the Act, the Commission published its Draft Proposals Report on 29 August 2018, notifying the listed mandatory consultees and other interested parties of a period of consultation on the draft proposals would commence on 5 September 2018 and end on 27 November 2018. The Commission met with Carmarthenshire 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 Carmarthenshire 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 Carmarthenshire 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.

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SUMMARY OF REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED FOR THE COMMISSIONS DRAFT PROPOSALS CONSULTATION ON THE REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS IN THE COUNTY OF CARMARTHENSHIRE

1. Returning Officer (RO) / Electoral Registration Officer - Wrote on the 05 December 2018 outlining their response to the Commission’s Draft Proposals in respect of Electoral Arrangements in Carmarthenshire. They commented that generally they agreed with the Commission’s Draft Proposals, noting that 25 out of 29 proposals to retain the status quo on existing electoral boundaries have been matched and that 5 of the proposed electoral ward in in the draft proposals match the proposals submitted by them in the initial consultation period.

The RO offered no further comments on the wards proposed below:

●Carmarthen Town and Carmarthen Town South – 3 Members ●Ammanford and Pontamman- 2 Members ●Hendy and Tycroes-2 single-member electoral wards ●Bynea and Llwynhendy – 2 and 2 Member electoral wards ●Dafen and Felinfoel – 2 Members ●Bigyn-3 Members ●Kidwelly and St. Ishmael-2 Members ●Llangyndeyrn and St. Ishmael – 2 Members ●Cenarth and Llangeler-2 Members ●Cynwyl Gaeo and Cilycwm-1 Member ●Cynwyl Gaeo and Manordeilo and Salem – 1 Member

However the RO did express concern with the Commission proposals in Elli and Tyisha, Llansteffan and St. Clears, and Cynwyl Elfed and Trelech. The RO does not support the Commission’s proposal to move an area known locally as ‘Lakefield’ from Tyisha to Elli. The RO provided a map highlighting an area which would transfer 709 electors from Elli to Tyisha, thus retaining Tyisha as a two-member electoral ward with a variance of -12% and resulting in a variance of 12% below the proposed county average in a single- member Elli electoral ward.

The RO also expressed concern with the Commission’s proposal combining the St. Clears and Llansteffan electoral wards. The RO commented that no strong community links existed between the two electoral wards, highlighting that the secondary school catchment area for Llansteffan is Queen Elizabeth high which is also the catchment area for the Community of Newchurch and Merthyr. The RO has recommended that the Commission reconsider his original proposal combining Newchurch and Merthyr with Llansteffan.

The RO has also asked that the Commission reconsider it’s proposal to join the Community of Newchurch and Merthyr with the Trelech electoral ward. The RO asked that his original proposal to combine St. Clears with Trelech be taken forward, and

- 1 - Appendix 5

commented that many residents of Trelech look to St. Clears for facilities such as to attend doctor’s surgery and for shopping where St. Clears offers a number of takeaways, butchers and grocers. The RO also highlighted that there is a clear road link via the B4299 and the neighbouring Policing Team also covers an area of Trelech, St Clears and Llanboidy.

2. Carmarthen Town Council wrote on the 05 October and 22 November 2018 to oppose the Commission’s proposal for the area.

The Town Council wrote initially to the Commission to object to the Commission’s proposal which reduced the number of electoral wards in the Town from three to two and reduced the number of county councillors from six to five. The Town Council strongly expressed the view that the reduction in the number of County Councillors representing the town and the proposed reduction in elected representatives would be a significant backward step both in terms of local democracy and also the continuing challenge of promoting and regenerating the town and local area, highlighting that Carmarthen is not only the county town it is also a thriving and developing regional hub. The Town Council have noted that the total electorate of the town, when all three wards are combined, should result in six councillors (and not five) - according to the formula adopted for the county and have therefore proposed that the ward boundaries are redrawn to create three new two-member wards.

The Town Council wrote again on the 22nd November in which they illustrated on a map what the boundaries of the three new wards in the Town should be. They expressed that the wards illustrated combine natural communities within the Town and would provide Carmarthen with three wards of two members with equal electorate numbers that are far closer to the proposed county average.

3. Gorslas Community Council wrote on the 24 September 2018 to express support for the Commission’s draft proposals which retains the existing electoral arrangements for the Community. However, the Community Council objected to the proposed name of the electoral ward, and asked that the existing name be retained.

4. Cenarth Community Council wrote on the 30th October 2018 to express their opposition to the proposal that the Cenarth electoral ward be combined with the Llangeler electoral ward. They cite the differing numbers of electors in the respective wards and that due to Llangeler’s large electorate that it is likely within a multi-member ward that both members would be from Llangeler and so Cenarth would be left with no representation at county level. They suggested instead that keeping Cenarth as a single member ward and have suggested a number of boundary changes.

5. Llanllawddog Community Council wrote on the 11 September 2018 to express support for the Commission’s draft proposals which retained Llanllawddog Community within the existing Abergwili electoral ward.

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6. Laugharne Township Community Council wrote on the 27 November 2018 to support the Commission’s proposed name for the electoral ward. However, they objected to the Welsh language name of the electoral ward and offered Talacharn as an equivalent Welsh language name.

7. Llandyfaelog and St. Ishmaels Community Councils wrote on the 1 November 2018 to oppose the Commission’s draft proposals in the area.

The Community Councils expressed that the two communities have worked very well together as an existing electoral ward. They highlighted community links including the Young Farmers Club, Bowling Club, Agricultural Show organisations, public houses and Rugby clubs. The Community Councils expressed that these links do not exist between Llandyfaelog and Llangyndeyrn Communities or between St. Ishmaels and Kidwelly. The Councils also highlighted that they worked together in a number of areas including arranging joint training events and sharing certain contractors.

The Community Councils stated that both Communities looked towards Carmarthen for their service provision and retail activities, whilst Llangyndeyrn and Kidwelly looked towards Llanelli. The Community Councils further highlighted that St. Ishmaels is currently 17% above the county average which is similar to a number of other electoral wards, making it clear that that the proposal is not to amend a problem with the representation of the St. Ishmael electoral ward. The Community Councils stated that they understood the need to review the Kidwelly and Llangyndeyrn electoral wards, but that it was inappropriate for this to be done to the detriment of the electoral representation of St. Ishmaels and Llandyfaelog Communities.

8. Llanelli Town Council wrote on the 8 November 2018 to object to the Commission’s draft proposal for the Elli and Tyisha electoral ward.

The Town Council stated that a more appropriate arrangement for this area would be to transfer the ELLC polling district from Elli to Tyisha. The Town Council expressed that Tyisha is an area of very high deprivation and is designated within the top three most deprived areas in Carmarthenshire. They highlighted that that the scale of community need as reflected in the level of caseload local members have, provides justification for a two-member electoral ward. The Council stated that ELLC polling district has 726 electors, and that transferring this district to Tyisha would lead to an electorate of 3,400 (11% under the county average) which they emphasized compared well with other proposed electoral wards.

The Town Council also expressed that due to the transient nature of much of the ward, it is very likely that the electoral numbers are an underestimation, as people of Tyisha are much more likely than other areas to not register on the electoral roll. The Council emphasized that this does not mean these residents do not call upon the services of their elected member, and that these people have the most pressing needs and are the most vulnerable residents in the Town Council area. They also highlighted that the current

- 3 - Appendix 5 arrangement of having two councillors representing Tyisha worked well and the ward members have been able to work together regardless of political background. The Town Council expressed that the diverse needs of the area could not be managed by one councillor, regardless of the removal of one polling district. The Town Council further highlighted linkages between Tyisha and the ELLC polling district expressing that 12% of the current admission for Ysgol Pen Rhos School in Tyisha are residents in the ELLC polling district area.

9. Llangeler Community Council wrote on the 22 October 2018 to oppose the Commission’s Draft Proposal combining the Communities of Cenarth, Llangeler and Newcastle Emlyn to form a two-member electoral ward.

The Community Council commented that a boundary change should be carried out between the Communities of Cenarth and Llangeler, which would involve changing the boundary between Cenarth and Llangeler to transfer an area named as ‘Pentrecagal’ from Llangeler to Cenarth. The Council also expressed opposition to a two-member electoral ward in a large rural area.

10. Councillor Hazel Evans (Cenarth) wrote on the 23 October 2018 to oppose the Commission’s Draft Proposal combining the Communities of Cenarth, Llangeler and Newcastle Emlyn to form a two-member electoral ward.

The councillor commented that a boundary change should be carried out between the Communities of Cenarth and Llangeler, which would involve changing the boundary between Cenarth and Llangeler to transfer an area named as ‘Pentrecagal’ from Llangeler to Cenarth. The Councillor also expressed opposition to a two-member electoral ward in a large rural area.

11. Councillor W Tyssul Evans (Llangyndeyrn) wrote on the 23 October 2018 to comment on the Commission’s Draft Proposals in the Llangyndeyrn area. The councillor commented that he was relatively satisfied with the Commission’s Draft Proposals, but did express some concern that Llangyndeyrn was being combined with Llandyfaelog community to form a two-member electoral ward. However the Councillor acknowledged that this was the best way forward in order to achieve electoral parity in the area, whilst adhering to the Commission’s guidelines.

12. Councillor John Jenkins (Elli) wrote on 08 April 2018 to express support for the Commission’s Draft Proposals in the Tyisha and Elli areas of Llanelli Town.

The Councillor submitted a representation in response to the proposal made by Llanelli Town Council which proposed to retain the current Tyisha electoral ward as a two- member ward by adding the ELL-C polling district to the ward from the Elli ward.

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The Councillor highlighted that although Llanelli Town Council’s proposal would address the inappropriate levels of variance in Tyisha, the area being transferred in his preferred proposal has much more in common with Elli than ELL-C polling district has with Tyisha. The Councillor also highlighted the large geographical size of the Town Council’s proposed Tyisha electoral ward which he felt was inappropriate.

The Councillor stated that the proposal made by Llanelli Town Council is a politically and electorally motivated suggestion with little merit although not as bad as the previous Commission proposal to merge the Elli and Tyisha wards to create an unwieldly three- member ward.

The Councillor stated that the boundary changes he suggested and that were included in the Commission’s Draft Proposals best address the inappropriate levels of electoral variance in Tyisha.

13. Councillor Carys Jones (Llansteffan) wrote on 28 November to object to the Commission’s draft proposals.

Councillor Jones (Llansteffan) commented that the Communities of Llansteffan and St. Clears are two distinct areas, with different needs and priorities. The councillor highlighted that there are serious differences in levels of deprivation between these two wards. The greatest deprivation in Llansteffan ward in terms of access to services is the 4th lowest level in Carmarthenshire and the 19th lowest in Wales. In the absence of public services, there is very heavy pressure on the county councillor to attempt to meet these needs. On the other hand, deprivation in the Income, Employment, Health, Education and Community Safety categories in the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2014 shows that Llansteffan ward scored far higher than St Clears ward, demonstrating that the priorities of the two wards are completely different.

She also commented that at times the two wards will face common issues that cross the boundaries, and at such times the two local members work together successfully and happily. However, generally speaking, the focus of the two members’ work is very different, because the nature and requirements of the two wards are very different.

The recommendations proposed in the Draft Proposals respond to the inconsistency in the number of electors in these two wards. If the review’s sole aim is to reconcile the numbers, then it succeeds. However, if the objective is to provide the most effective service for the residents of these two wards, then it fails. Priorities in these wards are too different, and the requirements of the two local members are too diverse. Should this plan be adopted, she anticipates that it would lead to the merger of two wards into one in name only – the two individual members would still have to respond to the unique problems of their existing wards. In this regard, it seems that this is a “paper-based” exercise rather than a review that proposes genuine improvement.

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14. Councillors Suzy Curry and Andre McPherson (Tyisha) wrote on the 8 November 2018 to object to the Commission’s draft proposal for the Elli and Tyisha electoral wards.

The councillors stated that a more appropriate arrangement for this area would be to transfer the ELLC polling district from Elli to Tyisha. They expressed that Tyisha is an area of very high deprivation and is designated within the top three most deprived areas in Carmarthenshire. They highlighted that that the scale of community needs as reflected in the level of caseload local members have, provides justification for a two-member electoral ward. The Councillors stated that ELLC polling district has 726 electors, and that transferring this district to Tyisha would lead to an electorate of 3,400 (11% under the county average) which they emphasized compared well with other proposed electoral wards.

The Councillors also expressed that due to the transient nature of much of the ward, it is very likely that the electoral numbers are an underestimation, as people of Tyisha are much more likely than other areas to not register on the electoral roll. The Council emphasized that this does not mean these residents do not call upon the services of their elected member, and that these people have the most pressing needs and are the most vulnerable residents in the Town Council area. They also highlighted that the current arrangement of having two councillors representing Tyisha worked well and the ward members have been able to work together regardless of political background. They expressed that the diverse needs of the area could not be managed by one councillor, regardless of the removal of one polling district. The Councillors further highlighted linkages between Tyisha and the ELLC polling district expressing that 12% of the current admission for Ysgol Pen Rhos School in Tyisha are residents in the ELLC polling district area.

15. Hywel Dda University Health Board wrote on 15 October 2018 to express support for the Commission’s draft proposals in Carmarthenshire.

16. Labour Group Carmarthenshire County Council wrote on 13 November 2018 to express their views on a number of the Commission’s Draft Proposals.

The Labour Group opposed the Commission’s proposals in Ammanford, they commented that Ammanford and Pontamman both had acceptable levels of electoral variance. They also expressed that the split nature of the two wards did not confuse the electorate and therefore do not believe that the change is required.

The Labour Group also opposed the Commission’s proposal in Elli and Tyisha and commented that that Llanelli Town Council’s proposal should be taken forward, and provided the same justifications as the Town Council for following this proposal.

The Labour Group objected to the Commission’s proposals in Kidwelly, St. Ishmael and Llangyndeyrn commenting that the Commission’s draft proposals in the area crossed

- 6 - Appendix 5

Assembly and Parliamentary boundaries, causing confusion for the electorate. The Group also expressed that the areas combined do not share a common identity.

The Labour Group objected to the Commission’s draft proposals in Carmarthen Town and commented that Carmarthen Town Council’s proposal should be taken forward

The Labour Group expressed support for the Commission’s proposals in Cilycwm, Bigyn, Bynea, Hendy and Tycroes.

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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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