LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR

Review of the Electoral Arrangements of the Council

Draft Proposals Report

January 2020

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

This is our report containing our Draft Proposals for the Caerphilly County Borough Council.

In September 2013, the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (the Act) came into force. This was the first piece of legislation affecting the Commission for over 40 years and reformed and revamped the Commission, as well as changing the name of the Commission to the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales.

The Commission published its Council Size Policy for Wales’ 22 Principal Councils, its first review programme and a new Electoral Reviews: Policy and Practice document reflecting the changes made in the Act. A glossary of terms used in this report can be found at Appendix 1, with the rules and procedures at Appendix 4.

This review of the Caerphilly County Borough Council is the eighteenth of the programme of reviews conducted under the new Act and Commission’s policy and practice. The issue of fairness is set out clearly in the legislation and has been a key principle for our Policy and Practice. We are also required to look to the future and have asked the Council to give us predictions of the number of electors in five years’ time. We also look at the number of electors not registered to vote.

In working up our proposals, we have considered local ties and those who wish to retain current boundaries. We have looked carefully at every representation made to us. However, we have had to balance these issues and representations against all the other factors we have to consider, and the constraints set out above. In particular, the requirement for electoral parity, democratic fairness for all electors, is the dominant factor in law and this is what we have tried to apply.

Finally, may I thank the Members and Officers of the Principal Council for helping us develop our draft proposals, the Councils for their contribution and all those who made representations.

We look forward to receiving any views you may wish to share.

Ceri Stradling Interim Chair

LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

REVIEW OF THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS OF CAERPHILLY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL

DRAFT PROPOSALS REPORT

Contents Page

Chapter 1 Introduction 1 Chapter 2 Summary of Draft Proposals 2 Chapter 3 Assessment 5 Chapter 4 The Draft Proposals 8 Chapter 5 Summary of Proposed Arrangements 38 Chapter 6 Consequential Arrangements 40 Chapter 7 Responses to the Draft Proposals 43 Chapter 8 Acknowledgements 44

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

1st Edition printed January 2020

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 CF24 0BL Tel Number: (029) 2046 4819 Fax Number: (029) 2046 4823 E-mail: [email protected] www.ldbc.gov.wales

LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION

1. The Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales (the Commission) is conducting a review of the electoral arrangements of the Caerphilly County Borough Council. This review is being conducted in accordance with the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (the Act), specifically Sections 29, 30 and 34-36.

2. The Commission has a duty to conduct a review of all 22 of Wales’ Principal Councils every ten years. This ten-year programme was due to commence in January 2014. However, due to the uncertainties in local government at the time the Commission suspended its programme. 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. 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.

3. 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.

4. A Glossary of Terms can be found at Appendix 1, providing a short description of some of the common terminology used within this report.

5. The Commission is now seeking views on the proposed electoral arrangements identified at Chapter 4 in this report. On receipt of these views the Commission will consider the representations and make final proposals to Welsh Government. It will then be for Welsh Government Ministers to make the Order, if they deem it appropriate, with or without modification.

6. The Commission welcomes representations that are based on evidence and facts which are relevant to the proposals under consideration.

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Chapter 2. SUMMARY OF DRAFT PROPOSALS • The Commission proposes a change to the arrangement of electoral wards that will achieve a significant improvement in the level of electoral parity across Caerphilly County Borough Council. • The Commission proposes a council of 69 members, a reduction from the current size of 73. This results in a proposed county average of 1,886 electors per member. • The Commission proposes 30 electoral wards, a decrease from 33 existing wards. • The largest under-representation (in terms of electoral variance) within the proposals is (21% above the proposed county borough average). At present the greatest under-representation is in (31% above the proposed county borough average). • The largest over-representation (in terms of electoral variance) within the proposals is Blackwood and East (18% below the proposed county borough average). At present the greatest over-representation is in (30% below the proposed county borough average). • The Commission is proposing 26 multi-member wards consisting of: 14 two-member electoral wards; 11 three-member electoral wards; and, one four-member electoral ward. • The Commission has proposed no changes to 15 electoral wards. • The Commission received representations from: Caerphilly County Borough Council, three Community Councils, one Political Group, one other interested organisation and five residents. The Commission considered the representations carefully before it formulated its proposals. A summary of these representations can be found at Appendix 5.

Summary Maps 1. On the following pages are thematic maps illustrating the current and proposed arrangements and their variances from the proposed county average of 1,886 electors per member. Those areas in green are within +/-10% of the county average; yellow and hatched yellow between +/-10% and +/-25% of the county average; and, orange and hatched orange between +/-25%. 2. As can be seen from these maps the proposed arrangements provide for a significant improvement in electoral parity across the county.

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Chapter 3. ASSESSMENT Council size 1. The number of elected members for the Caerphilly County Borough Council has been informed by the Commission’s Council Size Policy and methodology. This policy can be found in our Electoral Reviews: Policy and Practice document. At present the size of the Council is at 73 members and is seven members above the methodology’s overall aim. The methodology sets out a size of the Council of 66 for this review. 2. The Commission reviewed the electoral arrangements for the Caerphilly County Borough Council, in light of its methodology and took into account the representations which had been made. For the reasons given below, the Commission believes that in the interests of effective and convenient local government a council of 69 members would be appropriate to represent the Caerphilly County Borough Council. 3. The Commission has provided a set of arrangements that provides for effective and convenient local government. The Commission is restrained by the building blocks that it can use to create new electoral wards. The current building blocks in the Caerphilly County Borough Council have led the Commission to creating the proposals as set out in Chapter 4 of this report. Number of electors 4. The numbers shown as the electorate for 2019 and the estimates for the electorate in the year 2024 are those submitted by the Caerphilly County Borough Council. The forecast figures supplied by the Caerphilly County Borough Council show a forecasted increase in the electorate of Caerphilly from 130,113 to 133,158. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has also provided their estimated number of persons eligible to vote but who are not on the electoral register. This showed an estimated 12,328 more people eligible to vote than the 2019 electorate. 5. The Commission is aware that there are Welsh Government proposals to legislate to extend the franchise to include 16 and 17 year olds and foreign nationals, not currently eligible to vote, at the 2022 local government elections. The Commission‘s Council Size Policy utilises the entire population to determine Council Size and these two groups were included in the Council Size deliberations. 6. While 16 and 17 year olds are not in the existing electoral figures provided by the Caerphilly County Borough Council, they will have been included in the forecasted figures provided by the Council. These figures have 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.

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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 1,782 electors per councillor ranging from 26% below (2,651 electors) to 39% above (2,470 electors). The determination of The Council of 69 members (see paragraph 2) results in an average of 1,886 electors being represented by each councillor. 9. 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 size and character of the council was also considered as were a wide range of other factors including local topography, road communications and local ties. 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. In the proposed scheme, the Commission 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 are an appropriate combination of existing communities and community wards. 11. In some areas, because of the number of electors in a community or community ward, the Commission has considered the retention or 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 may also 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 Caerphilly County Borough Council and this is reflected in the Commission’s proposals. 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. The Commission recognises that there may be different combinations of communities and community wards that better reflect community ties and it would welcome any alternative suggestions that comply with the legislation.

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Electoral Ward Names 13. The Commission is naming electoral wards and not the places within the proposed electoral wards. In the creation of these draft proposals, the Commission has considered the names of all the electoral wards proposed in Welsh and English, where appropriate. For these draft proposals, the Commission have selected names of either electoral wards or communities that appear in Orders, where they exist, as these are considered to be the existing legal names. Views are welcomed on the proposed names and any alternative names suggested will be considered. 14. The Commission consulted with the Commisisoner on the suitability of the names in their draft form prior to the publication of these draft proposals, 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. At each proposal an indication is given of the Welsh Language Commissioner’s recommendation and, where they differ, the specific recommendation and why the Commissioner proposed an alternative to the Commission’s proposed name. It is hoped that this process will encourage debate on the proposed names and will ensure the eventual, final proposals of the Commission are accurate and meet local wishes. Community and Town Council Arrangements 15. The Commission wishes to highlight that this review of electoral arrangements is seeking to make improvements to electoral representation within Caerphilly County Borough Council. This process except for those specifically mentioned in Chapter 6, is independent from any changes to arrangements concerning community or town councils. Where combinations of communities or their wards are used to create electoral wards, the individual communities in question will retain their existing community council arrangements. These councils will remain independent following the outcome of this review, any precepts generated or assets contained with a community or town council will remain part of that community council.

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Chapter 4. THE DRAFT PROPOSALS 1. The Commission’s proposals 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 initial consultation (if any). Although not all representations are mentioned in this section, all representations have been considered and a summary can be found in Appendix 5; • The views of the Commission; • The composition of the proposed electoral ward and the proposed name; • A map of the proposed electoral ward. (see key on page 10)

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 proposed 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 proposing to retain.

• • Argoed • Crumlin • • • Morgan Jones • Nelson • Newbridge • New • Penyrheol • Penmaen • Risca East • • St. Martins • Risca West 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: • The electoral ward of Crumlin to be given the Welsh language name of Crymlyn; and the English language name of Crumlin. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and is in agreement with the proposed name. • The electoral ward of Darran Valley to be given the Welsh language name of Cwm Darran; and the English language name of Darran Valley. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and is in agreement with the proposed Welsh language name. • The electoral ward of Newbridge to be given the Welsh language name of Trecelyn and the English language name of Newbridge. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and is in agreement with the proposed Welsh language name.

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• The electoral ward of to be given the Welsh language name of Tredegar Newydd and the English language name of New Tredegar. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and is in agreement with the proposed Welsh language name. • The electoral ward of St. Martins is proposed to have the English language name of St Martins and the Welsh language name of Sant Martin. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and is in agreement with the proposed Welsh language name. 4. The Commission has consulted the Welsh Language Commissioner with regard to the names of the retained electoral wards, and the Welsh Language Commissioner has recommended the following changes: • Abercarn to be given the single name of Aber-carn. The Welsh Language Commissioner notes Aber-carn is the form recommended in the national standard reference work, A Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names (University of Wales Press, 1967). 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. This is also the form now adopted by the local authority following recent discussions with them. • Maesycwmmer to be named Maesycwmer in the English language and Maesycwmwr in the Welsh language. The Welsh Language Commissioner notes Maesycwmer is the form recommended in the national standard reference work, A Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names (University of Wales Press, 1967). The letter -m- is never doubled in modern Welsh. Also note that the Place-names Standardisation Panel recommends the Welsh form Maesycwmwr after consultation with the Local Authority as this spelling reflects the pronounciation of the Welsh form. • Penmaen to be given the single name of Pen-maen. The Welsh Language Commissioner notes Pen-maen is the form recommended in the national standard reference work, A Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names (University of Wales Press, 1967). 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. • Pontllanfraith to be given the single name of Pontllan-fraith. The Welsh Language Commissioner notes that Pontllan-fraith is the form recommended in the national standard reference work, A Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names (University of Wales Press, 1967). One should not deviate from its recommendations without good reason. 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. 5. The Commission would welcome any comments on the ward names mentioned in this section. 6. During the initial consultation period Caerphilly County Borough Council submitted several proposals for the area. Within their representation Caerphilly County Borough Council suggested several minor amendments to the boundaries of the following wards: Aberbargoed, Blackwood, Cefn Forest, , Penmaen, Pontllanfraith, Risca East, Risca West, and . Upon investigating these changes it was concluded that they would not have provided for a significant improvement in electoral variance. They have therefore not been included in the Commission’s proposals.

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7. The Commission has not made a determination on whether these would be appropriate changes to the relevant community arrangements. It is suggested that such changes may be appropriately proposed as part of a community review led by Caerphilly County Borough Council.

Proposed Electoral Wards 8. The Commission considered changes to the remaining electoral wards. Details of the current electoral arrangements can be found at Appendix 2. The Commission’s proposed arrangements can be found at Appendix

Proposed Electoral Community Community Ward Ward Boundary Boundaries Boundaries

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Crosskeys and Ynysddu 9. The existing Crosskeys electoral ward is comprised of the Community of Crosskeys. It has 2,470 electors (2,460 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 31% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,756 eligible voters. 10. The existing Ynysddu electoral ward is comprised of the Community of Ynysddu. It has 2,973 projected electors represented by two councillors, which is 21% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 3,294 eligible voters. 11. The Commission received one representation concerning this ward from Caerphilly County Borough Council. Caerphilly County Borough Council proposed retaining the existing number of councillors in the area. They also proposed transferring 67 electors to the Ynysddu electoral ward from the Pontllanfraith electoral ward. 12. The Commission proposes that the Communities of Crosskeys and Ynysddu are combined to form an electoral ward of 5,443 electors (5,481 projected) which, if represented by three councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 4% below the proposed county average. 13. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Crosskeys ac Ynys-ddu; and the English language name of Crosskeys and Ynysddu. The Welsh Language Commissioner recommends the English language name of Crosskeys and Ynys-ddu and the Welsh language name of Crosskeys ac Ynys-ddu. Ynys-ddu is the form recommended in the national standard reference work, A Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names (University of Wales Press, 1967). 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. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 14. The Commission considered the representation from the Council. However, as this area contained a small number of electors and did not address the inappropriate level of variance in Crosskeys, the Commission cannot propose such changes. This proposal would need to be conducted in a community review under Section 31 of the Act, led by the Council. 15. It is the view of the Commission that the proposed arrangement best addresses the existing levels of electoral variance. The Commission considers that the proposed electoral ward combines two communities of similar character with good communication links.

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Moriah, and Twyn Carno 16. The existing Moriah electoral ward is composed of the , Moriah and St David’s wards of the Community of . It has 3,156 electors (3,218 projected) represented by two councillors, which is 16% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 3,610 eligible voters. 17. The existing Pontlottyn electoral ward is comprised of the Pontlottyn ward of the Community of Rhymney. It has 1,415 electors (1,440 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 25% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,622 eligible voters. 18. The existing Twyn Carno electoral ward is comprised of the Twyn Carno ward of the Community of Rhymney. It has 1,676 electors (1,709 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 11% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,871 eligible voters. 19. The Commission received two representations concerning these wards from Caerphilly County Borough Council and a resident of the Community of Rhymney. 20. Caerphilly County Borough Council proposed that the electoral wards of Moriah and Pontlottyn be combined to form a new two-member ward. The Council also proposed transferring Old Brewery Lane, The Terrace and Rhymney Walk from the Pontlottyn community ward to the Twyn Carno community ward. They also proposed to transfer Tanyllan Terrace, Tre Evans, Goshen Street, Goshen Close, Cross Street, Menest Street, High Street, Tre York Street, Colenso Terrace, Castle Fields, Heol Aneurin Bevan, Golwg Y Mynnydd, St Davids Close and Cwrt Andrew Buchan from the St David’s community ward to the Twyn Carno community ward. 21. A resident of the Community of Rhymney proposed to transfer 600 electors from the Moriah electoral ward to the Twyn Carno electoral ward. 22. The Commission proposes to apply the boundaries as submitted by the Council and as illustrated on page 17 and combine the Abertysswg, Moriah, Pontlottyn and St. David’s wards of the Community of Rhymney to form a new electoral ward of 4,097 electors which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 9% above the proposed county average. 23. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Moriah a Phontlotyn; and the English language name of Moriah and Pontlottyn. The Welsh Language Commissioner recommends the English language name of Moriah and Pontlotyn and the Welsh language name of Moriah a Phontlotyn. The Welsh Language Commissioner notes Pontlotyn is the form recommended in the national standard reference work, A Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names (University of Wales Press, 1967). The letter -t- is never doubled in modern Welsh. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 24. The Commission proposes to apply the boundaries as submitted by Caerphilly County Borough Council as illustrated on page 16 and the Twyn Carno ward of the Community of Rhymney to form an electoral ward with 2,150 electors which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 14% above the proposed county average.

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25. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the single name of Twyn Carno. The Welsh Language Commissioner recommends the single name of Twyncarno. The Welsh Language Commissioner notes Twyncarno is the form recommended in the national standard reference work, A Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names (University of Wales Press, 1967). The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 26. The Commission agrees with the recommendations of Caerphilly County Borough Council for the electoral wards of Moriah, Pontlottyn and Twyn Carno. The Commission considers that the proposals would provide for effective electoral wards which would build on the established community, communication and social links within the area. 27. The Council has made no suggestions as to the consequential arrangements for the Community of Rhymney; these have been considered by the Commission in Chapter 6.

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Aberbargoed and Pengam 28. The existing Aberbargoed electoral ward is comprised of the Aberbargoed ward of the Town of . It has 2,651 electors (2,766 projected) represented by two councillors, which is 30% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 3,010 eligible voters. 29. The existing Pengam electoral ward is comprised of the Community of Pengam. It has 2,688 electors (2,772 projected) represented by two councillors, which is 29% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 3,099 eligible voters. 30. The Commission received two representations concerning these wards from Caerphilly County Borough Council and a resident of the Community of Rhymney. 31. Caerphilly County Borough Council proposed a reduction in the number of councillors representing the Aberbargoed ward. It was also proposed to transfer fields (17 electors) to the Community of Pengam from the community ward of Aberbargoed. 32. A resident of the Community of Rhymney proposed to transfer 400 electors from the Community of Pengam to the community ward of Aberbargoed. 33. The Commission proposes to combine the Aberbargoed ward of the Town of Bargoed with the Community of Pengam to form an electoral ward of 5,339 electors (5,538 projected), which, if represented by three councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 6% below the proposed county average. 34. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Aberbargoed a Phengam and the English Language name of Aberbargoed and Pengam. The Welsh Language Commissioner recommends Aberbargoed a Phengam in Welsh. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the proposed name. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 35. The Commission considered the representations made by Caerphilly County Borough Council in respect of the transfer of properties, however, as this area contained such a small number of electors it is not within the scope of the review and the Commission cannot make any proposals including such changes. This proposal would need to be conducted in a community review under Section 31 of the Act, led by the Council. 36. It is the view of the Commission that this arrangement best addresses the existing levels of electoral variance. The Commission considers that the proposed electoral ward combines two communities of similar character with good communication links.

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Bargoed and 37. The existing Bargoed electoral ward is composed of the Bargoed and Park wards of the Town of Bargoed. It has 4,374 electors (4,409 projected) represented by three councillors, which is 23% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 4,841 eligible voters. 38. The existing Gilfach electoral ward is comprised of the Gilfach ward of the Community of Bargoed. It has 1,529 electors (1,531 projected) represented by one councillor, which is 19% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,697 eligible voters. 39. The Commission received representations concerning this ward from Caerphilly County Borough Council and a resident of the Community of Rhymney. 40. Caerphilly County Borough Council proposed that the electoral wards of Bargoed and Gilfach should combine to form a three-member ward. 41. A resident of the Community of Rhymney proposed to transfer 400 electors from the Bargoed electoral ward to the Gilfach electoral ward. 42. The Commission proposes to combine the Bargoed and Gilfach electoral wards to form an electoral ward of 5,903 projected electors, which, if represented by three councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 4% above the proposed county average. 43. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Bargoed a Gilfach and the English language name of Bargoed and Gilfach. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the proposed name. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 44. The Commission agrees with the recommendations made by Caerphilly County Borough Council and the improvement in electoral parity. It is the view of the Commission that combining the electoral wards best addresses levels of electoral variance in the area.

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Blackwood and 45. The existing Blackwood electoral ward is comprised of the Town of Blackwood. It has 6,203 electors (6,414 projected) represented by three councillors, which is 10% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 6,662 eligible voters. 46. The existing Cefn Fforest electoral ward is comprised of the Community of Cefn Forest. It has 2,809 electors (2,874 projected) represented by two councillors, which is 26% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 3,048 eligible voters. 47. The Commission received two representations concerning these wards from Caerphilly County Borough Council and a joint submission from two residents. 48. Caerphilly County Borough Council proposed that Cefn Fforest representation is reduced from two to one councillor. It was also proposed to transfer Bedwellty Road and Bryn Road (297 electors) to the Town of Blackwood from the Cefn Forest community ward. 49. These two residents proposed to transfer 800 electors to the Community of Cefn Fforest. 50. The Commission proposes to combine the Community of Cefn Fforest and the Cefn Fforest East ward of the Town of Blackwood to form an electoral ward of 4,367 projected electors, which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 16% above the proposed county average. 51. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the single name of Cefn Fforest. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the proposed name. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 52. The Commission, as a consequence, proposes to combine the Blackwood Central, Blackwood North and Blackwood South wards of the Town of Blackwood to form an electoral ward of 4,645 projected electors, which, if represented by three councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 18% below the proposed county average. 53. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Coed- duon and the English language name of Blackwood. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the proposed name. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 54. The Commission considered the recommendation made by the Council, however, the proposed boundary change did not provide sufficient improvement to electoral parity in the Community of Cefn Fforest. It is the view of the Commission that these arrangements would build on the established community, communication and social links within the area.

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Hengoed, , St. Cattwg and 55. The existing electoral ward is composed of the and Hengoed wards of the Community of . It has 3,968 electors (4,102 projected) represented by two councillors, which is 5% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 4,303 eligible voters. 56. The existing Llanbradach electoral ward is comprised of the Community of Llanbradach and Pwllypant. It has 3,164 electors (3,240 projected) represented by two councillors, which is 16% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 3,476 eligible voters. 57. The existing St Cattwg electoral ward is composed of the Cascade, Greenhill and Tir-y-berth wards of the Community of Gelligaer. It has 5,504 electors (5,658 projected) represented by three councillors, which is 3% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 6,065 eligible voters. 58. The existing Ystrad Mynach electoral ward is comprised of the Ystrad Mynach ward of the Community of Gelligaer. It has 3,920 electors (4,059 projected) represented by two councillors, which is 4% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 4,358 eligible voters. 59. The Commission received three representations concerning these wards from: Caerphilly County Borough Council, Gelligaer Community Council and a local resident. 60. Caerphilly County Borough Council proposed to transfer: 236 electors from the Hengoed electoral ward to the Ystrad Mynach electoral ward; 62 electors from the Hengoed electoral ward to the St Cattwg electoral ward; and, 528 electors from the Ystrad Mynach electoral ward to the Llanbradach electoral ward. Caerphilly County Borough Council recommended transferring: Firecrest Walk, Harrier Avenue, Kingfisher Way, Goshawk Rise, Brambling Crescent and Starling Walk from the St Cattwg electoral ward to the Ystrad Mynach electoral ward; and, transferring Farm Close and Tiryberth to the St Cattwg electoral ward from the Hengoed electoral ward. 61. Gelligaer Community Council proposed that Farm Close be included within the community ward of Tir-y-berth and not Cefn Hengoed, and the whole of the Cwm Calon estate come under the Ystrad Mynach electoral ward. 62. A local resident who lives on a new housing estate on the old in Ystrad Mynach wishes to remain in the community of Ystrad Mynach. 63. The Commission proposes to apply the boundaries as submitted by Caerphilly County Borough Council as illustrated on page 27 to form an electoral ward by comprising the Cefn Hengoed and Hengoed wards of the Community of Gelligaer with 3,670 electors, which, If represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 3% below the proposed county average. 64. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the single name of Hengoed. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the proposed name. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

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65.e Th Commission proposes to apply the boundaries as submitted by Caerphilly County Borough Council as illustrated on page 29 and the Community of Llanbradach and Pwllypant form an electoral ward with 3,692 electors, which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 2% below the proposed county average. 66. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the single name of Llanbradach a Phwll-y-pant. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the proposed name. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 67. The Commission proposes to apply the boundaries as submitted by Caerphilly County Borough council as illustrated on page 27 and the Cascade, Greenhill and Tir-y-berth wards of the Community of Gelligaer form an electoral ward with 5,566 electors, which, if represented by three councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 2% below the proposed county average. 68. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Sant Cattwg and the English language name of St Cattwg. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the proposed name. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 69. The Commission proposes to apply the boundaries as submitted by Caerphilly County Borough Council as illustrated on page 29 and the Ystrad Mynach ward of the Community of Gelligaer form an electoral ward with 3,628 electors. If represented by two councillors, this would result in a level of representation that is 4% below the proposed county average. 70. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the single name of Ystrad Mynach. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the proposed name. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 71. The Commission agrees with the recommendations made by Caerphilly County Borough Council. It is the view of the Commission that this arrangement best addresses the existing levels of electoral variance whilst providing for easily identifiable boundaries. 72. The Council has made no suggestions as to the consequential arrangements for the Communities of Gelligaer and Llanbradach; these have been considered by the Commission in Chapter 6.

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Aber Valley 72. The existing Aber Valley electoral ward is comprised of the Community of Aber Valley. It has 4,549 electors (4,700 projected) represented by three councillors, which is 20% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 5,137 eligible voters. 73. The Commission received two representations concerning this ward from Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Aber Valley Communities Partnership. 74. Caerphilly County Borough Council proposed retaining the existing arrangements of the ward and stated that 40 new properties are being built in the Ty Isaf area. 75. The Aber Valley Communities Partnership wished to record an interest in the review, stating that Aber Valley is a distinct and close community and raised concerns of social deprivation within the Aber Valley Community. 76. The Commission proposes that the Aber Valley electoral ward form an electoral ward with two members (a reduction of one member), which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 21% above the proposed county average. 77. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Cwm Aber and the English language name of Aber Valley. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the proposed name. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 78. The Commission considered the recommendations made by the council, however the electoral variances can be improved by reducing the number of councillors from three to two. It is the view of the Commission that these arrangements meet the council size aim for the review and maintain acceptable electoral parity, while reducing the number of councillors from three to two.

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Bedwas, and and St. James 79. The existing , Trethomas and Machen electoral ward is comprised of the Community of Bedwas, Machen and Trethomas. It has 7,673 electors (7,893 projected) represented by four councillors, which is 2% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 8,441 eligible voters. 80. The existing electoral ward of St. James is composed of the Communities of and Van. It has 4,210 electors (4,327 projected) represented by three councillors, which is 26% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 4,637 eligible voters. 81. The Commission received one representation concerning this ward from Caerphilly County Borough Council. Caerphilly County Borough Council proposed retaining the existing arrangements of the wards. 82. The Commission proposes that the Machen ward of the Community of Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen and the Community of Rudry are combined to form an electoral ward of 3,684 electors (3,797 projected) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 2% below the proposed county average. 83. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Machen a Rhydri and the English language name of Machen and Rudry. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the proposed name. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 84. The Commission proposes that the Bedwas and Trethomas wards of the Community of Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen form an electoral ward of 4,843 electors (4,977 projected) which, if represented by three councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 14% below the proposed county average. 85. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Bedwas a Thretomas and the English language name of Bedwas and Trethomas. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the proposed name. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 86. The Commission proposes that the Community of Van forms an electoral ward of 3,356 electors (3,446 projected) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 11% below the proposed county average. 87. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Y Fan and the English language name of Van. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the proposed name. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 88. The Commission considered the recommendation made by Caerphilly County Borough Council, however, it is the view of the Commission that the Community of Van has a distinct urban identity, separate to that of the more rural Community of Rudry. The Commission believes it more appropriate to combine the Community of Rudry with another rural community with a similar identity. As the community wards of Bedwas and Trethomas are closer geographically, it is more appropriate to place these wards together to form a electoral ward and combine Rudry with the Community ward of Machen.

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89. An alternative proposal would be to retain the existing arrangements and reduce the number of councillors representing St James from three to two, which would create acceptable variances. Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen would then be retained as a four-member ward. The Commission would welcome any views on the proposed and alternative arrangements. This would reduce the number of members for the area from seven to six.

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Chapter 5. SUMMARY OF PROPOSED ARRANGEMENTS 1. The existing electoral arrangements (as shown in Appendix 2) provide for the following levels of electoral representation within the Caerphilly County Borough Council: • Electoral variance ranges from 26% below the current county average (Aberbargoed) to 24% above (Penyrheol) the current county average of 1,782 electors per councillor. • Two electoral wards have levels of representation more than 25% above or below the current county average of 1,782 electors per councillor. • 21 electoral wards have levels of representation between 10% and 25% above or below the current county average of 1,782 electors per councillor. • Ten electoral wards have levels of representation 10% or less above or below the current county average of 1,782 electors per councillor. 2. In comparison with the existing electoral arrangements shown above, the proposed electoral arrangements (as shown in Appendix 3) illustrate the following improvements to the electoral representation across the Caerphilly County Borough Council: • Electoral variance ranges from 18% below the proposed county average (Blackwood) to 21% above the proposed county average (Aber Valley) of 1,886 electors per councillor. • None of the electoral wards have levels of representation more than 25% above or below the proposed county average of 1,886 electors per councillor. • 15 electoral wards have levels of representation between 10% and 25% above or below the proposed county average of 1,886 electors per councillor. • 15 electoral wards have levels of representation less than 10% above or below the proposed county average of 1,886 electors per councillor. 3. As described in 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 proposed scheme, it has placed emphasis on achieving improvements in electoral parity whilst maintaining community ties wherever possible. 4. The Commission recognises that the creation of electoral wards which depart from the pattern which now exists may impact upon existing ties between communities and straddle multiple community councils. As such, the Commission has made every effort to ensure that the revised electoral wards are appropriate combinations of existing communities and community wards. 5. 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. The Commission recognises however that there may be different combinations of communities and community wards that better reflect community ties and it would welcome any alternative suggestions that comply with the legislation.

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6. In this document the proposed electoral wards have been given working names which are intended to represent an area rather than particular settlements, villages, or towns. The Commission recognises that there may be names that are more appropriate, it would welcome alternative suggestions. The Commission would request that these suggested names should not merely consist of listed communities and villages but, instead, should reflect the character of the areas involved as well as being effective in either Welsh or English. 7. This draft scheme represents the Commission’s preliminary views on the electoral arrangements for the Caerphilly County Borough Council. It welcomes any representations in respect of these proposals. The Commission will consider carefully all representations made to it before formulating our final proposals and submitting them to the Welsh Government.

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Chapter 6. CONSEQUENTIAL ARRANGEMENTS 1. In considering the changes to electoral wards where the Commission has proposed 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 proposals for such consequential changes. The electoral statistics used in this section were provided by Caerphilly County Borough Council. Community and Community Ward Boundaries 2. There are 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: Gelligaer Community Council 3. The proposed electoral ward of Hengoed is proposed to have the same consequential change to the warding arrangements of the Cefn Hengoed ward within the Gelligaer Community Council, as illustrated on the map at page 27. 4. The proposed electoral ward of St Cattwg is proposed to have the same consequential change to the warding arrangements of the Tir-y-berth ward within the Gelligaer Community Council, as illustrated on the map at page 28. 5. The proposed electoral ward of Ystrad Mynach is proposed to have the same consequential change to the warding arrangements of the Ystrad Mynach ward within the Gelligaer Community Council, as illustrated on the map at page 30. Llanbradach and Pwllypant Community Council 6. The proposed electoral ward of Llanbradach is proposed to have the same consequential change to the warding arrangements of Wingfield within the Llanbradach and Pwllypant Community Council, as illustrated on the map at page 29.

Rhymney Community Council 7. The proposed electoral ward of Moriah and Pontlottyn is proposed to have the same consequential change to the warding arrangements of Moriah, Pontlottyn and the St David’s wards within the Rhymney Community Council, as illustrated on the map at page 16. 8. The proposed electoral ward of Twyn Carno is proposed to have the same consequential change to the warding arrangements of Pontlottyn and St David’s within the Rhymney Community Council, as illustrated on the map at page 17. Town and Community Council Electoral Arrangements 9. The Commission are required to consider the consequential changes to the community electoral arrangements that would occur following the proposals detailed above. The existing electoral arrangements and the proposed changes to those arrangements are shown below:

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Gelligaer Community Council

Gelligaer Community Council Electoral Arrangements Existing Proposed Electors Community Electors per Community Ward Electors Variance Electors per Variance Councillors Councillor Councillors Councillor

Hengoed 2,118 2 1,059 3% 2,118 2 1,059 7% Cefn Hengoed 1,850 2 925 -10% 1,552 2 776 -22% Ystrad Mynach 3,920 3 1,307 27% 3,628 3 1,209 22% Cascade 2,519 2 1,260 22% 2,519 3 840 -15% Greenhill 1,988 3 663 -36% 1,988 2 994 0% Tiryberth 997 1 997 -3% 1,059 1 1,059 7% Total 13,392 13 1,030 12,864 13 990

1. The Commission is satisfied that these proposed changes are appropriate and are in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

Llanbradach Community Council Llanbradach and Pwllypant Community Council Electoral Arrangements Existing Proposed

Community Electors per Community Electors per Ward Electors Variance Electors Variance Councillors Councillor Councillors Councillor

Llanbradach 1,476 4 369 5% 1,476 4 369 0% Pwllypant 265 1 265 -25% 265 1 265 -28% Wingfield 1,423 4 356 1% 1,951 5 390 6% Total 3,164 9 352 3,692 10 369

2. The Commission is satisfied that these proposed changes are appropriate and are in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Rhymney Community Council Rhymney Community Council Electoral Arrangements Existing Proposed

Community Electors per Community Electors per Ward Electors Variance Electors Variance Councillors Councillor Councillors Councillor

Abertysswg 1,046 3 349 -16% 1,046 3 349 -16%

Moriah 1,258 3 419 1% 1,258 3 419 1%

Pontlottyn 1,415 3 472 13% 1,368 3 456 9% St. Davids 852 2 426 2% 425 1 425 2% Twyn Carno 1,676 4 419 1% 2,150 5 430 3% Total 6,247 15 416 6,247 15 416

3. The Commission is satisfied that these proposed changes are appropriate and are in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Chapter 7. RESPONSES TO THIS REPORT 1. All observations on these draft proposals should be sent to: The Chief Executive Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales Hastings House Fitzalan Court Cardiff CF24 0BL

Or by email to:

[email protected]

no later than 15th April 2020.

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Chapter 8. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1. The Commission wishes to express its gratitude to the principal council, the Community Councils and other interested bodies and persons for their assistance during the course of developing these draft proposals. The Commission commend the draft proposals contained within this report.

CERI STRADLING (Interim Chair)

DAVID POWELL (Interim Deputy Chair)

JULIE MAY (Member)

THEODORE JOLOZA (Member)

SHEREEN WILLIAMS (Chief Executive)

January 2020

Page 44 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. 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. CAERPHILLY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL Appendix 2 EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

% variance % variance Population No. OF ELECTORATE ELECTORATE No. NAME DESCRIPTION 2019 RATIO from County 2024 RATIO from County Eligible to COUNCILLORS 2019 2024 average average Vote

1 Aberbargoed The Aberbargoed ward of the Community of Bargoed 2 2,651 1,326 -26% 2,766 1,383 -24% 3,010 2 Aber Valley The Community of Aber Valley 3 4,549 1,516 -15% 4,700 1,567 -14% 5,137 3 Abercarn The Community of Abercarn 2 4,070 2,035 14% 4,136 2,068 13% 4,352 4 Argoed The Community of Argoed 1 1,981 1,981 11% 2,065 2,065 13% 2,169 5 Bargoed The Bargoed and Park wards of the Community of Bargoed 3 4,374 1,458 -18% 4,409 1,470 -19% 4,841 6 Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen The Community of Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen 4 7,673 1,918 8% 7,893 1,973 8% 8,441 7 Blackwood The Community of Blackwood 3 6,203 2,068 16% 6,414 2,138 17% 6,662 8 Cefn Fforest The Community of Cefn Fforest 2 2,809 1,405 -21% 2,874 1,437 -21% 3,048 9 Crosskeys The Community of Crosskeys 1 2,470 2,470 39% 2,460 2,460 35% 2,756 10 Crumlin The Community of Crumlin 2 4,276 2,138 20% 4,399 2,200 21% 4,752 11 Darran Valley The Community of Darran Valley 1 1,796 1,796 1% 1,854 1,854 2% 1,992 12 Gilfach The Gilfach ward of the Community of Bargoed 1 1,529 1,529 -14% 1,531 1,531 -16% 1,697 13 Hengoed The Cefn Hengoed and Hengoed wards of the Community of Gelligaer 2 3,968 1,984 11% 4,102 2,051 12% 4,303 14 Llanbradach and Pwllypant The Community of Llanbradach and Pwllypant 2 3,164 1,582 -11% 3,240 1,620 -11% 3,476 15 Maesycwmmer The Community of Maesycwmmer 1 1,680 1,680 -6% 1,750 1,750 -4% 1,791 16 Morgan Jones The Bryncenydd, Parcyfelin and Tonyfelin wards of the Community of Caerphilly 3 5,608 1,869 5% 5,665 1,888 4% 5,793 17 Moriah The Abertysswg, Moriah and St. David's wards of the Community of Rhymney 2 3,156 1,578 -11% 3,218 1,609 -12% 3,610 18 Nelson The Community of Nelson 2 3,549 1,775 0% 3,582 1,791 -2% 3,825 19 New Tredegar The Community of New Tredegar 2 3,307 1,654 -7% 3,402 1,701 -7% 3,722 20 Newbridge The Community of Newbridge 3 4,766 1,589 -11% 4,907 1,636 -10% 5,244 21 Pengam The Community of Pengam 2 2,688 1,344 -25% 2,772 1,386 -24% 3,099 22 Penmaen The Community of Penmaen 2 4,149 2,075 16% 4,228 2,114 16% 4,243 23 Penyrheol The Community of Penyrheol, and Energlyn 4 8,831 2,208 24% 9,078 2,270 24% 9,691 24 Pontllanfraith The Community of Pontllanfraith 3 6,289 2,096 18% 6,419 2,140 17% 6,834 25 Pontlottyn The Pontlottyn ward of the Community of Rhymney 1 1,415 1,415 -21% 1,440 1,440 -21% 1,622 26 Risca East The Community of Risca East 3 4,621 1,540 -14% 4,669 1,556 -15% 5,094 27 Risca West The Community of Risca West 2 3,848 1,924 8% 3,902 1,951 7% 4,340 28 St. Cattwg The Cascade, Greenhill and Tir-y-berth wards of the Community of Gelligaer 3 5,504 1,835 3% 5,658 1,886 3% 6,065 29 St. James The Communities of Rudry and Van 3 4,210 1,403 -21% 4,327 1,442 -21% 4,637 30 St. Martins The Castle, Twyn and Watford wards of the Community of Caerphilly 3 6,410 2,137 20% 6,509 2,170 19% 6,692 31 Twyn Carno The Twyn Carno ward of the Community of Rhymney 1 1,676 1,676 -6% 1,709 1,709 -6% 1,871 32 Ynysddu The Community of Ynysddu 2 2,973 1,487 -17% 3,021 1,511 -17% 3,294 33 Ystrad Mynach The Ystrad Mynach ward of the Community of Gelligaer 2 3,920 1,960 10% 4,059 2,030 11% 4,358 TOTAL: 73 130,113 1,782 133,158 1,824 142,461

Ratio is the number of electors per councilor Electoral figures supplied by Caerphilly County Borough Council Population figures supplied by the Office for National Statistics 2019 2024

Greater than + or - 50% of County average 0 0% 0 0% Between + or -25% and + or - 50% of County average 2 6% 1 3% Between + or - 10% and + or -25% of County average 21 64% 23 70% Between 0% and + or - 10% of County average 10 30% 9 27% Appendix 3 Caerphilly County Borough Council Proposed Council Membership

No. OF % variance % variance Population ELECTORATE 2019 ELECTORATE No. NAME DESCRIPTION COUNCILLOR from County 2024 RATIO from County Eligible to 2019 RATIO 2024 S average average Vote

1 Aber Valley The Community of Aber Valley 2 4,549 2,275 21% 4,700 2,350 22% 5,137 The Aberbargoed ward of the Community of Bargoed and The 2 Aberbargoed and Pengam 5,339 1,780 -6% 5,538 1,846 -4% 3,010 Community of Pengam 3 3 Abercarn The Community of Abercarn 2 4,070 2,035 8% 4,136 2,068 7% 4,352 4 Argoed The Community of Argoed 1 1,981 1,981 5% 2,065 2,065 7% 2,169 5 Bargoed and Gilfach The Bargoed and Gilfach wards of the Community of Bargoed 3 5,903 1,968 4% 5,231 1,744 -10% 4,841 6 Bedwas, and Trethomas The Community of Bedwas and Trethomas 3 4,843 1,614 -14% 4,977 1,659 -14% 8,441 7 Blackwood The Community of Blackwood 3 4,645 1,548 -18% 5,535 1,845 -4% 6,662 8 Cefn Fforest The Community of Cefn Fforest 2 4,367 2,184 16% 4,472 2,236 16% 3,048 9 Crosskeys and Ynysddu The Communities of Croskeys and Ynysddu 3 5,443 1,814 -4% 5,481 1,827 -5% 2,756 10 Crumlin The Community of Crumlin 2 4,276 2,138 13% 4,399 2,200 14% 4,752 11 Darran Valley The Community of Darran Valley 1 1,796 1,796 -5% 1,854 1,854 -4% 1,992 12 Hengoed The Cefn Hengoed and Hengoed wards of the Community of Gelligaer 2 3,670 1,835 -3% N/A N/A 4,303 13 Llanbradach and Phwll-y-pant The Community of Llanbradach and Phwll-y-pant 2 3,692 1,846 -2% N/A N/A 3,476 14 Machen and Rudry The Communities of Machen and Rudry 2 3,684 1,842 -2% 3,797 1,899 -2% 15 Maesycwmmer The Community of Maesycwmmer 1 1,680 1,680 -11% 1,750 1,750 -9% 1,791 The Bryncenydd, Parcyfelin and Tonyfelin wards of the Community of 16 Morgan Jones 5,608 1,869 -1% 5,665 1,888 -2% 5,793 Caerphilly 3 The Abertysswg, Moriah,St. David's wards and the Pontlottyn ward of 17 Moriah and Pontlottyn 4,097 2,049 9% N/A N/A 3,610 the Community of Rhymney 2 18 Nelson The Community of Nelson 2 3,549 1,775 -6% 3,582 1,791 -7% 3,825 19 New Tredegar The Community of New Tredegar 2 3,307 1,654 -12% 3,402 1,701 -12% 3,722 20 Newbridge The Community of Newbridge 3 4,766 1,589 -16% 4,907 1,636 -15% 5,244 21 Penmaen The Community of Penmaen 2 4,149 2,075 10% 4,228 2,114 10% 4,243 22 Penyrheol The Community of Penyrheol, Trecenydd and Energlyn 4 8,831 2,208 17% 9,078 2,270 18% 9,691 23 Pontllanfraith The Community of Pontllanfraith 3 6,289 2,096 11% 6,419 2,140 11% 6,834 24 Risca East The Community of Risca East 3 4,621 1,540 -18% 4,669 1,556 -19% 5,094 25 Risca West The Community of Risca West 2 3,848 1,924 2% 3,902 1,951 1% 4,340 The Cascade, Greenhill and Tir-y-berth wards of the Community of 26 St. Cattwg 5,566 1,855 -2% N/A N/A 6,065 Gelligaer 3 The Castle, Twyn, Watford and Cwrt Rawlins wards of the Community 27 St. Martins 6,410 2,137 13% 6,509 2,170 12% 6,692 of Caerphilly 3 28 Twyn Carno The Twyn Carno ward of the Community of Rhymney 1 2,150 2,150 14% N/A N/A 1,871 29 Van The Community of Van 2 3,356 1,678 -11% 3,446 1,723 -11% 30 Ystrad Mynach The Ystrad Mynach ward of the Community of Gelligaer 2 3,628 1,814 -4% N/A N/A 4,358 TOTAL: 69 130,113 1,886 133,158 1,930 128,112

Ratio is the number of electors per councilor Electoral figures supplied by Caerphilly County Borough Council Population figures supplied by the Office for National Statistics

2019 2024 Greater than + or - 50% of County average Between + or -25% and + or - 50% of County 0 0% N/A N/A average 0 0% N/A N/A Between + or - 10% and + or -25% of County 21 64% N/A N/A average 10 30% N/A N/A Between 0% and + or - 10% of County average 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 has asked the Commission to submit a report in respect of the review of electoral arrangements for the County Boroough of Caerphilly 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 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. 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 nearly 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 one change to local government boundaries in Caerphilly:

• The County Borough of Caerphilly (Communities) Order 2010

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, we wrote on 7th March 2019 to Caerphilly County Borough Council, all the Community and Town 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 the Commission’s 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 asked Caerphilly County Borough Council to display a number of public notices in their area. The Commission also made available copies of our Electoral Reviews: Policy and Practice document. In APPENDIX 4

addition the Commission made a presentation to both County and Community councillors explaining the review process.

9. The boundaries of the proposed electoral wards are shown by continuous yellow lines on the map placed on deposit with this Report at the Offices of Caerphilly 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

10. The Commission published its Electoral Reviews: Policy and Practice document in November 2016. This document details its 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 we must consider.

11. 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

12. The maps included in this report and published on the Commissions 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. Appendix 5 SUMMARY OF REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED FOR THE COMMISSIONS INITIAL CONSULTATION ON THE REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS IN THE COUNTY OF CAERPHILLY

- 1 - Appendix 5

- 2 - Appendix 5

- 3 - Appendix 5 1. A local resident wrote on 18th March 2019 that the number of councillors should be reduced and that the Caerphilly County Borough Council is overrepresented.

2. The Aber Valley Communities Partnership wrote on 26th March 2019 expressing their interest and concern about the Caerphilly review and local government provisions.

3. The Nelson Community Council wrote on 12th April 2019 requesting that Nelson Ward should maintain 2 councillors.

4. The Maesycwmmer Community Council wrote on 16th April 2019 suggesting that the northern boundary to the Maesycwmmer ward should end at the Crown Public House, with any land beyond that, being classed as Pontllanfraith.

5. A local resident wrote on 23rd April 2019, opposing the Local Authorities changing her ward from Ystrad Mynach to Hengoed, resulting in her having to vote at the Cefn Hengoed polling station six miles from her home.

6. The Gelligaer Community Council wrote on 25th April 2019 requested that consideration be given to the ward boundaries of Tiryberth, Cefyn Hengoed, Ystrad Mynach and Hengoed.

7. A local resident wrote on 19th May 2019 and asked that the existing arrangements for Penyrheol, Trecenydd and Energlyn are maintained for the area and objected to any changes to the ward.

8. The Caerphilly Branch wrote on 20th May opposing Penhyrheol, Trecenydd and Energlyn ward splitting into two and instead, wishes to see the ward staying as one for County Borough Council elections.

9. Two local residents wrote on 23rd May 2019 and concentrated their views on the upper section. They asked for a reduction in three county councillors.

10. A local resident wrote on 25th May 2019 and asked that Caerphilly County Borough Council be reduced to 66 members and attached copies of the Methodology and Statistics he used to arrive at these conclusions.

- 4 - APPENDIX 6

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.

1 APPENDIX 6

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, , 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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