February 2018 LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

Review of the Electoral Arrangements of the County of Carmarthenshire

Draft Proposals Report

August 2018 February 2018

September

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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 Carmarthenshire County 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 Carmarthenshire County Council is the seventh 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 their assistance in helping us develop our draft proposals, the Community and Town Councils for their contribution and last, but most importantly, all who made representations.

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

Owen Watkin OBE DL Chair

LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

REVIEW OF THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS OF THE COUNTY OF Carmarthenshire

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 7 Chapter 5 Summary of Proposed Arrangements 52 Chapter 6 Consequential Arrangements 54 Chapter 7 Responses to the Draft Proposals 55 Chapter 8 Acknowledgements 56

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 August 2018

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

The Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales Hastings House Fitzalan Court CARDIFF CF24 0BL Tel Number: (029) 2046 4819 Fax Number: (029) 2046 4823 E-mail: [email protected] www.ldbc.gov.wales LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION 1. The Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales (the Commission) is conducting a review of the electoral arrangements of the County of Carmarthenshire. 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, 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. 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 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 the County of Carmathenshire.  The Commission proposes a council of 75 members. This results in a proposed county average of 1,915 electors per member.  The Commission proposes 51 electoral wards, a reduction from 58 existing wards.  The largest under-representation (in terms of electoral variance) is 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).  The largest over-representation (in terms of electoral variance) is 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).  The Commission is proposing 22 multi-member wards in the County consisting of 20 two- member and two three-member electoral wards  The Commission has proposed no changes to 34 electoral wards.  The Commission proposes to have no electoral wards within the County which combine a part of a warded community, along with its neighbouring community.  The Commission received representations from one Assembly Member, three County Councillors, six Community Councils and the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council. The Commission considered all of these representations carefully before it formulated its proposals. A summary of those 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. 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 and hatched red in excess of +/-50% of the county average. 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 County of Carmarthenshire has been determined 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 at 74 members is one member below the methodology’s overall aim. The methodology sets out a size of the Council of 75 for this review. 2. The Commission reviewed the electoral arrangements for the County of Carmarthenshire in the light of our methodology and took account of the representations which had been made. For the reasons given below we believe that in the interests of effective and convenient local government a council of 75 members 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 of Carmarthenshire from 143,598 to 147,611. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have also provided their estimated number of persons eligible to vote but who are not on the electoral register. This showed an estimated 4,924 more people eligible to vote than the 2017 electorate.

Councillor to electorate ratio 4. 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) in Cilycwm, to 62% above (3,135 electors) in Bynea. The determination of the council of 75 members supports an average of 1,915 electors being represented by each councillor. 5. 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 topography, road communications, and local ties.

Judgement and Balance 6. In producing a scheme of electoral arrangements the Commission must have regard to a number of issues contained in the legislation. It is not always possible to resolve all of these, sometimes conflicting, issues. The Commission’s proposed scheme has placed an 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,

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in the Commission’s view, are an appropriate combination of existing communities and community wards. 7. 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. 8. 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. However, 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.

Electoral Ward Names 9. 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 we 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. 10. The Commission consulted with the Welsh Language Commissioner 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. It must be clear that these proposals are not proposals for changes to any place names. At each proposal an indication is given of the Welsh Language Commissioner’s recommendation and, where they differ, the specific recommendation and why they 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.

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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 at 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.

Proposed Electoral Community Community Ward Ward Boundary Boundaries Boundaries

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 are proposing to retain.

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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 proposed electoral ward name preferences):  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 proposed 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 proposed 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 proposed 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 proposed name (see paragraph 4 for further details).

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 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 proposed name (see paragraph 4 for further details).  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 proposed name (see paragraph 4 for further details).  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 proposed 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 proposed 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 and proposed a change to the Commission’s proposed 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 proposed 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 proposed 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 proposed 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) (Gazetteer of Welsh Place Names). The Commissioner also notes the Welsh definite article needs to precede this name

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 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. The Commissioner notes that the Welsh definite article needs to precede this name.  Glanamman to be given the name Glanaman. The Welsh Language Commissioner highlights that Glanaman is the standard Welsh form in the Gazetteer of Welsh Place- Names. 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.  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.  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. 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. 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. 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.

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 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.  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. 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.  The Commission would welcome any comments on the names mentioned in this section.

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Proposed Electoral Wards 5. 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 3.

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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 electors) 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 electors) 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. The Commission received two representations concerning these wards from the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council and Carmarthen Town Council. 9. The Returning Officer proposed combining the wards of North and South to form a single three-member electoral ward. 10. Carmarthen Town Council have written that they are satisfied that the existing boundaries and number of wards in the Carmarthen Town area meets local needs and therefore do not support any change to the current structures. 11. The Commission notes the level of over-representation in the existing electoral ward of Carmarthen Town South, and has considered the recommendations made by the Returning Officer. 12. The Commission proposes to combine the North and South wards of the Town of Carmarthen to form an electoral ward with 6,623 electors (6,822 projected electors) which, if represented by three councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 15% above the proposed county average. 13. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Gogledd a De Tref Caerfyrddin and the English language name of Carmarthen Town North and South. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the proposed names. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 14. The Commission acknowledges the representation made by the Returning Officer for this area, and the inappropriate levels of variance in the existing Carmarthen Town South electoral ward. The Commission feel that this proposal is justified because of the resulting improvements in electoral parity. This proposal also retains the whole of the town centre within one electoral ward.

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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 electors) 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 electors) 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. The Commission received one representation regarding this area from the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council. The Returning Officer has suggested retaining the two existing electoral wards for this area. 18. The Commission notes the ward of Myddynfych is detached from the ward of Wernddu in the Pontamman electoral ward and has therefore considered alternative arrangements for the area. 19. The Commission proposes to combine the Iscennen, Myddynfych, Pantyffynnon and Wernddu wards of the Town of Ammanford to form an electoral ward with 4,072 electors (4,194 projected electors) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 6% above the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Rhydaman, and the English language name of Ammanford. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the proposed names. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 20. The Commission believe that the four wards of the Town of Ammanford share a common identity. In order to address the split ward of Pontamman which is an anomaly in local government in Wales, the Commission has proposed the creation of a two-member electoral ward in this relatively urban town in Carmarthenshire. There are very good communications and roads that link the four wards of the town.

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Hendy and Tycroes 21. 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 electors) represented by one councillor which is 33% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,651 eligible voters. 22. The existing Tycroes electoral ward is comprised of the Tycroes ward of the Community of Llanedi. It has 1,870 electors (1,926 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 2% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,972 eligible voters. 23. The Commission received one representation concerning these wards from the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council. The Returning Officer proposed combining the wards of Llanedi to form a two-member electoral ward for the area. 24. The Commission notes the level of under-representation in the existing electoral ward of Hendy and has considered alternative arrangements for this area. 25. The Commission proposes to combine the wards of Llanedi and Tycroes of the Community of Llanedi to form an electoral ward with 2,119 electors (2,182 projected electors) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 11% above the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the name of Tycroes. The Welsh Language Commissioner has suggested using the singular name Ty-croes, noting that Ty-croes is the standard Welsh form recommended by the reference book, A Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 26. The Commission, as a consequence, proposes the Hendy ward of the Community of Llanedi forms an electoral ward with 2,295 electors (2,364 projected electors) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 20% above the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the name of Hendy. The Welsh Language Commissioner has suggested using the singular name Yr Hendy, noting that Yr Hendy is the standard Welsh form recommended by the Gazetteer of Welsh Place- Names. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 27. The Commission believes that the two proposals provide for an improvement in electoral parity in the area. Two single-member electoral wards are retained in the area, which the Commission believes is more appropriate than a multi-member ward, particularly in the more rural northern part of the community.

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Bynea and Llwynhendy 28. 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 electors) represented by one councillor which is 64% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 3,370 eligible voters. 29. The existing Llwynhendy electoral ward is comprised of the Pemberton ward of the Community of Llanelli Rural. It has 3,201 electors (3,297 projected electors) represented by two councillors which is 17% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 3,342 eligible voters. 30. The Commission received three representations concerning these wards from the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council, Llanelli Rural Community Council, and County Councillor Deryk Cundy (Bynea). The Returning Officer proposed combining the Bynea and Pemberton wards of the Community of Llanelli Rural to form a single three-member electoral ward. Llanelli Rural Community Council proposed changing Bynea from a single- member to a two-member electoral ward; they underline the significant under- representation currently in Bynea. Councillor Deryk Cundy proposed changing Bynea from a single-member to a two-member electoral ward. 31. Councillor Cundy also suggested a number of other options to address to the inappropriate levels of variance in Bynea, Dafen and Felinfoel, these are:  Combine Llwynhendy and Bynea into a three-member ward.  Combine part of Bynea (the land north of the Gelli Road) with Dafen.  Combine part of Bynea (the land north of the Gelli Road) with Llangennech. He highlighted that a number of developments are due to be built and expressed that, by moving the land where 550 houses are to be built either into Dafen or into Llwynhendy, would not improve the situation. If an extra 1,110 people of voting age were to be moved into Dafen by 2027 Dafen would need two Councillors (3,813) by 2022, as would Bynea (3,279). This would be untenable as the county councillor quota for Carmarthenshire would then increase to 76. He also notes that taking forward his suggested proposal would only require two changes. Councillor Cundy expressed that his preferred options for the area would be to make Bynea into a two-member ward, and combine Dafen and Felinfoel to form a two-member electoral ward. 32. The Commission notes the level of under-representation in the existing electoral ward of Bynea and has considered the recommendations made in the representations for this area 33. The Commission proposes that the existing Bynea electoral ward is changed from a single- member to a two-member electoral ward with 3,135 electors (3,229 projected electors) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 18% below the proposed county average. 34. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Bynie, and the English language name of Bynea. The Welsh Language Commissioner has suggested using the singular name Bynea, noting that Bynea is the standard Welsh form recommended by the Gazetteer of Welsh Place. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.

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35. The Commission acknowledges the alternative proposal made by the Returning Officer for this area. 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.

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Dafen and Felinfoel 36. 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 electors) represented by one councillor which is 32% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,790 eligible voters. 37. 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 electors) represented by one councillor which is 26% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,553 eligible voters. 38. The Commission received two representations concerning these wards from the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council and County Councillor Deryk Cundy (Bynea). The Returning Officer proposed combining the Dafen and Felinfoel wards of the Community of Llanelli rural to form a two-member electoral ward. Councillor Deryk Cundy (Bynea) proposed combining the Dafen and Felinfoel wards of the Community of Llanelli Rural to form a two-member electoral ward 39. The Commission notes the level of under-representation in the existing electoral ward of Dafen and the level of over-representation in the existing Felinfoel electoral ward, and has considered the recommendations made for this area by the Returning Officer and County Councillor Deryk Cundy (Bynea). 40. The Commission proposes to combine the Dafen and Felinfoel wards of the Community of Llanelli Rural to form an electoral ward with 3,945 electors (4,064 projected electors) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 3% above the proposed county average. 41. The Commission has given the proposed 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, noting that a hyphen is used in Welsh place- names in order to aid pronunciation by showing that 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 would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 42. The Commission acknowledges the recommendations for this area made by the Returning Officer and Councillor Deryk Cundy (Bynea). This proposal 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.

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Bigyn 43. The existing Bigyn electoral ward is comprised of the Bigyn ward of the Town of Llanelli. It has 4,839 electors (4,984 projected electors) represented by two councillors which is 26% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 5,107 eligible voters. 44. The Commission received one representation concerning this ward from the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council. The Returning Officer suggested changing Bigyn from a two-member to a three-member electoral ward. 45. The Commission notes the level of under-representation in the existing electoral ward of Bigyn, and has considered the recommendations made for this area by the Returning Officer. 46. The Commission proposes that the existing electoral ward of Bigyn is increased by one councillor. This forms an electoral ward of 4,839 electors (4,984 projected electors) which if represented by three councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 16% below the proposed county average. 47. The Commission proposes to retain the single name of Bigyn. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and proposed no change to the Commission’s proposed name. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 48. The Commission acknowledges the recommendation for this area made by the Returning Officer. This proposal provides for a significant improvement in electoral parity in Bigyn and there are very good internal communication links within the ward.

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Elli and Tyisha 49. The existing Elli electoral ward is comprised of the Elli ward of the Town of Llanelli. It has 2,387 electors (2,459 projected electors) represented by one councillor, which is 25% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,639 eligible voters. 50. The existing Tyisha electoral ward is comprised of the Tyisha ward of the Town of Llanelli. It has 2,677 electors (2,757 projected electors) represented by two councillors which is 30% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 3,225 eligible voters. 51. The Commission received two representations concerning these wards from: the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council and County Councillor John Jenkins (Elli). The Returning Officer proposed combining the Elli and Tyisha wards of the Town of Llanelli to form a single three-member electoral ward for the area. 52. Councillor John Jenkins (Elli) suggested a boundary change between the wards of Elli and Tyisha, transferring the polling district of TYI-B, covering an area known locally as ‘Lakefield’ from Tyisha to Elli. This would transfer 823 electors from Tyisha to Elli. Councillor Jenkins opposed the recommendation by the Returning Officer to combine the wards of Elli and Tyisha and highlighted that combining Elli and Tyisha to form a three-member electoral ward would be inappropriate, covering a large part of urban Llanelli. He underlined that there were no community organisations which cover both Elli and Tyisha, and provided an example of Elli not being covered by the former Communities First area, whilst Tyisha was. 53. The Commission notes the level of over-representation in the existing electoral ward of Tyisha and has considered the representation submitted by the Returning Officer and Councillor John Jenkins. 54. The Commission proposes to utilise new boundaries based on those suggested by Councillor John Jenkins (Elli) and use the proposed Elli ward as shown on page 30 to form an electoral ward of 3,146 electors, which if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation 18% below the proposed county average. The Commission proposes to retain the name of Elli. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and proposed no change to the Commission’s proposed name. The Commission welcomes any suggestions for alternative names. 55. The Commission, as a consequence, proposes to utilise the new boundaries based on those suggested by Councillor John Jenkins and use the proposed Tyisha ward as shown on page 31 to form an electoral ward of 1,918 electors, which if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is three electors above the proposed county average. The Commission proposes to retain the single name of Tyisha. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and proposed no change to the Commission’s proposed name. The Commission welcomes any suggestions for alternative names. 56. The Commission notes that utilising the new boundaries would avoid the need to create a three-member electoral ward encompassing two wards which Councillor Jenkins has indicated have little commonality. The Commission inconjunction with Carmarthenshire County Council has identified the appropriate area, as illustrated in the maps on pages 30 and 31.

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Kidwelly and St. Ishmael 57. The existing Kidwelly electoral ward is comprised of the Town of Kidwelly. It has 2,833 electors (2,918 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 48% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,836 eligible voters. 58. The existing St. Ishmael electoral ward is comprised of the Communities of Llandyfaelog and St. Ishmael. It has 2,273 electors (2,341 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 19% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,242 eligible voters. 59. The Commission received one representation concerning these wards from the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council. The Returning Officer proposed combining the Town of Kidwelly and the Community of Llangyndeyrn (presently in the electoral ward of Llangyndeyrn) to form a three-member electoral ward. 60. The Commission notes the high level of under-representation in the existing electoral ward of Kidwelly and has considered the Returning Officer’s proposal and other alternative arrangements for the area. 61. The Commission proposes to combine the Town of Kidwelly and Community of St. Ishmael to form an electoral ward with 3,961 electors (4,080 projected electors) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 3% above the proposed county average. 62. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Cydweli a Llanismel, and the English language name of Kidwelly and St. Ishmael. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and proposed no change to the Commission’s proposed name. The Commission welcomes any suggestions for alternative names. 63. The Commission acknowledges the representation made by the Returning Officer to combine the Town of Kidwelly and Community of Llangyndeyrn to form a three-member electoral ward. However, the Commission’s proposal also 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.

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Llangyndeyrn and St. Ishmael 64. The existing Llangyndeyrn electoral ward is comprised of the Community of Llangyndeyrn. It has 2,809 electors (2,894 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 47% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,836 eligible voters. 65. The existing St. Ishmael electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Llandyfaelog and St. Ishmael. It has 2,273 electors (2,341 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 19% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,242 eligible voters. 66. The Commission received one representation concerning these wards from the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council. The Returning Officer proposed combining the Town of Kidwelly (presently in the electoral ward of Kidwelly) and the Community of Llangyndeyrn to form a three-member electoral ward 67. The Commission notes the level of under-representation in the existing electoral ward of Llangyndeyrn and has considered the Returning Officer’s proposal and other alternative arrangements for the area. 68. The Commission proposes to combine the Communities of Llandyfaelog and Llangyndeyrn to form an electoral ward with 3,954 electors (4,073 projected electors) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 3% above the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the single name of Llangyndeyrn. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the proposed name. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 69. The Commission acknowledges the representation made by the Returning Officer to combine the Town of Kidwelly and Community of Llangyndeyrn to form a three-member electoral ward. However, the Commission’s proposal 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 roads and it is considered that together they could form a coherent electoral ward.

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Llansteffan and St. Clears 70. The existing Llansteffan electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Llangain, Llangynog and Llansteffan. It has 1,686 electors (1,736 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 12% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,663 eligible voters. 71. The existing St. Clears electoral ward is comprised of the Town of St. Clears. It has 2,509 electors (2,585 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 31% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,502 eligible voters. 72. The Commission received one representation concerning these wards from the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council. The Returning Officer proposed combining the Community of Newchurch and Merthyr (presently in the electoral ward of Cynwyl Elfed) with the Communities of Llangain, Llangynog and Llansteffan to form a two-member electoral ward. The Returning Officer also suggested combining the Town of St. Clears with the Communities of Abernant, Meidrim and Trelech a’r Betws (presently in the electoral ward of Trelech) to form a two-member electoral ward. 73. The Commission notes the level of under-representation in the existing electoral ward of St. Clears, and has therefore considered the Returning Officer’s proposal and other alternative arrangements for the area. 74. The Commission proposes to combine the Communities of Llangain, Llangynog, Llansteffan, with the Town of St. Clears to form an electoral ward with 4,195 electors (4,321 projected electors) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 10% above the proposed county average. 75. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Sanclêr gyda Llansteffan and the English language name of St. Clears with Llansteffan. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the proposed names. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 76. The Commission considers the combination of these three communities, which already form the existing electoral ward of Llansteffan, with the Town of St. Clears, promote the desirability to maintain community ties, and will be able to utilise existing community, communication, and social ties to form an effective electoral ward. This proposal also provides a greater improvement in electoral parity in the area, than other proposals suggested.

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Cynwyl Elfed and Trelech 77. 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 electors) represented by one councillor which is 32% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,533 eligible voters. 78. The existing Trelech electoral is composed of the Communities of Abernant, Llanwinio, Meidrim and Trelech. It has 1,744 electors (1,796 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 9% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,718 eligible voters. 79. The Commission received two representations concerning these wards from the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council and Bronwydd Community Council. 80. The Returning Officer proposed combining the Community of Newchurch and Merthyr with the Communities of Llangain, Llangynog and Llansteffan (presently in the electoral ward of Llansteffan). He also suggested that the Community of Llanwinio should be joined with the existing electoral ward of Llanboidy and expressed that this was a better fit than having it as a part of the Trelech electoral ward in which it currently sits. 81. Bronwydd Community Council expressed their view that Bronwydd should be retained within the existing Cynwyl Elfed electoral ward. They highlighted that moving the community into another ward would be unnatural, with the neighbouring Carmarthen Town North Ward being an urban town ward and the adjacent Abergwili ward only being accessible by driving through the edge of Carmarthen. 82. The Commission notes the level of under-representation in the existing electoral ward of Cynwyl Elfed and has considered the recommendations made for this area by the Returning Officer and Bronwydd Community Council. 83. The Commission proposes to combine the Communities of Abernant, Llanwinio, Meidrim Newchurch and Merthyr, and Trelech to form an electoral ward with 2,305 electors (2,374 projected electors) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 20% above the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward 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 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. 84. The Commission considers 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 proposal is suitably justified, in order to improve electoral parity in the wider area. 85. The Commission proposes, 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 electors) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 3% above the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the single name of Cynwyl Elfed. The Welsh Language

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Commissioner is in agreement with the proposed name. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 86. The Commission considers that this proposal 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 proposal also adheres to the representation submitted by Bronwydd Community Council, by retaining Bronwydd with Cynwyl Elfed and Llanpumsaint.

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Cenarth and Llangeler 87. The existing Cenarth electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Cenarth and Newcastle Emlyn. It has 1,650 electors (1,700 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 14% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,774 eligible voters. 88. The existing Llangeler electoral ward is comprised of the Community of Llangeler. It has 2,756 electors (2,839 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 44% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,735 eligible voters. 89. The Commission received one representation concerning these wards from the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire Council. The Returning Officer proposed to combine the Communities of Cenarth, Llangeler and Newcastle Emlyn to form a two-member electoral ward. The Returning Officer highlighted the limited scope for addressing the inappropriate levels of variance in the existing Llangeler electoral ward. 90. The Commission notes the high level of under-representation in the existing electoral ward of Llangeler and has considered the representation submitted by the Returning Officer. 91. The Commission proposes to combine the Communities of Cenarth, Llangeler, and Newcastle Emlyn to form an electoral ward with 4,406 electors (4,539 projected electors) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 15% above the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed 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 proposed names. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 92. The Commission believes that this proposal improves the levels of electoral parity, and utilises whole communities to create a two-member electoral ward for the area. The Commission are content that the proposals for the area are formed from appropriate combinations of communities, which are well connected along the A484 road. 93. The Commission notes the only viable alternative option in this area is to keep the existing arrangements of Cenarth as a single-member electoral ward, and Llangeler as a single- member electoral ward. This would result in the Llangeler electoral ward retaining an inappropriate level of variance at 44% above the proposed county average.

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Cynwyl Gaeo and Cilycwm 94. The existing Cilycwm electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Cilycwm, Llansadwrn, and Llanwrda. It has 1,191 electors (1,228 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 39% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,205 eligible voters. 95. 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 electors) represented by one councillor which is 31% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,313 eligible voters. 96. The Commission received two representations concerning these wards from the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council and Llanycrwys Community Council. 97. Llanycrwys Community Council wrote to ask that they remain part of the Cynwyl Gaeo electoral ward. 98. The Returning Officer proposed to combine the Communities of Cilycwm, Llanfair-ar-y-bryn, Llansadwrn, and Llanwrda to form a single-member electoral ward. A further single-member ward was to be created by combining the wards of the Town of Llandovery. The Returning Officer underlines that this proposal retains Cilycwm’s identity and also incorporates the whole community of Llanfair-ar-y-Bryn which it borders. He felt it was inappropriate to have a multi-member ward in the north of the county due to geographical locality. To address the inappropriate levels of variance in Cynwyl Gaeo the Returning Officer proposed that the Community of Pencarreg is added to the existing electoral ward of Cynwyl Gaeo. However as this would lead to Llanybydder becoming significantly over-represented, he suggested the Community of Llanllwni is combined with Llanybydder to form a single-member electoral ward, with the Community of Llanfihangel-ar-Arth forming a separate single-member electoral ward. 99. The Commission notes the levels of over-representation in the existing electoral wards of Cilycwm and Cynwyl Gaeo, and has therefore considered the Returning Officer’s proposal and other alternative arrangements for the area. 100. The Commission proposes the Communities of Cilycwm, Cynwyl Gaeo, Llansadwrn, Llanwrda and Llanycrwys are combined to form an electoral ward with 2,178 electors (2,244 projected electors) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 14% above the proposed county average. 101. The Commission has given the proposed 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, 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 would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 102. The Commission acknowledges the representation made by the Returning Officer to combine the Communities of Cilycwm, Llanfair-ar-y-Bryn, Llansadwrn, and Llanwrda to form a single-member electoral ward, and to have the Town of Llandovery form a single member

Page 45 CARMARTHENSHIRE DRAFT PROPOSALS REPORT electoral ward. However, it is believed that this proposal is inappropriate due to the lack of a direct road link between Llanfair-ar-y-Bryn and the other communities in the existing Cilycwm electoral ward. The Commission considered that these communities are well connected via the A482 road, and the proposal also takes into account the large rural nature of these communities by retaining single-member wards in the area.

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Cynwyl Gaeo, and Manordeilo and Salem 103. 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 electors) represented by one councillor which is 31% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,313 eligible electors 104. The existing Manordeilo and Salem electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Manordeilo and Salem, and Talley. It has 1,813 (1,867 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 5% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,865 eligible voters 105. The Commission received three representations concerning these wards from the Returning Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council, Llanycrwys Community Council, and Manordeilo and Salem Community Council. 106. The Returning Officer proposed to combine the Communities of Cilycwm, Llanfair-ar-y-Bryn, Llansadwrn, and Llanwrda to form a single-member electoral ward. A further single-member ward was to be created by combining the wards of the Town of Llandovery. The Returning Officer underlines that this proposal retains Cilycwm’s identity but also incorporates the whole community of Llanfair-ar-y-bryn which it borders. He felt it was inappropriate to have a multi-member ward in the north of the county due to geographical locality. To address the inappropriate levels of variance in Cynwyl Gaeo the Returning Officer proposed that the Community of Pencarreg is added to the existing electoral ward of Cynwyl Gaeo. However as this would lead to Llanybydder becoming significantly over-represented, he suggested the Community of Llanllwni is combined with Llanybydder to form a single-member electoral ward, with the Community of Llanfihangel-ar-Arth forming a separate single-member electoral ward. 107. Llanycrwys Community Council wrote to ask that they remain part of the Cynwyl Gaeo electoral ward. 108. Manordeilo and Salem Community Council expressed that they felt no changes were required in the area. 109. The Commission notes the levels of over-representation in the existing electoral ward of Cynwyl Gaeo, and have therefore considered the Returning Officers proposal and other alternative arrangements for the area. 110. The Commission proposes that the Communities of Llansawel, Manordeilo and Salem, and Talley are combined to form an electoral ward with 2,152 electors (2,216 projected electors) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 12% above the proposed county average. 111. The Commission has given the proposed 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. The Commissioner noted that Maenordeilo is the standard welsh form recommended by the Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names. One should not deviate from its recommendations without good reason. 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

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form is recommended, with preference being given to the Welsh form. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names. 112. The Commission acknowledges the representation made by the Returning Officer to combine the Communities of Cilycwm, Llanfair-ar-y-Bryn, Llansadwrn, and Llanwrda to form a single-member electoral ward, and to have the Town of Llandovery form a single member electoral ward. The Commission however felt that this proposal is inappropriate due to the lack of a direct road link between Llanfair-ar-y-Bryn and the other Communities in the existing Cilycwm electoral ward. The Commission’s proposal also allows existing arrangement in the Communities of Llanfihangel-ar-Arth and Llanybydder to be retained. 113. The Commission recognises that this proposal generates an increase in the level of electoral variance compared to the existing arrangements within Manordeilo and Salem. The Commission considers however, that the proposal is suitably justified, in order to improve electoral parity in the wider area. All of the communities in this proposal are well connected via the B4302 and B4337 roads and, together, would form would form a coherent electoral ward. This proposal also takes into account the large rural nature of these communities by retaining single-member wards in the area.

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Chapter 5. SUMMARY OF PROPOSED 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 (Llanelli Rural: Bynea) of 1,941 electors per councillor.  13 electoral wards (23%) have a level of representation in excess of 25% above or below the current county average of 1,941 electors per councillor.  260 electoral wards (45%) have a level of representation between 10% and 25% above or below the current county average of 1,941 electors per councillor.  19 electoral wards (33%) 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 proposed 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 proposed county average (Llanfihangel Aberbythych) to 24% above the proposed county average (Llandeilo) of 1,915 electors per councillor.  None of the electoral wards have a level of representation in excess of 25% above or below the proposed county average of 1,915 electors per councillor.  31 electoral wards (60%) have a level of representation between 10% and 25% above or below the proposed county average of 1,915 electors per councillor.  20 electoral wards (40%) have a level of representation between 10% above or below the proposed county average of 1,915 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. 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. The Commission has made every effort to ensure that the revised electoral wards are appropriate combinations of existing community 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. 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. 5. 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 and it would welcome alternative suggestions. The Commission would request that these suggested

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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 English or Welsh. 6. This draft scheme represents the Commission’s preliminary views on the electoral arrangements for the County of Carmarthenshire. It shall welcome any representations in respect of these proposals. The Commission will consider carefully all representations made to it with respect of them before formulating its 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 Carmarthenshire County Council. Community and Community Ward Boundaries 2. 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 3. 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 30. 4. 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 31. Community Council Electoral Arrangements 5. 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 6%

Elli 2,387 3 796 -13% 3,146 3 1,049 15%

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

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

Tyisha 2,677 3 892 -3% 1,918 2 959 5%

Total 18,309 20 915 18,309 20 915

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

Page 54 LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

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]

not later than 26 November 2018.

Page 55 CARMARTHENSHIRE DRAFT PROPOSALS REPORT

Chapter 8. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1. The Commission wish to express our gratitude to the principal council, all the community councils and other interested bodies and persons who made representations to us for their assistance during the course of developing these draft proposals. The Commission commend the draft proposals contained within this report.

OWEN WATKIN OBE DL (Chair)

CERI STRADLING (Deputy Chair)

DAVID POWELL (Member)

JULIE MAY (Member)

THEODORE JOLOZA (Member)

STEVE HALSALL (Chief Executive)

August 2018

Page 56 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 Population The estimated number of eligible persons (18+) within a local government of Eligible Voters area who are eligible to vote. These figures have been sourced from the Office for National Statistics’ 2015 Ward population estimates 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 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-representation Where there are fewer electors per councillor in a ward compared to the county average.

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

Page 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 electorate The five-year forecast of the 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 the representation county average.

Page 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 2 Ammanford Town of Ammanford 1 1,964 1,964 1% 2,023 2,023 1% 2,102 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 Twyn and Pistiliwyd 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 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 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 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 Llanfihanfel-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 Llangeler 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 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 Llanybie 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 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 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 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 PROPOSED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

% Variance % variance No. OF ELECTORATE 2017 from ELECTORATE 2022 No. NAME Description from County COUNCILLORS 2017 RATIO County 2022 RATIO average 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 -5% 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 Cwarter Bach The Community of Cwarter 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 2 3,146 1,573 -18% NA NA NA 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% 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 Appendix 3 CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL PROPOSED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

% Variance % variance No. OF ELECTORATE 2017 from ELECTORATE 2022 No. NAME Description from County COUNCILLORS 2017 RATIO County 2022 RATIO average average The Communities of Cilymaenllwyd, 24 Llanboidy 1 1,694 1,694 -12% 1,744 1,744 -11% Llanboidy and Llangynin The Communities of Llanddeusant, 25 Llanddarog 1 1,660 1,660 -13% 1,710 1,710 -13% Llangadog and Myddfai 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 4% 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 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 Appendix 3 CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL PROPOSED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

% Variance % variance No. OF ELECTORATE 2017 from ELECTORATE 2022 No. NAME Description from County COUNCILLORS 2017 RATIO County 2022 RATIO average average The Swiss Valley ward of the 46 Swiss Valley 1 2,135 2,135 11% 2,199 2,199 12% Community of Llanelli Rural The Communities of Abernant, 47 Trelech Llanwinio, Meidrim, Newchirch 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 1 1,918 1,918 0% NA NA NA 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 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 31 60% 29 57% Between 0% and + or - 10% of County average 20 40% 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.

Page 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

8. 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.

Page 2 Appendix 4

Procedure

9. 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 September 2018 to Carmarthenshire County Council, all the Community Councils in the area, the Members of Parliament for the local constituencies, the Assembly Members for the area, and other interested parties to inform them of our intention to conduct the review and to request their preliminary views. The Commission invited the County Council to submit a suggested scheme or schemes for new electoral arrangements and 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.

10. 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 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 November 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 is taken 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.

Page 3 Appendix 5 SUMMARY OF REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED FOR THE COMMISSIONS INITIAL CONSULTATION ON THE REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS IN THE COUNTY OF CARMARTHENSHIRE

1. Mr Mark James (Returning Officer Carmarthenshire County Council) wrote on 27 December 2017 outlining his recommendations on the electoral arrangements for the County. Mr James’ proposals are shown below.

- 1 - Appendix 5

- 2 - Appendix 5

- 3 - Appendix 5

2. Bronwydd Community Council wrote on 21 December 2017 and asked that Bronwydd Community remain a part of the electoral ward of Cynwyl Elfed. The Community Council have expressed that moving the community into another ward would be unnatural, with the neighbouring Carmarthen Town North ward being an urban town ward and the adjacent Abergwili ward only being accessible by driving through the edge of Carmarthen.

3. Carmarthen Town Council wrote on 26 October 2017 and asked that the current arrangements are kept as they are within the Town of Carmarthen. The Town Council believes the current arrangements meet local needs, and do not require changing.

4. Llanelli Rural Community Council wrote on 01 December 2017 and highlighted the existing under-representation in Bynea, which is currently 64% above the county average. The Council has stated that addressing the current situation in Bynea should be the starting point for this review.

5. Llanycrwys Community Council wrote on 23 October 2017 and asked that the existing arrangements are maintained for the area.

6. Manordeilo and Salem Community Council wrote on 30 October 2017 expressing that the Community Council approved the current arrangements, and felt that no changes were needed.

7. Pembrey and Burry Port Town Council wrote on 12 December 2017, to oppose the Commission’s proposal in the previous review which combined the wards of Pembrey and Burry Port to form a three-member ward for the area

- 4 - Appendix 5 8. Lee Waters AM wrote on 14 December 2017 to oppose the Commission’s proposal in the previous review which combined the wards of Pembrey and Burry Port to form a single three-member ward for the area

9. County Councillor Deryk Cundy (Bynea) wrote on 27 November 2017 and highlighted that Bynea is currently the most under-represented ward in the County. Councillor Cundy suggested a number of options, which would address the levels of variance in the area these are listed below:

1. Combine Llwynhendy and Bynea into a 3 member ward. 2. Combine part of Bynea (the land north of the Gelli Road) with Dafen. 3. Upgrade Bynea to a 2 member ward. 4. Combine Dafen with Felinfoel into a 2 member ward. 5. Combine part of Bynea (the land north of the Gelli Road) with Llangennech. The Councillor also highlights a number of developments under various stages of progress in Bynea and Llawynhendy. Due to these developments Councillor Cundy is of the opinion that making Bynea a 2 member ward in this review is the best option going forward.

10. County Councillor John Jenkins (Elli) wrote on 27 December 2017 with regards to the electoral wards of Elli and Tyisha. Councillor Jenkins states that combining the ward of Tyisha and Elli (as proposed in the previous review) would not be suitable due to very little commonality between the two wards. He highlights that Tyisha already suffers such disparity with the area of the ward known as ‘Tyisha’ having little in common with the northern part of the ward which is known locally as ‘Lakefield’. Councillor Jenkins identifies a number of organisations whose title identifies them as ‘Glanymor and Tyisha’ including:

 All Community First organisations  Local Safer Residents Action group  Local Historical Society

He highlights that all three organisations above cover the two electoral divisions of Glanymor and Tyisha which share a lot of common organisations and interests, and also emphasizes that on a practical level an active Councillor who wished to attend Neighbourhood Police meetings in their electoral division would have to attend the Elli & Lliedi "PACT" (Police and Communities Together) meeting AND the Glanymor & Tyisha SCAG (Safer Communities Action Group).

Councillor Jenkins then moves on to suggest that a simple solution would be to remove the polling district of TYI-B (electorate of 794 in 2017) and include it in a proposed new Elli electoral division which would have had a revised electorate of 3,138 and the new Tyisha electoral division would have an electorate of 1,876 and become a single-member electoral division.

- 5 - Appendix 5 The TYI-B polling district is the northern-most polling district in the Tyisha electoral division and is adjacent to the Elli electoral division. Currently Queen Victoria Road is the boundary between both electoral divisions; the north side of Queen Victoria Road being in the Elli electoral division and the south side being in the Tyisha electoral division. TYI-B also covers the area of Llanelli known as ‘Lakefield’ whereas the rest of the Tyisha electoral division would identify themselves as ‘Tyisha’.

This would bring both new proposed electoral divisions closer to the county average and closer to the average than a three-member combined Elli and Tyisha electoral division would be. It would also have the added advantage of creating a Tyisha electoral division which would mostly be made up from the area of Llanelli known as Tyisha. To be geographically correct, the new two-member electoral division could be called "Elli and Lakefield" to emphasise its new status and to recognise the Lakefield area of Llanelli in the name of an electoral division.

Such an arrangement would benefit from maintaining the existing community identification of the electoral divisions and maintaining alliance with local organisations. It would also be much easier to bring the Town Council wards into alignment with the new proposed County electoral divisions as opposed to the highly confusing situation of having a combined Elli and Tyisha County electoral division and retaining the separate Town Council wards - or worse - having a coterminous Town ward with 6 Town Councillors representing the merged ward.

11. County Councillor Hugh Shepardson (Pembrey) wrote on 11 December 2017, to oppose the Commission’s proposal in the previous review which combined the wards of Pembrey and Burry Port to form a three-member ward for the area. Councillor Shepardson highlights that Pembrey is situated in the heart of the Millennium Coastal Park and Pembrey Country Park, with a new primary school also due to be built. It is for these reasons that the councillor has asked that Pembrey is retained as a two-member ward.

- 6 - 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.

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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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