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LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR

REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS REPORT AND PROPOSALS

COUNTY OF

LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE COUNTY OF CEREDIGION

REPORT AND PROPOSALS

1. INTRODUCTION

2. SUMMARY OF PROPOSALS

3. SCOPE AND OBJECT OF THE REVIEW

4. DRAFT PROPOSALS

5. REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO THE DRAFT PROPOSALS

6. ASSESSMENT

7. PROPOSALS

8. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

9. RESPONSES TO THIS REPORT

APPENDIX 1 GLOSSARY OF TERMS APPENDIX 2 EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP APPENDIX 3 PROPOSED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP APPENDIX 4 MINISTER’S DIRECTIONS AND ADDITIONAL LETTER APPENDIX 5 SUMMARY OF REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO DRAFT PROPOSALS

The Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales Caradog House 1-6 St Andrews Place CF10 3BE Tel Number: (029) 2039 5031 Cert No: SGS-COC-005057 Fax Number: (029) 2039 5250 E-mail [email protected] www.lgbc-wales.gov.uk

FOREWORD

This is our report containing our Final Proposals for Ceredigion County Council.

In January 2009, the Local Government Minister, Dr Brian Gibbons asked this Commission to review the electoral arrangements in each principal local authority in Wales. Dr Gibbons said:

“Conducting regular reviews of the electoral arrangements in each Council in Wales is part of the Commission’s remit. The aim is to try and restore a fairly even spread of councillors across the local population. It is not about local government reorganisation.

Since the last reviews were conducted new communities have been created in some areas and there have been shifts in population in others. This means that in some areas there is now an imbalance in the number of electors that councillors represent.

The Commission will review the total number of councillors making up each council; the number of councillors representing each electoral division and the name and boundary of each division.

As far as possible, I want to restore fairness so that councillors generally represent the same number of people.” [13 January 2009].

This issue of fairness is set out clearly in the legislation and has been a key principle for our work. The situation which currently exists, where a councillor from one part of the County represents a small number of voters whereas another Councillor may represent many, many more is simply not fair on electors. In practical terms, it means that some areas have an unfair advantage over others in decisions made in the council chamber.

Putting this right is far from simple given the constraints against which the Commission must operate. We cannot just move lines on the map; we have to adhere to existing “building blocks”, which are the Areas and Community Wards which cover the whole of Wales. Sometimes, these do not reflect the current patterns of community life in Wales but, even where this is the case, we have not been able to accept suggestions which cut across these boundaries. This is frustrating for both respondents and the Commission.

We are also required to look to the future and have asked the council to give us predictions of the number of electors in 5 years time. At the best of times this would be challenging but, in the current economic climate, it is particularly difficult.

The publication of our first few draft proposals reports drew some concern that we were moving away from the principle of having one councillor for an electoral division to suggesting far greater use of multi member divisions. The Rules within which we operate envisage that each electoral division shall be represented by one councillor; this could be called the “default position”. However, we can move away from this for a variety of reasons, including where we have found this is the best way of ensuring that electors are more equally represented.

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In working up our proposals, we have tried to cater for 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. We believe that greater fairness, along with other proposals in our report, will lead to local government which is effective and convenient.

The Minister for Social Justice and Local Government of the Welsh Assembly Government has issued a statement to the effect that he will not be making any changes to the present electoral arrangements for any local authorities in Wales until after the 2012 local government elections. Some have interpreted this to mean that we have stopped all the ongoing work in respect of electoral reviews. I can confirm that this is not the case and that we are continuing with the programme of electoral reviews as required by the legislation. We continue to welcome active participation in the reviews by those persons or organisations that have an interest.

Finally, may I thank the Members and officers of the Principal authority for their assistance in our work, the community and town councils for their contribution and last but most importantly, the ordinary citizens who have taken the time and trouble to make comments and suggestions.

Paul Wood Chairman

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Mr Carl Sargeant Minister for Local Government and Communities Welsh Assembly Government

REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE COUNTY OF CEREDIGION

REPORT AND PROPOSALS

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 In accordance with the directions issued by the Minister on 13 January 2009, we, the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales (the Commission), have completed the review of electoral arrangements for the County of Ceredigion and present our Final Proposals for the future electoral arrangements. A glossary of terms used in this report can be found at Appendix 1. In 2009 the County of Ceredigion had an electorate of 59,494. At present it is divided into 40 divisions returning 42 councillors with 38 electoral divisions (90%) being single-member and 2 electoral divisions (10%) being multi-member. The average number of electors to each councillor for the County is currently 1,417. The existing electoral arrangements have a level of representation that ranges from 44% below to 67% above the current county average. The present electoral arrangements are set out in detail in Appendix 2.

2. SUMMARY OF PROPOSALS

2.1 We propose a reduction in the council size from 42 to 37 elected members and a change to the arrangement of electoral divisions from 40 to 34 with 31 electoral divisions (91%) being single-member and 3 electoral divisions (9%) being multi- member, that will achieve a significant improvement in the level of electoral parity across the County of Ceredigion. The average number of electors to each councillor for the County is proposed to be 1,608. The proposed electoral arrangements have a level of representation that ranges from 29% below to 24% above the proposed county average. The proposed electoral arrangements are set out in detail in Appendix 3.

3. SCOPE AND OBJECT OF THE REVIEW

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

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

Electoral Arrangements

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

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

ii) the number and boundaries of electoral divisions;

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

iv) the name of any electoral division.

Rules to Be Observed Considering Electoral Arrangements

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

3.5 The rules also require that:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Minister’s Directions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Local Government Changes

3.8 Since the last review of electoral arrangements there has been 1 change to local government boundaries in Ceredigion:

• 2001 No. 3272 (W.310) The Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire (St. Dogmaels) Order 2002

This removed part of the principal council area of Ceredigion in the area of the Village of St. Dogmaels and include it within Pembrokeshire.

Procedure

3.9 Section 60 of the Act lays down procedural guidelines which are to be followed in carrying out a review. In compliance with Section 60 of the Act we wrote on 21 December 2009 to Ceredigion County Council, all the community councils in the

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area, the Member of Parliament for the local constituency, Assembly members and other interested parties to inform them of our intention to conduct the review, to request their preliminary views and to provide a copy of the Welsh Assembly Government’s directions to the Commission. We invited the County Council to submit a suggested scheme or schemes for new electoral arrangements. We also publicised our intention to conduct the review in local newspapers circulating in the County and asked Ceredigion County Council to display a number of public notices in their area. We also made available copies of our electoral reviews guidance booklet. In addition we made a presentation to both County and Community councillors explaining the review process.

4. DRAFT PROPOSALS

4.1 Prior to the formulation of our Draft Proposals we received representations from Ceredigion County Council; three community councils; AM; three councillors; and two other interested bodies and residents. These representations were taken into consideration and summarised in our Draft Proposals Report published on 6 September 2010. The following is a summary of our Draft Proposals.

4.2 In our Draft Proposals Report we considered the electoral arrangements of the existing electoral divisions of , Bronglais, Aberystwyth Canol/Central, Aberystwyth Gogledd/North, Aberystwyth , Aberystwyth Rheidol, Beulah, , , Llanbadarn Fawr – Sulien, , , , , Pen-parc, , , and Ystwyth and the ratio of local government electors to the number of councillors to be elected and we proposed that the existing arrangements should continue.

Aberaeron and Llansantffraed

4.3 The existing electoral division of consists solely of the Community of Aberaeron with 1,171 electors (1,204 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 17% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor and 33% below 1,750 electors per councillor. The existing Llansantffraed electoral division consists of the Communities of Lansantffraed 1,020 electors (1,049 projected) and Dyffryn Arth, which is made up of the wards of Llanbadarn Trefeglwys 593 electors (610 projected) and Llanddewi 367 electors (377 projected). The electoral division has a total of 1,980 electors (2,036 projected) and is represented by 1 councillor with a level of representation which is 40% above the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor and 13% above 1,750 electors per councillor.

4.4 We noted the representation from Ceredigion County Council, but were of the view that the current level of representation 17% below the county average was not appropriate when compared to the existing county average. Consideration was given to the alternative proposal from the County Council, combining all or part of Aberaeron with other areas in order to form an electoral division with levels of representation closer to the existing county average and achieving greater electoral parity.

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4.5 In our Draft Proposals Report we considered combining the Llanddewi Aberath ward of the Community of Dyffryn with the existing Aberaeron electoral division, to form a new electoral division giving a total of 1,538 electors (1,581 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 4% below the draft proposals county average of 1,608 electors per councillor and 12% below 1,750 electors per councillor. We gave the proposed electoral division a working name of Aberaeron.

Cardigan

4.6 The existing Community of Cardigan is divided into 3 wards, each forming a separate electoral division represented by a single councillor. Aberteifi / Cardigan - Mwldan electoral division consists of the Mwldan ward with 1,402 electors (1,542 projected), which is 1% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor and 20% below 1,750 electors per councillor. Aberteifi / Cardigan - Rhyd- y-Fuwch electoral division consists of the Rhyd-y-Fuwch ward with 928 electors (1,021 projected), is 34% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor and 47% below 1,750 electors per councillor. Aberteifi / Cardigan - Teifi electoral division consists of the Teifi ward with 827 electors (910 projected),which is 42% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor and 53% below 1,750 electors per councillor.

4.7 We noted the representation from Councillor Mark Cole, that Cardigan Town Council felt that the existing arrangement should be retained due to proposed developments and social deprivation. We considered this representation, but came to the conclusion that the existing level of representation in the area, in which 3 adjacent electoral divisions had councillor to electorate ratios which were 1%, 34% and 42% below the existing county average, was not appropriate and that it was not in the interests of effective and convenient local government that there should exist such a wide variation in the level of representation between electoral divisions. Consideration was therefore given to the proposal from the County Council, combining these electoral divisions in order to form an electoral division with levels of representation closer to the county average.

4.8 In our Draft Proposals Report we considered combining the adjoining Mwldan, Rhyd-y-Fuwch and Teifi wards of the Community of Cardigan to form a new electoral division giving a total electorate of 3,157 (3,473 projected), represented by 2 councillors resulting in a level of representation of 1,579 electors per councillor which is 2% below the draft proposals county average of 1,608 electors per councillor and 10% below 1,750 electors per councillor. The amalgamation changed the electoral division from three single-member electoral divisions to one two-member division. We were of the view, that in terms of effective and convenient local government, any disadvantages were outweighed by the improvement in parity in this proposed division. We suggested that the proposed electoral division retained the name Aberteifi / Cardigan.

Ciliau Aeron and

4.9 The existing electoral division has 1,607 electors (1,713 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 13% above the existing county average of

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1,417 electors per councillor and 8% below 1,750 electors per councillor. The existing Llanfihangel Ystrad electoral division with 1,668 electors (1,715 projected) consists of the Community of Llanfihangel Ystrad with 1,151 electors (1,183 projected) and the with 314 electors (323 projected) and Trefilan with 203 electors (209 projected) wards of the Community of Nantcwnlle with a combined total of 1,668 electors (1,715 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 18% above the existing county average of 1,417 and is 5% below 1,750 electors per councillor.

4.10 In our Draft Proposals Report changes were considered as a consequence of the proposed change to (see 4.34 to 4.36 below). We considered combining the existing Ciliau Aeron electoral division, with the Trefilan ward of the Community of Nantcwnlle to form a new electoral division giving a total electorate of 1,810 (1,922 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 13% above the draft proposals county average of 1,608 electors per councillor and 3% above 1,750 electors per councillor. We suggested that the proposed electoral division retain the name Ciliau Aeron.

Lampeter and

4.11 The existing electoral division has a total of 1,993 electors (2,192 projected) represented by 2 councillors which gives a level of representation of 997 electors per councillor which is 30% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor and 43% below 1,750 electors per councillor. The existing Llanwenog electoral division has a total of 1,433 electors (1,473 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 1% above the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor and is 18% below 1,750 electors per councillor.

4.12 We noted the representation from Ceredigion County Council that their preferred option was that Lampeter should retain the current electoral arrangements, the feeling being that the electoral register did not fully account for student numbers in Lampeter. The County Council have however, proposed a number of alternative options should the Commissioners feel it was required. We were of the view that the current level of representation 30% below the existing county average was not appropriate when compared to the existing county average. Consideration was therefore given to the alternative proposal from the County Council, combining all or part of this electoral division with other areas in order to form an appropriate electoral division with levels of representation closer to the county average.

4.13 In our Draft Proposals Report we considered combining the existing Lampeter and Llanwenog electoral divisions (Ceredigion County Council proposal, Option Lampeter 3) to form a new electoral division giving a total electorate of 3,426 (3,665 projected) represented by 2 councillors resulting in a level of representation of 1,713 electors per councillor which is 7% above the draft proposals county average of 1,608 electors per councillor and 2% below 1,750 electors per councillor. We suggested that the proposed electoral division retain the name Lampeter.

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Llanarth and Llanfihangel Ystrad

4.14 The existing electoral division of Llanarth consists of the Llanarth 953 electors (980 projected) and Mydroilyn, 310 electors (319 projected) wards of the Community of Llanarth with a total of 1,263 electors (1,299 projected), represented by 1 councillor which is 11% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor and 28% below 1,750 electors per councillor. The existing Llanfihangel Ystrad electoral division consists of the Community of Llanfihangel Ystrad with 1,151 electors (1,183 projected) and the Nantcwnlle, 314 electors (323 projected) and Trefilan, 203 electors (209 projected) wards of the Community of Nantcwnlle with a combined total of 1,668 electors (1,715 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 18% above the existing county average of 1,417 and 5% below 1,750 electors per councillor.

4.15 In our Draft Proposals Report we considered the scheme suggested by Ceredigion County Council combining the Mydroilyn ward of the Community of Llanarth with the Community of Llanfihangel Ystrad and the Nantcwnlle ward of the Community of Nantcwnlle to form a new electoral division giving a total electorate of 1,775 electors (1,825 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 10% above the draft proposals county average of 1,608 electors per councillor and 1% above 1,750 electors per councillor. This resulted in the Llanarth ward of the Community of Llanarth and the Trefilan ward of the Community of Nantcwnlle being left outside any electoral division. This is resolved for the Llanarth ward at 4.21 to 4.23 below and for the Trefilan ward at 4.9 to 4.10 above. We gave the proposed electoral division the working name Llanfihangel Ystrad, Mydroilyn and Nantcwnlle.

Llanbadarn Fawr – Padarn and Faenor

4.16 The existing Llanbadarn Fawr Padarn electoral division has a total of 792 electors (871 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 44% below the existing county average of 1,417 and is 55% below 1,750 electors per councillor. The existing Faenor electoral division has a total of 2,366 electors (2,567 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 67% above the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor and is 35% above 1,750 electors per councillor.

4.17 We considered the suggestion endorsed by Ceredigion County Council of combining the existing Faenor electoral division to the existing Padarn electoral division. The Commission was grateful for this flexible approach by the Council and were of the view that the very large variance in the level of representation between the adjoining electoral divisions of Faenor with 2,366 electors (2,567 projected) 67% above the existing county average and Llanbadarn Fawr Padarn with 792 electors (871 projected) 44% below the existing county average was not appropriate. Councillor Gareth Davies wrote to support combining Padarn and Faenor, while Councillor John E. Roberts wrote to object to any such proposal. Consideration was therefore given to the proposal from Ceredigion County Council in combining these electoral divisions in order to form an electoral division with levels of representation closer to the county average.

4.18 In our Draft Proposals Report we considered combining the existing Faenor electoral division with the existing Llanbadarn Fawr Padarn electoral division, to

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form a new electoral division giving a total electorate of 3,158 (3,438 projected), represented by 2 councillors resulting in a level of representation of 1,579 electors per councillor (1,719 projected) which is 2% below the Draft Proposals county average of 1,608 electors per councillor and 10% below 1,750 electors per councillor. This proposal produced a marked improvement in electoral parity. We gave the proposed electoral division the working name Faenor and Padarn.

Llanfarian and

4.19 The existing electoral division has a total of 1,190 electors (1,223 projected), represented by 1 councillor which is 16% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor and is 32% below 1,750 electors per councillor. The existing electoral division of Melindwr consists of the wards of 284 electors (292 projected), Llanbadarn y Creuddyn Uchaf 179 electors (285 projected) and Penllwyn 418 electors (430 projected) of the Community of Melindwr, the Community of 362 electors (372 projected) and the Community of Pontarfynach 395 electors (406 projected). The Melindwr electoral division has a total of 1,638 electors (1,684 projected), represented by 1 councillor with a level of representation which is 16% above the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor and 6% below 1,750 electors per councillor. We were of the view that the current level of representation in the area which ranged from 16% below to 16% above the existing county average, was not appropriate when compared to the existing county average, and for there to exist such a wide variation in the level of representation between adjoining electoral divisions. Consideration was therefore given to the proposal from Ceredigion County Council, combining parts of these electoral divisions in order to form an electoral division with levels of representation closer to the county average.

4.20 In our Draft Proposals Report we considered the option endorsed by the Council that the existing Llanfarian electoral division be combined with the Llanbadarn y Creuddyn Uchaf ward of the Community of Melindwr to form a new electoral division giving a total electorate of 1,369 (1,407 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 15% below the draft proposals county average of 1,608 electors per councillor and 22% below 1,750 electors per councillor. We gave the proposed electoral division the working name Llanfarian.

Llandysiliogogo and Llanarth

4.21 The existing electoral division consists of the Communities of Llandysiliogogo 923 electors (949 projected) and 654 electors (672 projected) with a total of 1,577 electors (1,621 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 11% above the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor and 10% below 1,750 electors per councillor. The existing Llanarth electoral division consists of the Community of Llanarth made up of the Llanarth 953 electors (980 projected) and Mydroilyn 310 electors (319 projected) wards, giving a total of 1,263 electors (1,299 projected). The electoral division is represented by 1 councillor and is 11% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor and 28% below 1,750 electors per councillor.

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4.22 It was proposed at 4.14 to 4.15 above that the Mydroilyn ward of the Community of Llanarth be combined with 3 wards from the existing Llanfihangel Ystrad electoral division to form the Llanfihangel Ystrad, Mydroilyn and Nantcwnlle electoral division leaving the Llanarth ward of the Community of Llanarth outside any electoral division. It is proposed at 4.34 to 4.36 below that the Community of Llanllwchaiarn be combined within the proposed New Quay electoral division, leaving the Community of Llandysiliogogo outside any electoral division.

4.23 In our Draft Proposals Report we considered the option endorsed by Ceredigion County Council that the Community of Llandysiliogogo be combined with the Llanarth ward of the Community of Llanarth, taking into account the consequential effect of the proposal for the New Quay area at 4.34 to 4.36 below, which left the Community of Llandysiliogogo outside any electoral division (Option New Quay 2 in Ceredigion County Council’s proposal). This formed a new electoral division giving a total electorate of 1,876 electors (1,929 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 17% above the draft proposals county average of 1,608 electors per councillor and 7% above 1,750 electors per councillor. We gave the proposed electoral division the working name Llandysiliogogo and Llanarth.

Llandysul Town and Capel Dewi

4.24 The existing Town electoral division consists of the Trefol ward of the Community of Llandysul with 1,149 electors (1,264 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 19% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor and 34% below 1,750 electors per councillor. The existing Capel Dewi electoral division consists of the Capel Dewi 420 electors (432 projected), Pontshaen 380 electors (391 projected) and 336 electors (345 projected) wards of the Community of Llandysul. Represented by 1 councillor giving 1,136 electors per councillor (1,168 projected) which is 20% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor and 35% below 1,750 electors per councillor.

4.25 We noted the representation from Ceredigion County Council that their preferred option was that Llandysul Town retain the current electoral arrangements, although they suggested a scheme should we feel it was required. We were of the view that the current level of representation 19% below the existing county average was not appropriate when compared to the existing county average. Consideration was therefore given to the alternative proposal from Ceredigion County Council, combining Llandysul Town electoral division with the Capel Dewi ward of the Community of Llandysul in order to form an electoral division with levels of representation closer to the county average.

4.26 In our Draft Proposals Report we considered combining the Capel Dewi ward of the Community of Llandysul with the existing Llandysul Town electoral division to form a new electoral division giving a total electorate of 1,569 (1,696 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 2% below the draft proposals county average of 1,608 electors per councillor and 10% below 1,750 electors per councillor. This resulted in the Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul being left outside any electoral division. This situation is resolved for the Pontshaen and

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Tregroes wards at 4.40 to 4.42 below. We gave the proposed electoral division the working name Llandysul.

Llangybi and

4.27 The existing Llangybi electoral division has 1,192 electors (1,225 projected) represented by 1 councillor, which is 16% below the existing county average of 1,417 and 32% below 1,750 electors per councillor. The existing electoral division consists of the Community of Llangeitho, which is made up of the community wards of Gwynfil, Llanbadarn Odwyn and and the Community of Llanddewi Brefi with a total of 1,200 electors (1,234 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 15% below the existing county average of 1,417 and is 31% below 1,750 electors per councillor.

4.28 We noted the representation from Ceredigion County Council and Llanddewi Brefi Community Council that the Llangeitho electoral division boundaries should not change due to its rural environment, economic and social similarities and that Llanddewi Brefi would be best served focused to the west and north, rather than to the south of the County should any changes to the electoral division be made. We were of the view that this was outweighed by the reasons highlighted at 5.8 in our Draft Proposals Report and the potential to further improve the average level of representation and electoral parity.

4.29 In our Draft Proposals Report we considered combining the Community of Llanddewi Brefi within the existing Llangybi electoral division to form a new electoral division giving a total electorate of 1,716 (1,764 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 7% above the draft proposals county average of 1,608 electors per councillor and 2% below 1,750 electors per councillor. The areas are similar in their rural nature and the proposal maintains the communities as they presently exist. The communications between the two areas are also on a par with those to the west and north of Llanddewi Brefi with the B4343 and A485 roads acting as the main communication routes to other parts of the County. We gave the proposed electoral division the working name Llangybi and Llanddewi Brefi.

Llansantffraed

4.30 The existing Llansantffraed electoral division with 1,980 electors (2,036 projected) consists of the Community of Llansantffraed 1,020 electors (1,049 projected) and the wards of Llanbadarn Trefeglwys 593 electors (610 projected) and Llanddewi Aberarth 367 electors (377 projected) which form the Community of Dyffryn Arth. The electoral division is represented by 1 councillor and is 40% above the existing county average of 1,417 and is 13% above 1,750 electors per councillor.

4.31 In our Draft Proposals Report we considered the option endorsed by the Council that the existing Llansantffraed electoral division be retained less the Llanddewi Aberarth ward of the Community of Dyffryn Arth. Details of the proposal for the Llanddewi Aberarth ward can be seen at 4.3 to 4.5 above. It was proposed that the electoral division comprise the Community of Llansantffraed and the Llanbadarn Trefeglwys ward of the Community of Dyffryn Arth to form a new electoral division giving a total electorate of 1,613 (1,659 projected) represented by 1 councillor

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which is almost equal to (less than 0.5% above) the draft proposals county average of 1,608 electors and 8% below 1,750 electors per councillor. We gave the proposed electoral division the working name Llansantffraed.

Melindwr

4.32 The existing Melindwr electoral division consists of the Goginan 284 electors (292 projected), Llanbadarn y Creuddyn Uchaf 179 electors (285 projected) and Penllwyn 418 electors (430 projected) wards of the Community of Melindwr, the Community of Blaenrheidol 362 electors (372 projected) and the Community of Pontarfynach 395 electors (406 projected), with a total of 1,638 electors (1,684 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 16% above the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor and 6% below 1,750 electors per councillor.

4.33 In our Draft Proposals Report it was proposed (4.19 to 4.20 above) that the Llanbadarn y Creuddyn Uchaf ward of the Community of Melindwr be combined within the Llanfarian electoral division. It was proposed that the remaining Melindwr wards of Goginan and Penllwyn be retained with the Communities of Blaenrheidol and Pontarfynach to form a new electoral division of 1,459 electors (1,500 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 9% below the draft proposals county average of 1,608 electors per councillor and 17% below 1,750 electors per councillor. It was suggested that the proposed electoral division retain the name Melindwr.

New Quay and Llandysiliogogo

4.34 The existing New Quay electoral division with 974 electors (1,001 projected) consists solely of the Community of New Quay. The electoral division is represented by 1 councillor and is 31% below the existing county average of 1,417 and is 44% below 1,750 electors per councillor. The existing Llandysiliogogo electoral division consists of the Communities of Llandysiliogogo 923 electors and Llanllwchaiarn 654 electors with a combined total of 1,577 electors (1,621 projected). The electoral division is represented by 1 councillor and is 11% above the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor and 10% below 1,750 electors per councillor.

4.35 We noted the representation from Ceredigion County Council in their wish to retain the current electoral arrangements in New Quay, given the nature of the Town and the large tourist population including many second home owners who were semi resident. Ceredigion County Council did propose an alternative scheme should we feel that an improvement in electoral parity was necessary. We were of the view that the current level of representation, 31% below the existing county average, was not appropriate when compared to the existing county average. Consideration was therefore given to the alternative option suggested by the Council.

4.36 In our Draft Proposals Report we considered combining the Community of Llanllwchaiarn with the Community of New Quay to form a new electoral division giving a total electorate of 1,628 (1,673 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 1% above the draft proposals county average of 1,608 electors per

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councillor and 7% below 1,750 electors per councillor. We suggested that the proposed electoral division retain the name New Quay.

Tregaron and Llangeitho

4.37 The existing electoral division consists of the Community of Tregaron with a total of 995 electors (1,095 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 30% below the existing county average of 1,417 and is 43% below 1,750 electors per councillor. The existing Llangeitho electoral division consists of the Community of Llangeitho 676 electors (695 projected) and the Community of Llanddewi Brefi 524 electors (539 projected) giving a total of 1,200 electors (1,234 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 15% below the existing county average of 1,417 and is 31% below 1,750 electors per councillor. In their representation, Llanddewi Brefi Community Council wrote that the Llangeitho electoral division boundaries should not change due to its rural environment, economic and social similarities.

4.38 We noted the representation from Ceredigion County Council that their preferred option was that Tregaron should retain the current electoral arrangements, but we were not satisfied that it was in the interests of effective and convenient local government that there should be such a variance from the existing county average for these adjoining divisions and we therefore considered the alternative scheme proposed by Ceredigion County Council, that the existing electoral division of Tregaron be combined with the Community of Llangeitho from the existing Llangeitho electoral division.

4.39 In our Draft Proposals Report we considered combining the Community of Llangeitho with the Community of Tregaron to form a new electoral division giving a total electorate of 1,671 (1,790 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 4% above the draft proposals county average of 1,608 electors per councillor and 5% below 1,750 electors per councillor. We gave the proposed electoral division the working name of Tregaron and Llangeitho.

Troedyraur and Capel Dewi

4.40 The existing electoral division consists of the Community of Troedyraur with 1,101 electors (1,132 projected) represented by 1 councillor and is 22% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor and 37% below 1,750 electors per councillor. The existing Capel Dewi electoral division consists of the Capel Dewi, Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul, represented by 1 councillor giving 1,136 electors per councillor (1,168 projected) and is 20% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor and 35% below 1,750 electors per councillor.

4.41 We noted the representation from Ceredigion County Council that their preferred option was that Troedyraur should retain the current electoral arrangements. They did however, propose an alternative scheme should we feel it was required. We were of the view that the existing level of representation 22% below the existing county average was not appropriate when compared to the existing county average. Consideration was given to the alternative proposal from Ceredigion

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County Council, combining all or part of Troedyraur electoral division with other areas in order to form an electoral division with levels of representation closer to the county average.

4.42 In our Draft Proposals Report it was proposed (4.24 to 4.26 above) that the Capel Dewi ward of the Community of Llandysul be combined with the Llandysul Town electoral division, leaving the Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul outside any electoral division. We proposed in our Draft Proposals Report including the remaining Pontshaen and Tregroes wards with the existing Troedyraur electoral division to form a new electoral division giving a total electorate of 1,817 (1,868 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 13% above the draft proposals county average of 1,608 electors per councillor and 4% above 1,750 electors per councillor. It is suggested that the proposed electoral division retain the name Troedyraur.

4.43 Our Draft Proposals recommended a reduction in the council size from 42 to 37 elected members. We considered that these arrangements provide for effective and convenient local government and met in principle the directions provided by the Welsh Assembly Government.

4.44 Copies of the Draft Proposals were sent to all the councils, bodies and individuals referred to in paragraph 3.9 seeking their views. A copy was also sent to anyone who had submitted preliminary comments. By public notice we also invited any other organisation or person with an interest in the review to submit their views. Copies of the Draft Proposals were made available for inspection at the offices of Ceredigion County Council and the Commission.

5. REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO THE DRAFT PROPOSALS

5.1 In response to our Draft Proposals Report we received representations from Ceredigion County Council, eleven Town and Community Councils and one from a Ceredigion resident. A summary of these representations can be found at Appendix 5.

6. ASSESSMENT

Request for a Community Boundary Change

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

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

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

6.4 Changes to the boundaries of communities and community wards are therefore a matter for the principal council to consider in the first instance and cannot be considered by us as part of this review. We have used the community and community wards as they existed at the start of this review as the building blocks for the proposed electoral divisions.

Council Size

6.5 At present the size of the council at 42 members is within the numerical limits indicated in the Minister’s direction. The current member to electorate ratio for the council is 1:1,417 which is 19% below 1,750 electors per councillor (see Councillor to electorate ratio below). There are currently 2 multi-member divisions out of a total of 40 electoral divisions.

6.6 We reviewed the electoral arrangements for the County of Ceredigion in the light of the Welsh Assembly Government’s directions for our guidance and took account of the representations which had been made to us. In our deliberations we considered the ratio of the number of local government electors to the number of councillors to be elected, with a view to ensuring that the number of local government electors shall be, as nearly as may be, the same in every electoral division in the principal area. We looked at the present multi-member divisions to consider if we should recommend the creation of single member divisions. We considered the size and character of the principal council area and a wide range of other factors including population density, the local topography, road communications and local ties.

6.7 For the reasons given below we believe that in the interests of effective and convenient local government a council size of 37 would be appropriate to represent the County of Ceredigion. The proposed council size results in an average of 1,608 electors being represented by each councillor. Of the proposed 34 electoral divisions, 31 (91%) are single-member and 3 (9%) are multi-member.

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Councillor to electorate ratio

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

Number of Electors

6.9 The numbers shown in Appendix 2 as the electorate for 2009 and the estimates for the electorate in the year 2014 are those provided by Ceredigion County Council.

Electoral Divisions

6.10 We have considered the boundaries of the existing electoral divisions of Aberporth, Aberystwyth Bronglais, Aberystwyth Canol/Central, Aberystwyth Gogledd/North, Aberystwyth Penparcau, Aberystwyth Rheidol, Beulah, Borth, Ceulanamaesmawr, Ciliau Aeron, Llanbadarn Fawr – Sulien, Llandyfriog, Llanrhystud, Llanwenog, Lledrod, Penbryn, Pen-parc, Tirymynach, Trefeurig, and Ystwyth and the ratio and number of local government electors to the number of councillors to be elected and we propose that the existing arrangements should continue. We considered changes to the remaining electoral divisions. Details of the current electoral arrangements for the area can be found at Appendix 2.

6.11 In the following section the proposals for each of the new electoral divisions are laid out in the same way. The first part of the initial paragraph for each new electoral division to be considered gives a historical context by listing all the existing electoral divisions or their component parts used to construct each proposed electoral division. These components - the communities and community wards - are described as a complete community together with its current and projected electorates if it was used as such. If only part of a community is used - ie a community ward - then the name of that community ward, its electorate figures, and

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the name of its community will be shown as such. Finally, in each new electoral division, the component parts of that proposal are listed in the same way - either as whole communities with current and projected electorates, or as a named community ward, its electorate figures and the name of its community - as before. This method of describing the make-up of electoral divisions is also used in the tables at Appendix 2 and 3. Following the Minister’s Directions throughout this review we have kept the ratio of 1:1,750 very much in mind, although we have placed emphasis on achieving improvements in electoral parity. This has resulted in 25 (74%) of the proposed electoral divisions having levels of representation below 1,750 electors per councillor.

Aberaeron and Llansantffraed

6.12 The existing electoral division of Aberaeron consists solely of the Community of Aberaeron with 1,171 electors (1,204 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 17% below the county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. The existing Llansantffraed electoral division consists of the Communities of Lansantffraed 1,020 electors (1,049 projected) and Dyffryn Arth, which is made up of the wards of Llanbadarn Trefeglwys 593 electors (610 projected) and Llanddewi Aberarth 367 electors (377 projected). The electoral division has a total of 1,980 electors (2,036 projected) and is represented by 1 councillor with a level of representation which is 40% above the county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals Report we proposed combining the Llanddewi Aberath ward of the Community of Dyffryn with the existing Aberaeron electoral division, to form an electoral division with 1,538 electors (1,581 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 4% below the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor.

6.13 We received no objections to this proposal and Ceredigion County Council wrote that they had resolved to accept our proposal.

6.14 We propose, in the interests of effective and convenient local government to combine the Llanddewi Aberath ward of the Community of Dyffryn with the existing Aberaeron electoral division, to form one electoral division with 1,538 electors (1,581 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 4% below the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of the electoral division shall be Aberaeron.

Cardigan

6.15 The Community of Cardigan is divided into 3 wards, each forming a separate electoral division represented by a single councillor. Aberteifi / Cardigan - Mwldan electoral division which consists of the Mwldan ward has 1,402 electors (1,542 projected), which is 1% below the county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. Aberteifi / Cardigan - Rhyd-y-Fuwch electoral division which consists of the Rhyd-y- Fuwch ward with 928 electors (1,021 projected), which is 34% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. Aberteifi / Cardigan - Teifi electoral division which consists of the Teifi ward with 827 electors (910 projected), which is 42% below the county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals Report we proposed combining the Mwldan, Rhyd-y-Fuwch and Teifi wards of the Community of Cardigan within a single electoral division with 3,157

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electors (3,473 projected) represented by 2 councillors with a level of representation of 1,579 electors per councillor (1,737 projected) which is 2% below the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor.

6.16 We received objections from Cardigan Town Council and a Cardigan resident. The objections were on the grounds of future proposed developments and social deprivation, with the three existing county councillors constantly inundated with demands and requests by the electorate. It was also felt that any change would result in a reduced service and representation. Ceredigion County Council wrote that they had resolved to accept our proposal. We noted the objections received and the representation from Ceredigion County Council. We are of the opinion that the large variation in the levels of representation between wards of the same community needs to be addressed as it was not in the interests of effective and convenient local government for such a degree of over-representation to exist when a solution is possible by combining adjacent wards of the same community and that any disadvantages are outweighed by the significant improvement in parity. The scheme which we propose results in the creation of a multi-member division represented by 2 councillors instead of 3 under the existing arrangements. Had we proposed that the new electoral division be represented by 3 councillors, as under the existing arrangements, this would have resulted in a level of representation of 1,052 electors per councillor, or 35% below the proposed county average of 1,608, which again would produce an excessive degree of over-representation. We therefore propose in the interests of effective and convenient local government to combine the Mwldan, Rhyd-y-Fuwch and Teifi wards of the Community of Cardigan to form one electoral division with 3,157 electors (3,473 projected) represented by 2 councillors with a level of representation of 1,579 electors per councillor (1,737 projected) which is 2% below the draft proposals county average of 1,608 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of the electoral division shall be Cardigan.

Ciliau Aeron and Llanfihangel Ystrad

6.17 The existing Ciliau Aeron electoral division consists of the Ciliau Aeron 409 electors (420 projected) and the Cilcennin 339 electors (348 projected) wards of the Community of Ciliau Aeron and the Community of 859 electors (945 projected) with a total 1,607 electors (1,713 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 13% above the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. The existing Llanfihangel Ystrad electoral division with 1,668 electors (1,715 projected) consists of the Community of Llanfihangel Ystrad with 1,151 electors (1,183 projected) and the Nantcwnlle with 314 electors (323 projected) and Trefilan with 203 electors (209 projected) wards of the Community of Nantcwnlle with a combined total of 1,668 electors (1,715 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 18% above the county average of 1,417. In our Draft Proposals Report we proposed combining the existing Ciliau Aeron electoral division with the Trefilan ward of the Community of Nantcwnlle to form an electoral division with 1,810 electors (1,922 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 13% above the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor.

6.18 We received an objection from Nantcwnlle Community Council that the proposed changes meant that there would be three county councillors who would have to

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attend other community council meetings in addition to those they currently attend. It was also noted that the three Nantcwnlle wards of Gartheli, Nantcwnlle and Trefilan would be divided between the three proposed electoral divisions of Ciliau Aeron, Llanfihangel Ystrad, Mydroilyn and Nantcwnlle and Llangybi and Llanddewi Brefi. We found this evidence cogent and in the circumstances concluded that the three Nantcwnlle wards should not be divided between three electoral divisions. We concluded that the present electoral division of Ciliau Aeron remain as it is with one councillor, with a level of representation of 1,607 electors (1,713 projected), which is less than 1% below the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor. We propose that the name for this division remain as Ciliau Aeron. The arrangement for the Trefilan ward of the Community of Nantcwnlle is resolved at paragraphs 6.22 to 6.25 below.

Lampeter and Llanwenog

6.19 The existing Lampeter electoral division consists solely of the Community of Lampeter and has a total of 1,993 electors (2,192 projected) represented by 2 councillors which gives a level of representation of 997 electors per councillor (1,096 projected) which is 30% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. The existing Llanwenog electoral division consists of the Community of Llanwenog 1,037 electors (1,066 projected) and the Community of Llanwnnen 396 electors (407 projected) and has a total of 1,433 electors (1,473 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 1% above the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals Report we proposed combining the Lampeter and Llanwenog electoral divisions (Ceredigion County Council proposal, Option Lampeter 3) forming an electoral division of 3,426 electors (3,665 projected) represented by 2 councillors with a level of representation of 1,713 electors per councillor (1,833 projected) which is 7% above the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor.

6.20 We received objections from Ceredigion County Council, Lampeter Town Council and Llanwenog Community Council. Ceredigion County Council wrote that their preferred proposal would be a single-member electoral division for Lampeter and the retention of the existing single-member Llanwenog electoral division. It was highlighted that the objection was based on local knowledge, history, traditional boundaries and that there was nothing in common between the urban electoral division of Lampeter and the rural electoral division of Llanwenog. It would be impractical and would not serve democracy well to expect a two-member electoral division to represent disparate communities with differing requirements and expectations in a manner that the electorate deserved. Lampeter Town Council felt that the proposal was not the correct way to proceed as Lampeter had a high proportion of students (many of whom were not registered to vote) when compared to the number of permanent residents who were not taken onto account. It was also felt that the proposed electoral division would be an artificial construction without a natural centre, lacking cohesion and be difficult to represent. Llanwenog Community Council wrote that the councillors of the community were united in their opinion that it would be unwise to merge the electoral divisions as the characteristics and needs of both areas were completely different, with one being rural and the other urban.

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6.21 We noted the objections to the draft proposals and took account of the evidence provided regarding the lack of community ties and the urban / rural mix between Lampeter and Llanwenog and the representation from Ceredigion County Council. We found this evidence cogent and in the circumstances we concluded that the present electoral division of Llanwenog remain as it is with one councillor, with a level of representation of 1,433 electors per councillor (1,473 projected) which is 11% below the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor. We propose that the name for this division remain as Llanwenog. We have noted the concern expressed by Lampeter Town Council regarding the number of students resident in the town and their level of registration. We have been informed by Ceredigion County Council that 523 students are currently included on the electoral register in the Lampeter area and have taken account of the electoral figures supplied by Ceredigion County Council in coming to our conclusion. We also noted that if Lampeter were to be represented by one councillor as suggested by Ceredigion County Council, it would have a level of representation of 1,993 electors per councillor (2,192 projected), which is 24% above the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor. We consider that this arrangement provides an improved level of variance from the county average when compared to the existing arrangements. We therefore consider that this proposal is acceptable in the interests of effective and convenient local government. We propose that the name of the electoral division remain as Lampeter.

Llanarth and Llanfihangel Ystrad

6.22 The existing electoral division of Llanarth consists of the Llanarth 953 electors (980 projected) and Mydroilyn 310 electors (319 projected) wards of the Community of Llanarth with a total of 1,263 electors (1,299 projected), represented by 1 councillor which is 11% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. The existing Llanfihangel Ystrad electoral division consists of the Community of Llanfihangel Ystrad with 1,151 electors (1,183 projected) and the Nantcwnlle with 314 electors (323 projected) and Trefilan with 203 electors (209 projected) wards of the Community of Nantcwnlle with a combined total of 1,668 electors (1,715 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 18% above the existing county average of 1,417. In our Draft Proposals Report we proposed combining the Mydroilyn ward of the Community of Llanarth with the Community of Llanfihangel Ystrad and the Nantcwnlle ward of the Community of Nantcwnlle to form an electoral division of 1,775 electors (1,825 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 10% above the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor.

6.23 We received a conditional objection from Llanarth Community Council and an objection from Nantcwnlle Community Council. We received a representation from Ceredigion County Council they had resolved to accept the draft proposals for this area. The conditional objection from Llanarth Community Council was based on how the draft proposals would affect representation at a community level. The objection from Nantcwnlle Community Council was that the proposed changes meant that there would be three county councillors who would have to attend other community council meetings in addition to those they currently attended. It was also noted that the three Nantcwnlle wards of Gartheli, Nantcwnlle and Trefilan would be divided between three proposed electoral divisions.

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6.24 We noted the objections and the concern raised by Llanarth Community Council and we considered that any proposal would not have an impact on representation at a community level as no changes were being proposed to community or community ward boundaries. The objection raised by Nantcwnlle Community Council is examined at paragraph 6.18 above and a change to the draft proposals for the Ciliau Aeron electoral division proposed.

6.25 We propose to combine the Mydroilyn ward of the Community of Llanarth with the Community of Llanfihangel Ystrad and the Nantcwnlle and Trefilan wards of the Community of Nantcwnlle to form one electoral division with 1,978 electors (2,034 projected) represented by 1 councillor, which is 23% above the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of the electoral division shall be Llanfihangel Ystrad, Mydroilyn and Nantcwnlle. This proposed arrangement results in the Llanarth ward of the Community of Llanarth being left outside any electoral division, which is resolved at paragraphs 6.32 to 6.34 below.

Llanbadarn Fawr – Padarn and Faenor

6.26 The existing Llanbadarn Fawr, Padarn electoral division consists solely of the Padarn ward of the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr and has a total of 792 electors (871 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 44% below the existing county average of 1,417. The existing Faenor electoral division consists of the Faenor 493 electors (507 projected) and Waunfawr 1,873 electors (2,060 projected) wards of the Community of Faenor and has a total of 2,366 electors (2,567 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 67% above the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals Report we proposed combining the Faenor electoral division with the Llanbadarn Fawr Padarn electoral division to form an electoral division with 3,158 electors (3,438 projected) represented by 2 councillors with a level of representation of 1,579 electors per councillor (1,719 projected) which is 2% below the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor.

6.27 We received a representation from Ceredigion County Council they had resolved to accept the draft proposals for this area. We received no representations in opposition to this proposal.

6.28 We propose in the interests of effective and convenient local government that the electoral division remains as set out in the Draft Proposals Report with 3,158 electors (3,438 projected) represented by 2 councillors with a level of representation of 1,579 electors per councillor (1,719 projected) which is 2% below the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of the electoral division shall be Faenor and Padarn.

Llanfarian and Melindwr

6.29 The existing Llanfarian electoral division consists of the Llanbadarn y Creuddyn 790 electors (812 projected) and Llanychaiarn 400 electors (411 projected) wards of the Community of Llanfarian and has a total of 1,190 electors (1,223 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 16% below the county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. The existing electoral division of Melindwr consists of the

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wards of Goginan 284 electors (292 projected), Llanbadarn y Creuddyn Uchaf 179 electors (285 projected) and Penllwyn 418 electors (430 projected) of the Community of Melindwr, the Community of Blaenrheidol 362 electors (372 projected) and the Community of Pontarfynach 395 electors (406 projected). The Melindwr electoral division has a total of 1,638 electors (1,684 projected), represented by 1 councillor with a level of representation which is 16% above the county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals Report we proposed combining the existing Llanfarian electoral division with the Llanbadarn y Creuddyn Uchaf ward of the Community of Melindwr to form an electoral division with 1,369 electors (1,407 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 15% below the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor.

6.30 We received a representation from Ceredigion County Council they had resolved to accept the draft proposals for this area. We received no representations in opposition to this proposal.

6.31 We propose in the interests of effective and convenient local government that the electoral division remains as set out in the Draft Proposals Report with 1,369 electors (1,407 projected) represented by 1 councillor, which is 15% below the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of the electoral division shall be Llanfarian.

Llandysiliogogo and Llanarth

6.32 The existing Llandysiliogogo electoral division consists of the Communities of Llandysiliogogo 923 electors (949 projected) and Llanllwchaiarn 654 electors (672 projected) with a total of 1,577 electors (1,621 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 11% above the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. The existing Llanarth electoral division consists of the Community of Llanarth made up of the Llanarth 953 electors (980 projected) and Mydroilyn 310 electors (319 projected) wards, giving a total of 1,263 electors (1,299 projected) represented by 1 councillor and is 11% below the council average of 1,417 electors per councillor. It has been proposed at 6.22 to 6.25 above that the Mydroilyn ward of the Community of Llanarth be combined with 3 wards from the existing Llanfihangel Ystrad electoral division to form the Llanfihangel Ystrad, Mydroilyn and Nantcwnlle electoral division. This leaves the Llanarth ward of the Community of Llanarth outside any electoral division. It is proposed at 6.47 to 6.49 below that the Community of Llanllwchaiarn be combined within the proposed New Quay electoral division, which leaves the Community of Llandysiliogogo outside any electoral division. In our Draft Proposals Report we proposed combining the Community of Llandysiliogogo with the Llanarth ward of the Community of Llanarth to form an electoral division with 1,876 electors (1,929 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 17% above the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor.

6.33 We received objections from Llanarth Community Council, Llandysiliogogo Community Council and Llanllwchaiarn Community Council. We received a representation from Ceredigion County Council that they had resolved to accept the draft proposals for this area. The conditional objection from Llanarth Community Council was based on how the draft proposals would affect representation at a

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community level, which we have answered at paragraph 6.24 above. The objection by Llandysiliogogo Community Council was that the Communities of Llanllwchaiarn and Llandysiliogogo mixed together naturally and that New Quay was a town and totally different in nature to the Llandysiliogogo electoral division which was rural. The Llanllwchaiarn Community Council objection was based on a number of points. It was believed that disregarding social patterns based on some meaningless mathematical principle was completely misguided and went against local democracy. It was noted that the Communities of Llanllwchaiarn and Llandysiliogogo were strong social entities that had existed through the ages. Geographically the communities lie on either side of the Soden River and there existed a social, linguistic and cultural unity between the two communities. It was also suggested that the proposals went against the areas key development and spirit.

6.34 We noted the objections and felt that the representation by Llandysiliogogo Community Council was not particularly cogent. Regarding the representation by Llanllwchaiarn Community Council, it is of course correct that we are obliged to have regard to a number of factors when considering its proposals, such as the maintenance of local ties, but it is not correct to describe our declared aim for greater electoral parity as the pursuit of a meaningless mathematical principle. That principle is imposed upon us by statute and has a direct and practical effect upon the democratic rights of the electorate: the aim of the principle is to ensure that the vote of an elector in one electoral division shall carry, as far as possible, the same weight as the vote of an elector in another division within the principal area. The theoretical aim and the practical effect of the principle is to enhance local democracy, not to detract from it. The Town of New Quay is small, relying mostly on tourism with the Office for National Statistics classifying New Quay as, Town and Fringe – Sparse. There is also no reason to believe that the two individual communities would not still be able to mix and work together towards mutually shared goals. This objection was also raised by Llanllwchaiarn Community Council together with the historical links between the two individual communities. However, research has shown that the area now called New Quay was historically within the parish of Llanllwchaiarn, showing that there are historical links between the two areas. The object of the draft proposals was to address the over-representation of the New Quay electoral division, where 974 electors are represented by 1 councillor, 31% below the existing county average. New Quay is totally surrounded on the landward side by the Community of Llanllwchaiarn, therefore any proposal to resolve this over-representation must include the Community of Llanllwchaiarn. We therefore propose, in the interests of convenient and local government that the electoral division remains as set out in the Draft Proposals Report with 1,876 electors (1,929 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 17% above the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of the electoral division shall be Llandysiliogogo and Llanarth. The proposal for Llandysiliogogo and Llanarth also takes into account the consequential effect of the proposal for the New Quay area at 6.47 to 6.49 below, which left the Community of Llandysiliogogo outside any electoral division.

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Llandysul Town and Capel Dewi

6.35 The existing Llandysul Town electoral division consists of the Trefol ward of the Community of Llandysul with 1,149 electors (1,264 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 19% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. The existing Capel Dewi electoral division consists of the Capel Dewi 420 electors (432 projected), Pontshaen 380 electors (391 projected) and Tregroes 336 electors (345 projected) wards of the Community of Llandysul, represented by 1 councillor giving 1,136 electors per councillor (1,168 projected) which is 20% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals Report we proposed combining the Capel Dewi ward of the Community of Llandysul with the existing Llandysul Town electoral division to form an electoral division with 1,569 electors (1,696 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 2% below the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor.

6.36 We received objections from Llandysul Community Council, who wished for the existing Capel Dewi and Llandysul Town electoral divisions to remain unchanged, noting that the Pontshaen and Tregroes wards were close to the town of Llandysul that served the area. We received a representation from Ceredigion County Council that they had resolved to accept the draft proposals for this area. The objection by Llandysul Community Council was not backed by any convincing arguments. The community is currently divided between the Llandysul Town electoral division (Trefol ward of the Community of Llandysul) and Capel Dewi electoral division (Capel Dewi, Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul). The Llandysul Town electoral division is currently over-represented being 19% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor with the Capel Dewi electoral division also over-represented being 20% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor.

6.37 We noted the opposition to the proposal and we considered that it was not supported by a persuasive argument. We therefore propose, in the interests of effective and convenient and local government that the electoral division remains as set out in the Draft Proposals Report with 1,569 electors (1,696 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 2% below the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of the electoral division shall be Llandysul. This results in the Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul being left outside any electoral division. This situation is resolved for the Pontshaen and Tregroes wards at 6.54 to 6.57 below.

Llangybi and Llanddewi Brefi

6.38 The existing Llangybi electoral division consists of the Cellan 301 electors (309 projected) and 207 electors (213 projected) wards of the Community of Llanfair Clydogau, the Llangybi 357 electors (367 projected) and Silian 179 electors (184 projected) wards of the Community of Llangybi and the Gartheli 148 electors (152 projected) ward of the Community of Nantcwnlle and has 1,192 electors (1,225 projected) represented by 1 councillor, which is 16% below the existing county average of 1,417. The existing Llangeitho electoral division consists of the community of Llangeitho, which is made up of the community wards of Gwynfil, Llanbadarn Odwyn and Penuwch and the community of Llanddewi Brefi

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with a total of 1,200 electors (1,234 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 15% below the existing county average of 1,417. In our Draft Proposals Report we proposed combining the Community of Llanddewi Brefi with the current Llangybi electoral division, to form an electoral division with 1,716 electors (1,764 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 7% above the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor.

6.39 We received an objection from Nantcwnlle Community Council and Llangeitho Community Council. The Nantcwnlle Community Council’s objection was that the proposed changes meant that there would be three county councillors who would have to attend other community council meetings in addition to those they currently attended. It was also noted that the three Nantcwnlle wards of Gartheli, Nantcwnlle and Trefilan would be divided between three proposed electoral divisions. The objection raised by Nantcwnlle Community Council is examined at paragraph 6.18 above and a change to the draft proposals for the Ciliau Aeron electoral division proposed. The objection from Llangeitho Community Council was that they were perfectly satisfied with the existing arrangements and that the local councillor lived in the area and understood how a rural area operated day to day. We examine the objection raised by Llangeitho Community Council in greater detail at paragraph 6.50 to 6.53 below as we felt it more directly involves the proposal regarding Tregaron and Llangeitho. We also received a representation from Ceredigion County Council that they had resolved to accept the draft proposals for this area.

6.40 We propose, in the interests of effective and convenient local government that the scheme proposed in our Draft Proposals Report, that the Community of Llanddewi Brefi be combined with the existing Llangybi electoral division, should be maintained, with 1,716 electors (1,764 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 7% above the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of the electoral division shall be Llangybi and Llanddewi Brefi.

Llansantffraed

6.41 The existing Llansantffraed electoral division with 1,980 electors (2,036 projected) consists of the Community of Llansantffraed 1,020 electors (1,049 projected) and the wards of Llanbadarn Trefeglwys 593 electors (610 projected) and Llanddewi Aberarth 367 electors (377 projected) which form the Community of Dyffryn Arth. The electoral division is represented by 1 councillor and is 40% above the county average of 1,417. In our Draft Proposals Report we proposed retaining the Community of Llansantffraed with the Llanbadarn Trefeglwys ward of the Community of Dyffryn Arth to form an electoral division of 1,613 electors (1,659 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is almost equal to (less than 0.5% above) the proposed county average of 1,608 electors.

6.42 No representations objecting to the proposals were received. A representation was received from Ceredigion County Council that they had resolved to accept the draft proposals for this area.

6.43 We noted the representation and considered that as there were no objections and that the proposal did improve the electoral parity for that area, we propose in the

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interests of effective and convenient local government that the draft proposal is taken forward. We propose to retain the Community of Llansantffraed with the Llanbadarn Trefeglwys ward of the Community of Dyffryn Arth to form an electoral division with 1,613 electors (1,659 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is almost equal to (less than 0.5% above) the proposed county average of 1,608 electors. We propose that the name of the electoral division shall be Llansantffraed. This leaves the Llanddewi Aberarth ward of the Community of Dyffryn Arth outside an electoral division. Details of the proposal for the Llanddewi Aberarth ward can be seen at 6.12 to 6.14 above.

Melindwr

6.44 The existing Melindwr electoral division consists of the Goginan 284 electors (292 projected), Llanbadarn y Creuddyn Uchaf 179 electors (285 projected) and Penllwyn 418 electors (430 projected) wards of the Community of Melindwr, the Community of Blaenrheidol 362 electors (372 projected) and the Community of Pontarfynach 395 electors (406 projected), represented by 1 councillor. The result is a level of representation of 1,638 electors per councillor (1,684 projected) which is 16% above the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals Report we proposed combining the Melindwr wards of Goginan and Penllwyn with the Communities of Blaenrheidol and Pontarfynach to form an electoral division with 1,459 electors (1,500 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 9% below the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor.

6.45 No representations objecting to the proposals were received. A representation was received from Ceredigion County Council that they had resolved to accept the draft proposals for this area.

6.46 We noted the representation and considered that there were no objections and that the proposal did improve the electoral parity for that area. We therefore propose in the interests of effective and convenient local government that the draft proposal is taken forward. It has been previously proposed at 6.29 to 6.31 above that the Llanbadarn y Creuddyn Uchaf ward of the Community of Melindwr be combined within the Llanfarian electoral division. We propose to combine the Melindwr wards of Goginan and Penllwyn with the Communities of Blaenrheidol and Pontarfynach to form an electoral division with 1,459 electors (1,500 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 9% below the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of the electoral division shall be Melindwr.

New Quay and Llandysiliogogo

6.47 The existing New Quay electoral division with 974 electors (1,001 projected) consists solely of the Community of New Quay. The electoral division is represented by 1 councillor and is 31% below the county average of 1,417. The existing Llandysiliogogo electoral division consists of the Communities of Llandysiliogogo 923 electors and Llanllwchaiarn 654 electors with a combined total of 1,577 electors (1,621 projected). The electoral division is represented by 1 councillor and is 11% above the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals Report we proposed combining the Community of Llanllwchaiarn with the Community of New Quay to form an electoral division of

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1,628 electors (1,673 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 1% above the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor.

6.48 We received objections from Llanarth Community Council, Llandysiliogogo Community Council and Llanllwchaiarn Community Council. We received a representation from Ceredigion County Council they had resolved to accept the draft proposals for this area. The conditional objection from Llanarth Community Council was based on how the draft proposals would affect representation at a community level, which we have answered at paragraph 6.24 above. The objection by Llandysiliogogo Community Council was that the Communities of Llanllwchaiarn and Llandysiliogogo mixed together naturally and that New Quay was a town and totally different in nature to the Llandysiliogogo electoral division which was rural. The Llanllwchaiarn Community Council objection was based on a number of points: Firstly, the entire Draft Proposals Report was based on mathematics to satisfy the concept of a county average. It was noted that the Communities of Llanllwchaiarn and Llandysiliogogo were strong social entities that had existed through the ages. Geographically the communities lie on either side of the Soden River and there existed a social, linguistic and cultural unity between the two communities. It was also suggested that the proposals went against the areas key development and spirit. We have answered this criticism, which we regard as misconceived, at paragraph 6.34 above.

6.49 As stated at 6.34, we noted the objections and felt that the representation by Llandysiliogogo Community Council was not particularly cogent. The Town of New Quay is small, relying mostly on tourism with the Office for National Statistics classifying New Quay as, Town and Fringe – Sparse. There is also no reason to believe that the two individual communities would not still be able to mix and work together towards mutually shared goals. This objection was also raised by Llanllwchaiarn Community Council together with the historical links between the two individual communities. However, research has shown that the area now called New Quay was historically within the parish of Llanllwchaiarn, showing that there are historical links between the two areas. The object of the draft proposals was to address the over-representation of the New Quay electoral division, being 31% below the existing county average. New Quay is totally surrounded on the landward side by the Community of Llanllwchaiarn, therefore any proposal to resolve this over-representation must involve the Community of Llanllwchaiarn. As a result of the significant over-representation of New Quay being 31% below the existing county average and being totally surrounded on the landward side by the Community of Llanllwchaiarn, we have come to the conclusion that it is necessary to make changes to the existing arrangements for New Quay which will involve Llanllwchaiarn. For these reasons we remain satisfied that our draft proposal offers the best option, namely the Community of Llanllwchaiarn be combined with the Community of New Quay to form an electoral division with 1,628 electors (1,673 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 1% above the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of the electoral division shall be New Quay. Details of the proposal for the Community of Llandysiliogogo, combining the Community of Llandysiliogogo with the Llanarth ward of the Community of Llanarth is shown at paragraph 6.34 above.

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Tregaron and Llangeitho

6.50 The existing Tregaron electoral division consists of the Community of Tregaron with a total of 995 electors (1,095 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 30% below the existing county average of 1,417. The existing Llangeitho electoral division consists of the Community of Llangeitho 676 electors (695 projected) and the Community of Llanddewi Brefi 524 electors (539 projected) giving a total of 1,200 electors (1,234 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 15% below the existing county average of 1,417. In our Draft Proposals Report we proposed combining the Community of Llangeitho with the Community of Tregaron to form an electoral division of 1,671 electors (1,790 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 4% above the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor.

6.51 We received one objection and two representations in favour of our proposals, one from Ceredigion County Council which had resolved to accept the draft proposals for this area and the other from Tregaron Town Council which also accepted the draft proposals. The objection from Llangeitho Community Council was that they were perfectly satisfied with the existing arrangements and that the local councillor lived in the area and understood how a rural area operated day to day. It was also felt that there would be a difference of opinion on a number of points between Tregaron Town Council and Llangeitho Community Council as the townspeople would have different views from those who lived out in the country.

6.52 We noted the objection from Llangeitho Community Council but felt that they did not put forward a cogent argument against the proposal. While on the surface, the number of electorate for the Community of Llangeitho (676) compared to the Community of Tregaron (995) electors is 32% less, the size of the Community of Llangeitho is also less, being 38.3 km2 compared to the Community of Tregaron which is 86.4 km2. The area covered by the Community of Tregaron is also completely rural apart from the town and is classified by the Office for National Statistics as being, Village, Hamlet and Isolated Dwellings – Sparse, as is the Community of Llangeitho. It is therefore likely that the Tregaron Town Council is aware and sympathetic to the needs of those living in a rural environment, as would any potential councillor.

6.53 We were not satisfied that there should be such a variance from the existing county average for these adjoining divisions. We therefore propose, in the interests of effective and convenient local government, that the electoral division remains as set out in the Draft Proposals Report with 1,671 electors (1,790 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 4% above the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of the electoral division shall be Tregaron and Llangeitho. A detail of the proposal for the Community of Llanddewi Brefi to be combined with the existing Llangybi electoral division is shown at paragraph 6.40 above.

Troedyraur and Capel Dewi

6.54 The existing Troedyraur electoral division consists of the Community of Troedyraur with 1,101 electors (1,132 projected) represented by 1 councillor and is 22% below the existing county average 1,417 electors per councillor. The existing Capel Dewi

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electoral division consists of the Capel Dewi, Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul, represented by 1 councillor giving 1,136 electors per councillor (1,168 projected) and is 20% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. In our Draft Proposals Report we proposed combining the Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul with the existing Troedyraur electoral division to form an electoral division with of 1,817 electors (1,868 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 13% above the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor.

6.55 We received one representation in favour of our proposal from Ceredigion County Council and one objection from Llandysul Community Council. Ceredigion County Council resolved to accept the draft proposal for this area while Llandysul Community Council wrote that they wished for the existing Capel Dewi and Llandysul Town electoral divisions to remain unchanged, noting that the Pontshaen and Tregroes wards were close to the town of Llandysul that served the area.

6.56 As stated at 6.36, we considered the objection by Llandysul Community Council but felt it was not backed by any convincing arguments. The community is currently divided between the Llandysul Town electoral division (Trefol ward of the Community of Llandysul) and Capel Dewi electoral division (Capel Dewi, Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul). The Llandysul Town electoral division is currently over-represented being 19% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor with the Capel Dewi electoral division also over-represented being 20% below the existing county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. It has already been proposed at 6.35 to 6.37 above that the Capel Dewi ward of the Community of Llandysul be combined with the Llandysul Town electoral division, leaving the Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul outside any electoral division. By including the remaining Pontshaen and Tregroes wards with the existing Troedyraur electoral division, this anomaly is resolved, while improving the electoral parity for the area.

6.57 We noted the opposition to the proposal and we considered that it was not a particularly convincing objection. We therefore propose, in the interests of convenient and local government that the electoral division remains as set out in the Draft Proposals Report combining the Pontshaen and Tregroes wards with the existing Troedyraur electoral division to form a new electoral division with 1,817 electors (1,868 projected) represented by 1 councillor which is 13% above the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor. We propose that the name of the electoral division shall be Troedyraur.

Summary of Proposed Arrangements

6.58 The proposed electoral arrangements (as shown at Appendix 3) provide a level of representation that ranges from 29% below to 24% above the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor (based on the existing electoral figures). One (3%) of the electoral divisions has a level of representation between 25% and 50% above or below the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor, 15 (44%) of the electoral divisions have a level of representation between 10% and 25% above or below the proposed county average of 1,608 electors per councillor and the remaining 18 (53%) all less than 10% above or below the proposed county

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average of 1,608 electors per councillor. This compares with the existing electoral arrangements (as shown at Appendix 2) where the level of representation ranges from 44% below to 67% above the current county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. One (3%) electoral division having a level of representation more than 50% above the current county average of 1,417 electors per councillor, 12 (30%) electoral divisions having levels of representation between 25% and 50% above or below the current county average of 1,417 electors per councillor, 19 (47%) electoral divisions having levels of representation between 10% and 25% above or below the current county average of 1,417 electors per councillor and the remaining 8 (20%) electoral divisions having levels of representation less than 10% above or below the current county average of 1,417 electors per councillor. The proposed electoral arrangements result in 9 (26%) of the electoral divisions having levels of representation above 1,750 electors per councillor and 25 (74%) of the electoral divisions having levels of representation below 1,750 electors per councillor. This compares with the existing electoral arrangements where 7 (17%) of the electoral divisions have levels of representation above 1,750 electors per councillor and 33 (83%) of the electoral divisions have levels of representation below 1,750 electors per councillor.

6.59 In producing a scheme of electoral arrangements it is necessary to have regard to a number of issues contained in the legislation and in the Minister’s Directions. It is often not possible to resolve all of these sometimes conflicting issues because of the requirement of using the existing communities and community wards as building blocks of electoral divisions and the varying level of representation that currently exists within these areas. In our proposed scheme we have placed emphasis on achieving improvements in electoral parity, moving towards 1,750 electors per councillor and retaining, where possible, single member electoral divisions. We recognise that the creation of electoral divisions which depart from the pattern which now exists would inevitably bring some disruption to existing ties between communities and may straddle community council areas in a way which is unfamiliar. We have made every effort to ensure that the revised electoral divisions do reflect logical combinations of existing communities and community wards. We have looked at each of these areas and are satisfied that it would be difficult to achieve electoral arrangements that keep the existing combination of communities and community wards within single electoral divisions without having a detrimental effect on one or more of the other issues that are required to be considered.

7. PROPOSALS

7.1 We propose a council of 37 members and 34 electoral divisions as set out in Appendix 3. For purposes of comparison the present electoral arrangements for the County are given at Appendix 2. The boundaries of the proposed electoral divisions are shown by continuous yellow lines on the map placed on deposit with this Report at the Offices of Ceredigion County Council and the Office of the Commission in Cardiff.

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8. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

8.1 We wish to express our gratitude to the principal council and all the community councils for their assistance during the course of the review and to all bodies and persons who made representations to us.

9. RESPONSES TO THIS REPORT

9.1 Having completed our review of the County of Ceredigion and submitted our recommendations to the Welsh Assembly Government on the future electoral arrangements for the principal authority, we have fulfilled our statutory obligation under the directions issued by the Welsh Assembly Government.

9.2 It now falls to the Welsh Assembly Government, if it thinks fit, to give effect to these proposals either as submitted or with modifications, and if the Welsh Assembly Government decides to give effect to these proposals with modifications, it may direct us to conduct a further review.

9.3 Any further representations concerning the matters in the report should be addressed to the Welsh Assembly Government. They should be made as soon as possible, and in any event not later than six weeks from the date that our recommendations are submitted to the Welsh Assembly Government. Representations should be addressed to:

Democracy Team Local Government Policy Division Welsh Assembly Government Cathays Park Cardiff CF10 3NQ

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MR P J WOOD (Chairman)

REV. HYWEL MEREDYDD DAVIES BD (Deputy Chairman)

Mr D J BADER (Member)

E H LEWIS BSc. DPM FRSA Chartered FCIPD (Secretary)

May 2011

- 33 - Appendix 1 GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN THIS REPORT

Because communities and, where they exist, community Building Blocks wards, are required to lie in one electoral division, they are used as building blocks for electoral divisions

Commission The Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales

Council size The number of councillors elected to the council

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-1- Appendix 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 1994 Act The Local Government (Wales) Act 1994

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

-2- CEREDIGION COUNTY COUNCIL Appendix 2 EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP Page 1

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

1 Aberaeron The Community of Aberaeron 1 1,171 1,171 -17% 1,204 1,204 -19%

2 Aberporth The Community of Aberporth 1 1,944 1,944 37% 1,998 1,998 34%

3 Aberystwyth Bronglais The Bronglais ward of the Community of Aberystwyth 1 1,725 1,725 22% 1,898 1,898 27%

4 Aberystwyth Canol / Central The Canol/Central ward of the Community of Aberystwyth 1 1,495 1,495 6% 1,645 1,645 10%

5 Aberystwyth Gogledd/North The Gogledd/North ward of the Community of Aberystwyth 1 1,632 1,632 15% 1,795 1,795 20%

6 Aberystwyth Penparcau The Penparcau ward of the Community of Aberystwyth 2 2,277 1,139 -20% 2,505 1,253 -16%

7 Aberystwyth Rheidol The Rheidol ward of the Community of Aberystwyth 1 1,663 1,663 17% 1,829 1,829 23%

8 Beulah The Community of Beulah 1 1,393 1,393 -2% 1,432 1,432 -4%

9 Borth The Communities of Borth and Geneu'r Glyn 1 1,687 1,687 19% 1,734 1,734 16%

10 Capel Dewi The Capel Dewi, Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul 1 1,136 1,136 -20% 1,168 1,168 -22%

11 Cardigan - Mwldan The Mwldan ward of the Community of Cardigan 1 1,402 1,402 -1% 1,542 1,542 3%

12 Cardigan - Rhyd-y-Fuwch The Rhyd y Fuwch ward of the Community of Cardigan 1 928 928 -34% 1,021 1,021 -32%

13 Cardigan - Teifi The Teifi ward of the Community of Community of Cardigan 1 827 827 -42% 910 910 -39%

14 Ceulanamaesmawr The Communities of Ceulanamaesmawr, and Ysgubor-y-coed 1 1,539 1,539 9% 1,582 1,582 6%

15 Ciliau Aeron The Communities of Ciliau Aeron and Henfynyw 1 1,607 1,607 13% 1,713 1,713 15%

16 Faenor The Community of Faenor 1 2,366 2,366 67% 2,567 2,567 72%

17 Lampeter The Community of Lampeter 2 1,993 997 -30% 2,192 1,096 -27%

18 Llanarth The Community of Llanarth 1 1,263 1,263 -11% 1,299 1,299 -13%

19 Llanbadarn Fawr - Padarn The Padarn ward of the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr 1 792 792 -44% 871 871 -42%

20 Llanbadarn Fawr - Sulien The Sulien ward of the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr 1 1,823 1,823 29% 2,005 2,005 34%

21 Llandyfriog The Community of Llandyfriog 1 1,433 1,433 1% 1,473 1,473 -1%

22 Llandysiliogogo The Communities of Landysiliogogo and Llanllwchaiarn 1 1,577 1,577 11% 1,621 1,621 9% Appendix 2 2 Appendix 23 Llandysul Town The Trefol ward of the Community of Llandysul 1 1,149 1,149 -19% 1,264 1,264 -15% Page 1 1 Page 24 Llanfarian The Community of Llanfarian 1 1,190 1,190 -16% 1,223 1,223 -18%

The Community of Llanfihangel Ystrad and the Nantcwnlle and Trefilan wards of the Community of 25 Llanfihangel Ystrad 1 1,668 1,668 18% 1,715 1,715 15% Nantcwnlle CEREDIGION COUNTY COUNCIL Appendix 2 EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP Page 2

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

26 Llangeitho The Communities of Llanddewi Brefi and Llangeitho 1 1,200 1,200 -15% 1,234 1,234 -17%

27 Llangybi The Communities of Llanfair Clydogau and Llangybi and the Gartheli ward of the Community of Nantcwnlle 1 1,192 1,192 -16% 1,225 1,225 -18%

28 Llanrhystud The Communities of and Llanrhystyd 1 1,249 1,249 -12% 1,283 1,283 -14%

29 Llansantffraed The Communities of Dyffryn Arth and Llansantffraid 1 1,980 1,980 40% 2,036 2,036 36%

30 Llanwenog The Communities of Llanwenog and Llanwnnen 1 1,433 1,433 1% 1,473 1,473 -1%

31 Lledrod The Communities of Lledrod, , and 1 1,800 1,800 27% 1,850 1,850 24%

32 Melindwr The Communities of Blaenrheidol, Melindwr and Pontarfynach 1 1,638 1,638 16% 1,684 1,684 13%

33 New Quay The Community of New Quay 1 974 974 -31% 1,001 1,001 -33%

34 Penbryn The Communities of and Penbryn 1 1,808 1,808 28% 1,858 1,858 24%

35 Pen-parc The Communities of and 1 1,987 1,987 40% 2,043 2,043 37%

36 Tirymynach The Community of Tirymynach 1 1,469 1,469 4% 1,510 1,510 1%

37 Trefeurig The Community of Trefeurig 1 1,416 1,416 0% 1,456 1,456 -2%

38 Tregaron The Community of Tregaron 1 995 995 -30% 1,095 1,095 -27%

39 Troedyraur The Community of Troedyraur 1 1,101 1,101 -22% 1,132 1,132 -24%

40 Ystwyth The Communities of and 1 1,572 1,572 11% 1,616 1,616 8%

TOTALS 42 59,494 1,417 62,702 1,493

Ratio is the number of electors per councillor. Electoral figures provided by Ceredigion County Council

2009 2014 Greater than ± 50% of County average 1 3% 1 3% Between ± 25% and ± 50% of County average 12 30% 12 30% Between ± 10% and ± 25% of County average 19 47% 18 45%

Between 0% and ± 10% of County average 8 20% 9 22% 2 Appendix Page 2 2 Page CEREDIGION COUNTY COUNCIL Appendix 3 PROPOSED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP Page 1

% Variance % Variance No. OF ELECTORATE ELECTORATE No. NAME DESCRIPTION RATIO 2009 from County RATIO 2014 from County COUNCILLORS 2009 2014 average average The Community of Aberaeron 1,171 (1,204) and the Llanddewi Aberarth 367 (377) ward of the 1 Aberaeron 1 1,538 1,538 -4% 1,581 1,581 -7% Community of Dyffryn Arth 2 Aberporth The Community of Aberporth 1 1,944 1,944 21% 1,998 1,998 18% 3 Aberystwyth Bronglais The Bronglais ward of the Community of Aberystwyth 1 1,725 1,725 7% 1,898 1,898 12% 4 Aberystwyth Canol / Central The Canol/Central ward of the Community of Aberystwyth 1 1,495 1,495 -7% 1,645 1,645 -3% 5 Aberystwyth Gogledd/North The Gogledd/North ward of the Community of Aberystwyth 1 1,632 1,632 1% 1,795 1,795 6% 6 Aberystwyth Penparcau The Penparcau ward of the Community of Aberystwyth 2 2,277 1,139 -29% 2,505 1,253 -26% 7 Aberystwyth Rheidol The Rheidol ward of the Community of Aberystwyth 1 1,663 1,663 3% 1,829 1,829 8% 8 Beulah The Community of Beulah 1 1,393 1,393 -13% 1,432 1,432 -15% 9 Borth The Communities of Borth 1,144 (1,176) and Geneu'r Glyn 543 (558) 1 1,687 1,687 5% 1,734 1,734 2% 10 Cardigan The Community of Cardigan 2 3,157 1,579 -2% 3,473 1,737 2% The Communities of Ceulanamaesmawr 798 (820), Llangynfelyn 487 (501) and Ysgubor-y-coed 254 11 Ceulanamaesmawr 1 1,539 1,539 -4% 1,582 1,582 -7% (261) 12 Ciliau Aeron The Communities of Ciliau Aeron 748 (768) and Henfynyw 859 (945) 1 1,607 1,607 0% 1,713 1,713 1% The Community of Faenor 2,366 (2,567) and the Padarn 792 (871) ward of the Community of 13 Faenor and Padarn 2 3,158 1,579 -2% 3,438 1,719 1% Llanbadarn Fawr 14 Lampeter The Community of Lampeter 1 1,993 1,993 24% 2,192 2,192 29% 15 Llanbadarn Fawr - Sulien The Sulien ward of the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr 1 1,823 1,823 13% 2,005 2,005 18% 16 Llandyfriog The Community of Llandyfriog 1 1,433 1,433 -11% 1,473 1,473 -13% The Community of Llandysiliogogo 923 (949) and Llanarth 953 (980) ward of the Community of 17 Llandysiliogogo and Llanarth 1 1,876 1,876 17% 1,929 1,929 14% Llanarth 18 Llandysul The Capel Dewi 420 (432) and Trefol 1,149 (1,264) wards of the Community of Llandysul 1 1,569 1,569 -2% 1,696 1,696 0% The Community of Llanfarian 1,190 (1,223) and Llanbadarn y Creuddyn Uchaf 179 (184) ward of the 19 Llanfarian 1 1,369 1,369 -15% 1,407 1,407 -17% Community of Melindwr

Llanfihangel Ystrad, Mydroilyn and The Community of Llanfihangel Ystrad 1,151 (1,183), the Mydroilyn 310 (319) ward of the Community 20 1 1,978 1,978 23% 2,034 2,034 20% Nantcwnlle of Llanarth and the Nantcwnlle 314 (323) and Trefilan 203 (209) wards of the Community of Nantcwnlle

The Communities of Llangybi 536 (551), Llanfair Clydogau 508 (522) and Llanddewi Brefi 524 (539) 21 Llangybi and Llanddewi Brefi 1 1,716 1,716 7% 1,764 1,764 4% and the Gartheli 148 (152) ward of the community of Nantcwnlle

22 Llanrhystud The Communities of Llangwyryfon 479 (492) and Llanrhystyd 770 (791) 1 1,249 1,249 -22% 1,283 1,283 -24% Appendix 3 The Community of Llansantffraed 1,020 (1,049) and the Llanbadarn Trefeglwys 593 (610) ward of the 23 Llansantffraed 1 1,613 1,613 0% 1,659 1,659 -2% Community of Dyffryn Arth Page 1 Page 24 Llanwenog The Communities of Llanwenog 1,037 (1,066) and Llanwnnen 396 (407) 1 1,433 1,433 -11% 1,473 1,473 -13% The Communities of Lledrod 569 (585), Ysbyty Ystwyth 352 (362), Ystrad Fflur 588 (605) and Ystrad 25 Lledrod 1 1,800 1,800 12% 1,851 1,851 9% Meurig 291 (299) CEREDIGION COUNTY COUNCIL Appendix 3 PROPOSED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP Page 2

% Variance % Variance No. OF ELECTORATE ELECTORATE No. NAME DESCRIPTION RATIO 2009 from County RATIO 2014 from County COUNCILLORS 2009 2014 average average The Communities of Blaenrheidol 362 (372) and Pontarfynach 395 (406) and the Goginan 284 (292) 26 Melindwr 1 1,459 1,459 -9% 1,500 1,500 -11% and Penllwyn 418 (430) wards of the Community of Melindwr 27 New Quay The Communities of New Quay 974 (1,001) and Llanllwchaiarn 654 (672) 1 1,628 1,628 1% 1,673 1,673 -1% 28 Penbryn The Communities of Llangrannog 691 (710) and Penbryn 1,117 (1,148) 1 1,808 1,808 12% 1,858 1,858 10% 29 Pen-parc The Communities of Llangoedmor 971 (998) and Y Ferwig 1,016 (1,044) 1 1,987 1,987 24% 2,042 2,042 20% 30 Tirymynach The Community of Tirymynach 1 1,469 1,469 -9% 1,510 1,510 -11% 31 Trefeurig The Community of Trefeurig 1 1,416 1,416 -12% 1,456 1,456 -14% 32 Tregaron and Llangeitho The Communities of Tregaron 995 (1,095) and Llangeitho 676 (695) 1 1,671 1,671 4% 1,790 1,790 6% The Community of Troedyraur 1,101 (1,132) and the Pontshaen 380 (391) and Tregroes 336 (345) 33 Troedyraur 1 1,817 1,817 13% 1,868 1,868 10% wards of the Community of Llandysul 34 Ystwyth The Communities of Llanilar 815 (838) and Trawsgoed 757 (778) 1 1,572 1,572 -2% 1,616 1,616 -5% TOTALS 37 59,494 1,608 62,702 1,695

Ratio is the number of electors per councillor. The number of electors for 2009 and 2014 (in brackets) are included in the description of those electoral divisions which comprise more than one community / community ward Electoral figures provided by Ceredigion County Council

2009 2014 Greater than ± 50% of County average 0 0% 0 0% Between ± 25% and ± 50% of County average 1 3% 2 6% Between ± 10% and ± 25% of County average 15 44% 16 47% Between 0% and ± 10% of County average 18 53% 16 47% Appendix 3 Page 2 Page Appendix 4

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-4- Appendix 5 SUMMARY OF REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO DRAFT PROPOSALS

1 Ceredigion County Council wrote that the Council had resolved to accept the Commission’s Draft Proposals as published save for the proposal in respect of the current Lampeter and Llanwenog electoral divisions. In that regard, the Council resolved that its preferred proposal would be a single member electoral division for Lampeter and the retention of the existing single member Llanwenog electoral division. The reasoning for the decision was based on local knowledge, history, traditional boundaries and that there was nothing in common between the urban electoral division of Lampeter and the rural electoral division of Llanwenog, with due consideration being given to the local knowledge and role of the community leadership within these electoral divisions. It would be impractical and would not serve democracy well to expect a two member electoral division to represent such disparate communities with different requirements and expectations in a manner that the electorate deserves.

2 Cardigan Town Council wrote that it was strongly felt that the existing arrangements should be retained due to the proposed developments and social deprivation, especially within the Mwldan and Teifi wards. It was also noted that the three present county councillors were constantly inundated with demands and requests by the electorate as solutions were sought to alleviate the potential threat to economic stability in the area.

3 Lampeter Town Council wrote that the current level of representation of the town on Ceredigion County Council should be retained.

It was felt that the proposal to merge Lampeter and Llanwenog electoral divisions is not the correct way to proceed as the proposal leads to a level of representation 7% above the county average. Lampeter has a high proportion of students (many of whom are not registered to vote) when compared to the number of permanent residents who are not taken into account. It was also felt that the proposed electoral division would be an artificial construction in the region of 11 miles long without a natural centre and would lack cohesion and be difficult to represent.

Lampeter Town Council expressed its strong support for Lampeter Option 2 as set out in the representation from Ceredigion County Borough Council. Merging the Lampeter electoral division with the Llangybi electoral division (minus the Gartheli ward) which they believed would create a more natural electoral division including the villages of Silian, Betws Bledrws, Llangybi and Cellan with a natural centre. Lampeter Town Council also noted that given the number of unregistered students in the Lampeter area and the natural cohesion of the proposal it was believed to be the most suitable for the communities of the Lampeter area.

It was appreciated that while Option 2 would have a knock-on effect on other electoral divisions Lampeter and Llanwenog should not be placed in an inappropriate and artificial electoral division simply because of administrative convenience.

4 Llanarth Community Council wrote that the Community Council recognised the need for change at a county level and agreed to accept the relevant proposals put forward in principle.

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The Council noted that the document did not make it totally clear how the new arrangements in relation to the proposed Llanfihangel Ystrad, Mydroilyn and Nantcwnlle electoral division; and Llandysiliogogo and Llanarth electoral division would affect representation at a community level. As a consequence it was decided that more information would be required in relation to any new proposals at a community level and that until such information had been provided the Council would register a conditional objection.

5 Llandysiliogogo Community Council wrote that there was unanimous opposition to the splitting of the existing electoral division as it was felt that the Communities of Llanllwchaiarn and Llandysiliogogo mixed together naturally. It was also noted that the New Quay electoral division was a town and totally different in nature to the Llandysiliogogo electoral division which was rural. A suggestion was also made to change the community boundary to include Synod Inn.

6 Llandysul Community Council wrote that Llandysul Community Council wishes to remain unchanged consisting of Llandysul Town, Capel Dewi, Pontshaen and Tregroes wards. It was also noted that the Pontshaen and Tregroes wards are close to the Llandysul ward and that Llandysul is the local town that serves them.

7 Llangeitho Community Council wrote that the councillors of Llangeitho Community Council were perfectly satisfied with the existing arrangements. It was noted that the local county councillor lived in the area and understood how a rural area operated day to day. It was felt that there would be a difference of opinion on a number of points between Tregaron Town Council and Llangeitho Community Council as the townspeople would have different views from those who lived out in the country. It was stated that in the absence of any other option being available, Llangeitho Community Council would be willing to have the other part of the village of Penuwch back, as under the previous arrangement, thereby making it a single unit under Llangeitho Community Council.

8 Llanllwchaiarn Community Council wrote; 1. That the entire Draft Proposal was based on mathematics to satisfy the concept of a county average of 1,417 voters. It was believed that disregarding social patterns based on some meaningless mathematical principle was completely misguided and went against local democracy. The core of local democracy was not always a matter of comparative statistical representation. The purpose of local democracy was to ensure representation that reflected social patterns and the identity of people and their neighbourhoods, without which any democratic representation was meaningless and out of context. 2. It was noted that the communities of Llanllwchaiarn and Llandysiliogogo were strong social entities that had existed through the ages. Geographically, the communities of Llanllwchaiarn and Llandysiliogogo lie on either side of the Soden River and there exists a social, linguistic and cultural unity between the two communities as well as the geographical unity. The transport pattern which follows the geography, also unites the communities with the A486, B4338 and C1048 tying the current electoral division together. Llanllwchaiarn Community Council also considered that there was a basic difference between the civic, maritime and tourist nature of New Quay and the agricultural and rural areas of Llanllwchaiarn and Llandysiliogogo.

-2- Appendix 5 3. It was also noted that the village of Llanllwchaiarn was not a suburb of New Quay but a community in its own right. 4. Three schools were recently closed in the Llandysiliogogo electoral division and merged to create a new school which serviced most of Llandysiliogogo and Llanllwchaiarn and was a symbol of pride to those parents and residents who fought for the schools existence. The proposals go against the areas key development and spirit.

It was stated that the existing boundaries of the Llanllwchaiarn Community included the old parish of Llanina, which was historically connected with Llanarth and was added to the Llanllwchaiarn Community following an earlier reorganisation. Llanllwchaiarn Community Council suggested a change which they felt would address the issues highlighted above;

Keep the current Llandysiliogogo electoral division and omit the parish of Llanina, which would be used to create a new electoral division consisting of New Quay, the parish of Llanina and the northern part of Llanarth. Llanllwchaiarn Community Council felt that the suggested arrangement would acknowledge the social integrity of the current Llandysiliogogo electoral division and would make sense in terms of geography and local social patterns.

9 Llanwenog Community Council wrote that the councillors of the community were united in their opinion that it would be unwise to merge the electoral divisions of Llanwenog and Lampeter. It was noted that the characteristics and needs of both areas were completely different and the councillors did not think it wise to merge a rural area with an urban area, as completely different skills were needed to understand areas which were so different in terms of requirements.

10 Nantcwnlle Community Council wrote that currently they had two county councillors who attended their meetings. If the proposed changes came into force there would be three county councillors who would have to attend other community council meetings in addition to those they currently attend.

11 Tregaron Town Council wrote that the Town Council accepted the draft proposals.

12 Troedyraur Community Council wrote that the Council endorsed the principle of improving local democracy and agreed that local government needed to function in an efficient and practical manner. Nonetheless, the council wished to voice its opposition to the combining of the wards of Tregroes and Pontshaen of the Community of Llandysul with the Community of Troedyraur.

13 A Cardigan Resident wrote that as a resident of 30 years they felt strongly that any reduction in the number of county councillors representing Cardigan Town will result in a reduced service and representation, not only for Cardigan, but also for the south of the county. It was noted the majority of councillors on Ceredigion County Council were representatives of electoral divisions to the north of the county and that there needed to be an artificial loading given to Cardigan to redress the balance as Cardigan was the second largest town in the county.

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