Draft Proposals Report

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LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

Review of the Electoral Arrangements of the County of Ceredigion

Draft Proposals Report

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

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

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

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

This review is the first of the programme of reviews conducted under the new Act and Commission’s policy and practice. The issue of fairness is set out clearly in the legislation and has been a key principle for our work, as set out in our Policy and Practice. We are required to look to the future and have asked the council to give us predictions of the number of electors in 5 years’ time. We also look at the number of electors not registered to vote.

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

Finally, may I thank the Members and officers of the Principal Council for their assistance in helping us develop our draft proposals, the community and town councils for their contribution and last, but most importantly, all who made representations.

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

Owen Watkin Chair

LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

REVIEW OF THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS OF THE COUNTY OF CEREDIGION

DRAFT PROPOSALS REPORT

Contents Page Chapter 1 Introduction 1 Chapter 2 Summary of Draft Proposals 2 Chapter 3 Assessment 5 Chapter 4 The Draft Proposals 7 Chapter 5 Summary of Proposed Arrangements 52 Chapter 6 Responses to the Draft Proposals 53 Chapter 7 Acknowledgements 54

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

1st Edition printed January 2018

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

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

Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION

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

2. The Commission has a duty to conduct a review of all 22 of Wales’ Principal Councils every ten years. This ten-year programme was due to commence in January 2014. However, due to the uncertainties in local government at the time, the Commission suspended its programme. This programme of reviews has come as a result of the former Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government’s Written Statement of 23 June 2016, where the Commission was asked to restart its programme of reviews with an expectation that all 22 electoral reviews be completed in time for the new arrangements to be put in place for the 2022 local government elections. The Written Statement can be found at Appendix 6.

3. The rules and procedures the Commission follows can be found in the Commission’s Electoral Reviews: Policy and Practice [2016] and are outlined in Appendix 4.

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

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

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

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Chapter 2. SUMMARY OF PROPOSALS

• The Commission proposes a change to the arrangement of electoral wards that will achieve a significant improvement in the level of electoral parity across the County of Ceredigion.

• The Commission proposes a council of 38 members, from 42. This results in a proposed county average of 1,384 electors per member.

• The Commission proposes 33 electoral wards, a reduction from 40 existing wards.

• The largest under-representation (in terms of electoral variance) is proposed to be in Llandysul North and Troedyraur (23% above the proposed county average). At present the greatest under-representation is in Llansantffraed (34% above the proposed county average).

• The largest over-representation (in terms of electoral variance) is proposed to be in Aberystwyth Penparcau (25% below the proposed county average). At present the greatest over-representation is in Llanbadarn Fawr Sulien (46% below the proposed county average).

• The Commission proposes five multi-member electoral wards in the county, consisting of two-member electoral wards for Aberporth and Y Ferwig, Aberystwyth Penparcau, Beulah and Llangoedmor, Bronglais and Llanbadarn Fawr, and Cardigan. The existing two-member electoral ward of Lampeter is proposed to become a single-member electoral ward.

• The Commission has proposed no change to 16 electoral wards.

• The Commission proposes five split communities in the county, within the Town of Aberystwyth and the Communities of Dyffryn Arth, Llandysul, Melindwr and Nantcwnlle.

• The Commission received representations from Ceredigion County Council, five Town and Community Councils, two county councillors, and 44 other interested bodies and residents. The Commission considered all of these representations carefully before formulating its proposals. A summary of those representations can be found at Appendix 5.

1. On the following pages are thematic maps to illustrate the current and proposed arrangements and their variances from the proposed county average. Those areas in green are within +/-10% of the county average; yellow and hatched yellow between +/-10% and +/- 25% of the county average; and, those in orange and hatched orange in excess of +/-25% of the county average.

2. As can be seen from these maps the new arrangements provide for an overall improvement in electoral parity across the county.

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Chapter 3. ASSESSMENT

Council size

1. The number of elected members for the County of Ceredigion has been determined by the Commission’s Council Size Policy and methodology. This policy can be found in the Commission’s Electoral Reviews: Policy and Practice document. The methodology sets out a council size aim of 38 members for the County of Ceredigion for this review. At present the number of elected members for the council, at 42, is 4 members above the methodology’s aim.

2. The Commission reviewed the electoral arrangements for the County of Ceredigion in the light of our methodology and took account of the representations which had been made. For the reasons given below the Commission believe that in the interests of effective and convenient local government, a Council of 38 elected members would be appropriate to represent the County of Ceredigion.

Number of electors

3. The numbers shown as the electorate for 2017 and the estimates for the electorate in the year 2022 are those submitted by Ceredigion County Council. The forecast figures supplied by Ceredigion County Council show a forecasted rise in the electorate of Ceredigion from 52,598 to 55,490. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has also provided their estimated number of persons eligible to vote within the County of Ceredigion. This showed an estimated 9,547 more people eligible to vote than the 2017 electorate.

Councillor to electorate ratio

4. In respect of the number of electors per councillor in each electoral ward there is a wide variation from the current county average of 1,252 electors per councillor, ranging from 41% below (742 electors) to 48% above (1,848 electors). The determination of the number of elected members explained above (see paragraph 2) results in an average of 1,384 electors being represented by each councillor.

5. The Commission considered the ratio of local government electors to the number of councillors to be elected, with a view to proposing changes to ensure that the number of local government electors shall be, as near as may be, the same in every ward in the principal area. The Commission considered the size and character of the council and a wide range of other factors including local topography, road communications and local ties.

Judgement and Balance

6. In producing a scheme of electoral arrangements the Commission must have regard to a number of issues contained in the legislation. It is not always possible to resolve all of these, sometimes conflicting, issues. The Commission’s proposed scheme places an emphasis on achieving improvements in electoral parity whilst maintaining community ties wherever possible. The Commission has made every effort to ensure that the revised electoral wards,

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in the Commission’s view, are appropriate combinations of existing communities and community wards.

7. The Commission is of the view that, in the first instance, it is desirable that each electoral ward should return a single member. In some areas however because of the number of electors in a community or community ward we have considered the creation of multi- member wards in order to achieve appropriate levels of electoral parity. This issue often arises in urban areas where the number of electors is too high to form a single-member ward. It also may arise in more rural areas where the creation of single-member wards would result in substantial variances in electoral parity.

8. The Commission has looked at each area and is satisfied that it would be difficult to achieve electoral arrangements that keep the existing combination of communities and community wards, without having a detrimental effect on one or more of the other issues that must be considered. The Commission recognise, however, that there may be different combinations of communities and community wards that better reflect community ties and welcome any alternative suggestions that comply with the legislation.

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Chapter 4. THE DRAFT PROPOSALS

1. The Commission’s proposals are described in detail in this chapter. For each new proposal the report sets out:

• The name(s) of the existing electoral wards which wholly or in part constitute the proposed ward; • A brief description of the existing electoral wards in terms of the number of electors now, and projected, and their percentage variance from the proposed county average; • Key arguments made during the initial consultation (if any). Although not all representations are mentioned in this section, all representations have been considered and a summary can be found at Appendix 5; • The views of the Commission; • The composition of the proposed electoral ward and the proposed name; • A map of the proposed electoral ward (see map key below)

Proposed Electoral Community Community Ward Ward Boundary Boundary Boundary

Retained Electoral Wards

2. The Commission has considered the electoral arrangements of the existing electoral wards and the ratio of local government electors to the number of councillors to be elected. It is proposed that the existing arrangements should be preserved within the following electoral wards.

• Aberystwyth Central • Llanarth • Aberystwyth North • Llandyfriog • Aberystwyth Penparcau • Llanfihangel Ystrad • Aberystwyth Rheidol • Llanrhystyd • Borth • Llanwenog • Ceulanamaesmawr • Tirymynach • Ciliau Aeron • Trefeurig • Faenor • Ystwyth

3. The Commission would welcome any suggestions on alternative names to those listed in this section.

4. The Commission is recommending to preserve the geographical arrangements within the electoral wards listed above, but is proposing the following electoral ward names:

• Aberystwyth Canol/Central to be renamed Canol Aberystwyth in the Welsh language and Aberystwyth Central in the English language. The Welsh Language Commissioner

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considered the proposed names and recommended no change to the Commission’s proposed name.

• Aberystwyth Gogledd/North to be renamed Gogledd Aberystwyth in the Welsh language and Aberystwyth North in the English language. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the proposed names and recommended no change to the Commission’s proposed name.

• Ceulanamaesmawr to be given the name of Ceulanamaesmawr in both languages. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name for this ward and recommended the adoption of the name Ceulan a Maesmawr, as per the normal standards of spelling within the national standard reference work, Rhestr o Enwau Lleoedd/A Gazetteer of Welsh Place- Names, University of Wales Press, 1967 (Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names).

5. The Commission is proposing to preserve the geographical arrangements and ward names for the electoral wards listed below; however, the Welsh Language Commissioner has recommended the following:

• The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name for the electoral ward of Borth and recommended the adoption of the name of Y Borth in both languages, as per the preferences within the Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names, and in support of the use of a single form for both languages.

• The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name for the electoral ward of Llanarth and recommended the adoption of the name of Llannarth in both languages, as per the preferences within the Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names, and in support of the use of a single form for both languages.

• The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name for the electoral ward of Llandyfriog and recommended the adoption of the name of Llandyfrïog in both languages, as per the preferences within the Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names, and in support of the use of a single form for both languages.

Proposed Electoral Wards

6. The Commission considered changes to the remaining 24 existing electoral wards. Details of the current electoral arrangements can be found at Appendix 2. The Commission’s proposed arrangements can be found in Appendix 3.

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Aberteifi/Cardigan-Mwldan, Aberteifi/Cardigan-Rhyd-y-Fuwch and Aberteifi/Cardigan-Teifi

7. The existing Aberteifi/Cardigan-Mwldan electoral ward is composed of the Mwldan ward of the Town of Cardigan. It has 1,485 electors (1,529 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 7% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,476 eligible voters.

8. The existing Aberteifi/Cardigan-Rhyd-y-Fuwch electoral ward is composed of the Rhyd y Fuwch ward of the Town of Cardigan. It has 884 electors (911 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 36% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 957 eligible voters.

9. The existing Aberteifi/Cardigan-Teifi electoral ward is composed of the Teifi ward of the Town of Cardigan. It has 762 electors (806 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 45% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 848 eligible voters.

10. The Commission received four representations concerning these wards from: Ceredigion County Council, Cardigan Town Council, County Councillor T. Haydn Lewis (Penparc) and Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed).

11. Ceredigion County Council proposed an amendment to the community boundary between the Town of Cardigan and the Community of Y Ferwig. The Council recommended the transfer of 380 electors from the western part of Y Ferwig Community into the Mwldan ward of the Town of Cardigan. The County Council proposed that the arrangements within the Town of Cardigan, with the inclusion of those transferred from the Community of Y Ferwig, then be restructured to create three single member wards of equal representation. Ceredigion County Council did not supply details of the specific location for the amended boundaries.

12. Cardigan Town Council expressed their reservation to Ceredigion County Council’s recommended proposal, highlighting the differences between the rural area of Y Ferwig and the urban wards of Cardigan.

13. County Councillor T. Haydn Lewis (Penparc) supported the rationalisation of electoral numbers as part of the review, however, he objected to the suggestion put forward by Ceredigion County Council because of the differences in rurality between the Town of Cardigan and the Community of Y Ferwig.

14. Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed) proposed to merge the existing electoral wards of Aberteifi/Cardigan-Rhyd-y-Fuwch and Aberteifi/Cardigan-Teifi into a single-member ward, and retain the arrangements for the electoral ward of Aberteifi/Cardigan-Mwldan.

15. The Commission notes the wide variation in the proposed level of representation in Cardigan and have therefore considered alternative arrangements for the area.

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16. In consideration of the representations received and the proposal made by Ceredigion County Council, the Commission notes the objections towards merging rural and urban areas. The Commission considered that it was not appropriate to make the proposals as suggested due to the representations in opposition to the County Council’s proposal and in the absence of defined boundary locations.

17. The Commission proposes the Town of Cardigan forms an electoral ward with 3,131 electors (3,246 projected electors) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 13% above the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Aberteifi; and the English language name of Cardigan. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the names and proposed no change to the Commission’s proposal. The Commission welcomes any suggestions for alternative names.

18. The Commission recognise the differences between the Town of Cardigan and the surrounding rural communities and considers that this proposed ward respects the natural rural and urban divide in the area. There are good communication links and social ties within the Town and this proposal improves the level of electoral variance.

19. In light of the proposals at pages 12-13 and 15-16, where the Commission is proposing the creation of multi-member wards in the surrounding areas, the Commission proposes the creation of a two-member electoral ward for Cardigan.

20. The Commission acknowledges that the alternative arrangement described in paragraph 14 for the Town of Cardigan would result in arrangements with appropriate levels of electoral variance and two single-member wards. The Commission welcomes views on this alternative arrangement.

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Aberporth and Penparc

21. The existing Aberporth electoral ward is composed of the Community of Aberporth. It has 1,756 electors (1,871 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 27% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,975 eligible voters.

22. The existing Penparc electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Llangoedmor and Y Ferwig. It has 1,838 electors (1,872 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 33% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,878 eligible voters.

23. The Commission received four representations concerning these wards from: Ceredigion County Council, Cardigan Town Council, County Councillor T. Haydn Lewis (Penparc) and Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed).

24. Ceredigion County Council proposed an amendment to the community boundary between the Town of Cardigan and the Community of Y Ferwig. The Council recommended the transfer of 380 electors from the western part of Y Ferwig Community into the Mwldan ward of the Town of Cardigan. The County Council proposed to include those transferred from Y Ferwig within the arrangements for Cardigan. The County Council then proposed to create a single-member electoral ward from the Community of Llangoedmor and the remainder of the Community of Y Ferwig. Ceredigion County Council did not supply details of the specific location for the amended boundaries.

25. Cardigan Town Council expressed their reservation to Ceredigion County Council’s recommended proposal, highlighting the differences between the rural area of Y Ferwig and the urban wards of Cardigan.

26. County Councillor T. Haydn Lewis (Penparc) supported the rationalisation of electoral numbers as part of the review, however, also objected to the suggestion put forward by Ceredigion County Council because of the differences in rurality between the Town of Cardigan and the Community of Y Ferwig. The Councillor expressed his belief that Ceredigion County Council’s proposal would unbalance the existing ward of Penparc.

27. Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed) proposed to retain the existing electoral wards of Aberporth and Penparc.

28. The Commission notes the high level of under-representation in the existing Aberporth and Penparc electoral wards, compared to the proposed county average, and have therefore considered alternative arrangements for the area.

29. In consideration of the representations received and the proposal made by Ceredigion County Council, the Commission notes the objections towards merging rural and urban areas. The Commission considered that it was not appropriate to make the proposals as suggested due to the representations in opposition to the County Council’s proposal and in the absence of defined boundary locations.

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30. The Commission proposes combining the Communities of Aberporth and Y Ferwig to form an electoral ward with 2,683 electors (2,812 projected electors) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 3% below the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Aberporth a’r Ferwig; and the English language name of Aberporth and Y Ferwig. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name should be Aber-porth a’r Ferwig in the Welsh language and Aber-porth and Y Ferwig in the English language, as recommended in the Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names, with the inclusion of a hyphen to aid the correct pronunciation of the Welsh place-name. The Commission welcomes any suggestions for alternative names.

31. In order to improve the levels of electoral variance in the electoral wards of Aberporth and Penparc, the Community of Aberporth needs to be included with a further community area to form an electoral ward.

32. The Commission considered the available alternatives and considered that the most appropriate area to combine with Aberporth is the Community of Y Ferwig, from the existing Penparc electoral ward. This proposed two-member electoral ward combines the Communities of Aberporth and Y Ferwig, which are both situated along the coastline and share communication links along the A487 trunk road.

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Beulah and Penparc

33. The existing Beulah electoral ward is composed of the Community of Beulah. It has 1,333 electors (1,373 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 4% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,362 eligible voters.

34. The existing Penparc electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Llangoedmor and Y Ferwig. It has 1,838 electors (1,872 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 33% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,878 eligible voters.

35. The Commission received four representations concerning these wards from: Ceredigion County Council, Cardigan Town Council, County Councillor T. Haydn Lewis (Penparc) and Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed).

36. Ceredigion County Council proposed an amendment to the community boundary between the Town of Cardigan and the Community of Y Ferwig. The Council recommended the transfer of 380 electors from the western part of Y Ferwig Community into the Mwldan ward of the Town of Cardigan. The County Council proposed to include those transferred from Y Ferwig within the arrangements for Cardigan. The County Council then proposed to create a single-member electoral ward from the Community of Llangoedmor and the remainder of the Community of Y Ferwig. Ceredigion County Council did not supply details of the specific location for the amended boundaries.

37. Cardigan Town Council expressed their reservation to Ceredigion County Council’s recommended proposal, highlighting the differences between the rural area of Y Ferwig and the urban wards of Cardigan.

38. County Councillor T. Haydn Lewis (Penparc) supported the rationalisation of electoral numbers as part of the review, however, also objected to the suggestion put forward by Ceredigion County Council because of the differences in rurality between the Town of Cardigan and the Community of Y Ferwig. The Councillor expressed his belief that Ceredigion County Council’s proposal would unbalance the existing ward of Penparc.

39. Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed) proposed to retain the existing electoral wards of Beulah and Penparc.

40. The Commission notes the high level of under-representation in the existing electoral ward of Penparc, compared to the proposed county average, and has therefore considered alternative arrangements for the area.

41. In consideration of the representations received and the proposal made by Ceredigion County Council, the Commission notes the objections towards merging rural and urban areas. The Commission considered that it was not appropriate to make the proposals as suggested, due to the representations in opposition to the County Council’s proposal and in the absence of defined boundary locations.

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42. The Commission proposes combining the Communities of Beulah and Llangoedmor to form an electoral ward with 2,244 electors (2,304 projected electors) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 19% below the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Beulah a Llangoedmor; and the English language name of Beulah and Llangoedmor. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the names and proposed no change to the Commission’s proposal. The Commission welcomes any suggestions for alternative names.

43. In order to improve the levels of electoral variance in the electoral ward of Penparc, the Communities of Llangoedmor and Y Ferwig need to be included with alternative community areas when forming electoral wards.

44. The Commission considered the available alternatives and considered that the most appropriate area to combine with Llangoedmor is the Community of Beulah. This proposed two-member electoral ward combines the Communities of Beulah and Llangoedmor, which are similar in nature and connected via the A484 and B4570 roads.

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Capel Dewi and Llandysul Town

45. The existing Capel Dewi electoral ward is composed of the Capel Dewi, Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul. It has 1,025 electors (1,056 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 26% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,090 eligible voters.

46. The existing Llandysul Town electoral ward is composed of the Trefol ward of the Community of Llandysul. It has 1,022 electors (1,101 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 26% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,081 eligible voters.

47. The Commission received two representations concerning these wards, from Ceredigion County Council and Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed).

48. Ceredigion County Council proposed to combine the electoral wards of Capel Dewi, Llandysul Town and Troedyraur and restructure the community ward arrangements for the area to provide two single-member electoral wards with an approximately equal level of representation. Ceredigion County Council did not supply details of the requisite electoral information or specific location for the amended boundaries. The Commission is therefore unable to apply this aspect of the County Council’s recommendations.

49. Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed) proposed to retain the existing single- member Electoral Ward of Llandysul Town and combine the Llangynllo ward of the Community of Troedyraur with the existing Electoral Ward of Capel Dewi to form a single- member electoral ward.

50. The Commission notes the high levels of over-representation in the existing electoral wards of Capel Dewi and Llandysul Town, compared to the proposed county average, and have therefore considered alternative arrangements for the area.

51. The Commission proposes combining the Capel Dewi and Trefol wards of the Community of Llandysul to form an electoral ward with 1,396 electors (1,488 projected electors) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 1% above the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of De Llandysul; and the English language name of Llandysul South. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the names and proposed no change to the Commission’s proposal. The Commission welcomes any suggestions for alternative names.

52. In order to improve the levels of electoral variance in these wards and the surrounding area the Commission has proposed combining neighbouring southern community wards of the Community of Llandysul, which share communication links and a common boundary along the B4476 road.

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Capel Dewi and Troedyraur

53. The existing Capel Dewi electoral ward is composed of the Capel Dewi, Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul. It has 1,025 electors (1,056 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 26% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,090 eligible voters.

54. The existing Troedyraur electoral ward is composed of the Community of Troedyraur. It has 1,047 electors (1,065 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 24% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,101 eligible voters.

55. The Commission received two representations concerning these wards, from Ceredigion County Council and Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed).

56. Ceredigion County Council proposed to combine the electoral wards of of Capel Dewi, Llandysul Town and Troedyraur and restructure the community ward arrangements for the area to provide two single-member electoral wards with an approximately equal level of representation. Ceredigion County Council did not supply details of the requisite electoral information or specific location for the amended boundaries. The Commission is therefore unable to apply this aspect of the County Council’s recommendations.

57. Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed) proposed to combine the Troedyraur ward of the Community of Troedyraur with the Community of Penbryn to form a single- member electoral ward. He also proposed to combine the Llangynllo ward of the Community of Troedyraur with the existing electoral ward of Capel Dewi to form a single- member electoral ward.

58. The Commission notes the high level of over-representation in the existing electoral ward of Capel Dewi, compared to the proposed county average, and has therefore considered alternative arrangements for the area.

59. The Commission proposes combining the Community of Troedyraur with the Pontshaen and Tregroes wards of the Community of Llandysul to form an electoral ward with 1,698 electors (1,734 projected electors) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 23% above the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Gogledd Llandysul a Throedyraur; and the English language name of Llandysul North and Troedyraur. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name should be Gogledd Llandysul a Throed-yr-aur in the Welsh language and Llandysul North and Troed-yr-aur in the English language, as recommended in the Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names, with the inclusion of a hyphen to aid pronunciation. The Commission welcomes any suggestions for alternative names.

60. In order to improve the levels of electoral variance in these wards and the surrounding area the Commission has proposed combining the northern community wards of the Community of Llandysul with the Community of Troedyraur, which share similar rural characteristics and recognisable community links either side of the A486 trunk road.

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Llandysiliogogo and New Quay

61. The existing Llandysiliogogo electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Llandysiliogogo and Llanllwchaiarn. It has 1,511 electors (1,565 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 9% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,607 eligible voters.

62. The existing New Quay electoral ward is composed of the Town of New Quay. It has 841 electors (880 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 39% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 864 eligible voters.

63. The Commission received three representations concerning these wards from: Ceredigion County Council, Llanllwchaearn Community Council and Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed).

64. Ceredigion County Council proposed two amendments to the community boundary between the Town of New Quay and the Community of Llanllwchaiarn, to allow the retention of the existing single-member electoral arrangement for the Town of New Quay. In consideration of the representations received and the proposal made by Ceredigion County Council, the Commission notes the objections towards merging rural and urban areas. The Commission considered that it was not appropriate to make the proposals as suggested due to the absence of requisite electoral information and defined boundary locations.

65. Llanllwchaearn Community Council expressed their view that the existing electoral ward of Llandysiliogogo should retain its current arrangements, and is opposed to merging the Community of Llanllwchaiarn, in its entirety, with the Town of New Quay. The Community Council suggest the Commission give consideration to two variations of the existing community boundaries; namely, to transfer the area of Llanina from the Community of Llanllwchaiarn, into the Town of New Quay, and to transfer the area of Synod Inn from the Community of Llanarth, into the Community of Llanllwchaiarn.

66. Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed) proposed to combine the Community of Llanllwchaiarn with the Town of New Quay, to form a single-member electoral ward.

67. The Commission notes the high level of over-representation in the existing electoral ward of New Quay, compared to the proposed county average, and has therefore considered alternative arrangements for the area.

68. The Commission proposes combining the Town of New Quay with the Community of Llanllwchaiarn to form an electoral ward with 1,527 electors (1,599 projected electors) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 10% above the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Ceinewydd gyda Llanllwchaiarn; and the English language name of New Quay with Llanllwchaiarn. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name should be Ceinewydd gyda Llanllwchaearn in the Welsh Language and New Quay with

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Llanllwchaearn in the English Language, as recommended in the Gazetteer of Welsh Place- Names, as this follows the national standard of spelling for this area. The Commission welcomes any suggestions for alternative names.

69. The Commission notes the objections of combining the Town of New Quay with the Community of Llanllwchaiarn. However, in order to improve the level of electoral variance in New Quay, the only viable arrangement based upon the existing community structures would require a combination of these two areas. The Commission has identified communication links between the areas of New Quay and Llanllwchaiarn via the A486 and B4342 roads and recognises the seasonal effect that tourism has on both areas.

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Llandysiliogogo and Penbryn

70. The existing Llandysiliogogo electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Llandysiliogogo and Llanllwchaiarn. It has 1,511 electors (1,565 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 9% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,607 eligible voters.

71. The existing Penbryn electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Llangrannog and Penbryn. It has 1,695 electors (1,755 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 22% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,668 eligible voters.

72. The Commission received three representations concerning these wards from: Ceredigion County Council, Llanllwchaearn Community Council and Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed).

73. Ceredigion County Council proposed two amendments to the community boundary between the Town of New Quay and the Community of Llanllwchaiarn, and to retain the existing single-member electoral arrangement for the Town of New Quay. The County Council did not supply details of the requisite electoral information or specific location for the amended boundaries. The Commission is therefore unable to apply this aspect of the County Council’s recommendations.

74. Llanllwchaearn Community Council expressed their view that the existing electoral ward of Llandysiliogogo should retain its current arrangements, and is opposed to merging the Community of Llanllwchaiarn, in its entirety, with the Town of New Quay. The Community Council suggest the Commission give consideration to two variations of the existing community boundaries; namely, to transfer the area of Llanina from the Community of Llanllwchaiarn, into the Town of New Quay, and to transfer the area of Synod Inn from the Community of Llanarth, into the Community of Llanllwchaiarn.

75. Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed) proposed to combine the Community of Llangrannog with the Community of Llandysiliogogo to form a single-member electoral ward, and to combine the Troedyraur ward of the Community of Troedyraur with the Community of Penbryn to form a single-member electoral ward.

76. The Commission notes the level of representation in the existing electoral wards of Llandysiliogogo, Penbryn and neighbouring areas within the County, and have therefore considered alternative arrangements for the area.

77. The Commission proposes combining the Communities of Llandysiliogogo and Llangrannog to form an electoral ward with 1,456 electors (1,495 projected electors) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 5% above the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Llandysiliogogo a Llangrannog; and the English language name of Llandysiliogogo and Llangrannog. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the names

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and proposed no changes. The Commission welcomes any suggestions for alternative names.

78. The Commission acknowledges the representations which support the retention of the existing electoral ward of Llandysiliogogo. However, in order to improve the electoral variance in surrounding areas the proposal creates a single-member electoral ward for communities which have similarities in rurality and strong communication links along the A487 road.

79. The Commission, as a consequence, proposes that the Community of Penbryn forms an electoral ward with 1,064 electors (1,106 projected electors) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 23% below the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the bilingual name of Penbryn. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and proposed no change to the Commission’s proposal. The Commission welcomes any suggestions for alternative names.

80. The Commission recognises this proposal generates a minor increase in electoral variance. However, the Commission believes the proposal is suitably justified, in order to create an electoral ward of one community area and to support the creation of coherent arrangements in neighbouring areas.

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Aberaeron and Llansantffraed

81. The existing Aberaeron electoral ward is composed of the Town of Aberaeron. It has 1,070 electors (1,105 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 23% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,147 eligible voters.

82. The existing Llansantffraed electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Dyffryn Arth and Llansantffraed. It has 1,848 electors (1,922 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 34% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,970 eligible voters.

83. The Commission received two representations concerning these wards from, Ceredigion County Council and Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed).

84. Ceredigion County Council proposed that the Town of Aberaeron combine with the Llanddewi Aberarth ward of the Community of Dyffryn Arth to form a single-member electoral ward, and that the Community of Llansantffraed combine with the Llanbadarn Trefeglwys ward of the Community of Dyffryn Arth to form a single-member electoral ward.

85. Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed) proposed to retain the existing electoral ward of Aberaeron and to create three electoral wards in the surrounding areas by splitting communities, and combining wards from within this area and the surrounding communities. These proposals can be seen in full, within section 10 of Appendix 5.

86. The Commission notes the high level of under-representation in the existing electoral ward of Llansantffraed, compared to the proposed county average, and has therefore considered alternative arrangements for the area.

87. The Commission considered the representations received and the proposals of Ceredigion County Council. The Commission notes the proximity of the village of Aberarth to the Town of Aberaeron along the A487 trunk road and the rational combination of these wards according to the geography of the area.

88. The Commission therefore proposes combining the Town of Aberaeron and the Llanddewi Aberarth ward of the Community of Dyffryn Arth to form an electoral ward with 1,408 electors (1,452 projected electors) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 2% above the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the bilingual name of Aberaeron. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and proposed no change to the Commission’s proposal. The Commission welcomes any suggestions for alternative names.

89. The Commission also acknowledges that the County Council’s proposal includes the combination of two community wards which currently form part of the existing electoral ward of Llansantffraed, and recognises the improvement this proposal has upon the level of electoral variances for Llansantffraed and the neighbouring area of Aberaeron. In these proposals, although the community ward of Llanddewi Aberarth has been removed from the

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existing electoral ward of Llansantffraed, the Commission considers that the proposal will maintain the shared community identity between the community ward of Llanbadarn Trefeglwys and the Community of Llansantffraed.

90. As a consequence, the Commission proposes combining the Community of Llansantffraed with the Llandbadarn Trefeglwys ward of the Community of Dyffryn Arth to form an electoral ward with 1,510 electors (1,575 projected electors) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 9% above the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Llansanffraid; and the English language name of Llansantffraed. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name should be Llansanffraid, as recommended within the Gazetteer of Welsh Place-Names and in support of the use of a single form for both languages. The Welsh Language Commissioner also highlights that this is the recommended spelling for this, and several other places across Wales which share the same name. The Commission welcomes any suggestions for alternative names.

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Lampeter

91. The existing Lampeter electoral ward is composed of the Town of Lampeter. It has 1,657 electors (1,790 projected electors) represented by two councillors which is 40% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,448 eligible voters.

92. The Commission received two representations concerning this ward from, Ceredigion County Council and Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed).

93. Ceredigion County Council proposed that the Town of Lampeter forms a single-member electoral ward.

94. Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed) also proposed that the Town of Lampeter forms a single-member electoral ward.

95. The Commission notes the high level of over-representation in the existing electoral ward of Lampeter, compared to the proposed county average, and has therefore considered alternative arrangements for the area.

96. The Commission proposes that the Town of Lampeter forms an electoral ward with 1,657 electors (1,790 projected electors) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 20% above the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Llanbedr Pont Steffan; and the English language name of Lampeter. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the names and proposed no change to the Commission’s proposal. The Commission welcomes any suggestions for alternative names.

97. The Commission acknowledges the desirability of retaining the existing electoral ward boundary for the Town of Lampeter and improving the electoral variance within the Town by reducing the number of Members by one.

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Llangeitho and Llangybi

98. The existing Llangeitho electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Llanddewi Brefi and Llangeitho. It has 1,082 electors (1,115 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 22% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,192 eligible voters.

99. The existing Llangybi electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Llanfair Clydogau and Llangybi, and the Gartheli ward of the Community of Nantcwnlle. It has 1,114 electors (1,167 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 20% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,182 eligible voters.

100. The Commission received 21 representations concerning these wards from: Llangeitho Community Council, Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group, Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed) and 18 representations from residents within the Community of Lledrod.

101. Llangeitho Community Council stated they wish to maintain their current electoral arrangements and expressed their view that the opinions of town and community councils can be vastly different.

102. The Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group proposed combining the Community of Llangeitho with the Town of Tregaron to form a single-member electoral ward, and to combine the Communities of Llanddewi Brefi and Llanfair Clydogau into a single-member electoral ward. They believe this option would be preferable as it unites semi-urban village communities with another urban community. These proposals were supported within representations received from 30 residents of the Community of Lledrod.

103. Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed) proposed to create four electoral wards in the surrounding areas by splitting communities, and combining wards from within this area and the surrounding communities. These proposals can be seen in detail, within section 10 of Appendix 5.

104. The Commission notes the number of representations concerning the electoral wards of Llangeitho, Llangybi and neighbouring areas, and have considered alternative arrangements for the area.

105. In consideration of the representations received, the Commission acknowledges the desirability of retaining community ties within proposed electoral arrangements and notes the advantages of combining areas of similar nature when forming coherent wards.

106. The Commission proposes combining the Communities of Llanddewi Brefi, Llanfair Clydogau and Llangybi with the Gartheli ward of the Community of Nantcwnlle to form an electoral ward with 1,580 electors (1,645 projected electors) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 14% above the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Llangybi a Llanddewi Brefi; and the English language name of Llangybi and Llanddewi Brefi.

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The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the names and proposed no change to the Commission’s proposal. The Commission welcomes any suggestions for alternative names.

107. The Commission considers that the Community of Llanddewi Brefi and existing electoral ward of Llangybi share a similar community nature and strong communication links along the A485 and B4343 roads. This proposal allows the creation of coherent electoral wards in neighbouring areas.

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Llangeitho and Tregaron

108. The existing Llangeitho electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Llanddewi Brefi and Llangeitho. It has 1,082 electors (1,115 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 22% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,192 eligible voters.

109. The existing Tregaron electoral ward is composed of the Town of Tregaron. It has 899 electors (944 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 35% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 955 eligible voters.

110. The Commission received 31 representations concerning these wards from: Ceredigion County Council, Llangeitho Community Council, Lledrod Community Council, Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group, Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed) and 26 representations from residents within the Community of Lledrod.

111. Ceredigion County Council proposed to combine the Blaenpennal ward of the Community of Lledrod with the Town of Tregaron to form a single-member electoral ward.

112. Llangeitho Community Council stated that they wish to maintain their current electoral arrangements and expressed their view that the opinions of town and community councils can be vastly different. The Community Council also suggested a minor boundary change between the Communities of Nantcwnlle and Llangeitho.

113. Lledrod Community Council oppose Ceredigion County Council’s proposal, highlighting the differences in rurality between the Blaenpennal ward of the Community of Lledrod and the Town of Tregaron. This view was supported within representations received from 42 residents of the Community of Lledrod.

114. The Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group also oppose Ceredigion County Council’s proposal. The Community Group proposed combining the Caron-Uwch-Clawdd ward of the Community of Ystrad Fflur with the Town of Tregaron to form a single-member electoral ward. They believe this would satisfy the aspect of natural boundaries in keeping the electorate ward to one side of the Teifi valley. The Community Group also proposed combining the Community of Llangeitho with the Town of Tregaron to form a single- member electoral ward, and to combine the Communities of Llanddewi Brefi and Llanfair Clydogau into a single-member electoral ward, suggesting this option would be preferable as it unites semi-urban village communities with another urban community. These proposals were supported within representations received from 30 residents of the Community of Lledrod.

115. Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed) proposed to create three electoral wards in the surrounding areas by splitting communities, and combining wards from within this area and the surrounding communities. These proposals can be seen in detail, within section 10 of Appendix 5.

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116. One resident from the Blaenpennal ward of the Community of Lledrod objected to the proposal by Ceredigion County Council and proposed to combine the Community of Ystrad Fflur with the Town of Tregaron to form a single-member electoral ward.

117. The Commission notes the high level of over-representation in the existing electoral ward of Tregaron, compared to the proposed county average, and has therefore considered alternative arrangements for the area.

118. In consideration of the representations received and the proposal made by Ceredigion County Council, the Commission notes the objections towards combining the Blaenpennal ward of the Community of Lledrod with the Town of Tregaron.

119. The Commission proposes combining the Town of Tregaron with the Community of Llangeitho to form an electoral ward with 1,515 electors (1,581 projected electors) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 9% above the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Tregaron gyda Llangeitho; and the English language name of Tregaron with Llangeitho. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the names and proposed no change to the Commission’s proposal. The Commission welcomes any suggestions for alternative names.

120. The Commission considers that the communication links between the two areas along the B4342 road support this proposal which would create cohesive electoral arrangements for the communities in the area.

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Lledrod

121. The existing Lledrod electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Lledrod, Ysbyty Ystwyth, Ystrad Fflur and Ystrad Meurig. It has 1,744 electors (1,784 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 26% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,715 eligible voters.

122. The Commission received 30 representations concerning this ward from: Ceredigion County Council, Lledrod Community Council, Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group, Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed) and 26 representations from residents within the Community of Lledrod.

123. Ceredigion County Council proposed to combine the Blaenpennal ward of the Community of Lledrod with the Town of Tregaron to form a single-member electoral ward and to combine the Lledrod Isaf ward of the Community of Lledrod with the Communities of Ysbyty Ystwyth, Ystrad Fflur and Ystrad Meurig to form a single-member electoral ward.

124. Lledrod Community Council oppose Ceredigion County Council’s proposal, highlighting the differences in rurality between the Blaenpennal ward of the Community of Lledrod and the Town of Tregaron. This view was supported within representations received from 42 residents of the Community of Lledrod. The Community Council believe the existing Lledrod electoral ward has worked effectively with community councillors and residents for a great number of years.

125. The Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group also oppose Ceredigion County Council’s proposal. The Community Group proposed combining the Caron-Uwch-Clawdd ward of the Community of Ystrad Fflur with the Town of Tregaron to form a single-member electoral ward. They believe this would satisfy the aspect of natural boundaries in keeping the electorate ward to one side of the Teifi valley. This proposal was supported within representations received from 30 residents of the Community of Lledrod.

126. Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed) proposed combining the Communities of Lledrod, Ystrad Fflur and Ystrad Meurig to form a single-member electoral ward, and to combine the Communities of Pontarfynach, Trawsgoed and Ysbyty Ystwyth to form a single- member electoral ward.

127. One resident from the Blaenpennal ward of the Community of Lledrod objected to the proposal by Ceredigion County Council and proposed to combine the Community of Ystrad Fflur with the Town of Tregaron to form a single-member electoral ward.

128. The Commission notes the high level of under-representation in the existing electoral ward of Lledrod, compared to the proposed county average, and the objections to combining the Blaenpennal ward of the Community of Lledrod with the Town of Tregaron. The Commission has therefore considered alternative arrangements for the area.

129. The Commission proposes combining the Communities of Lledrod, Ystrad Fflur and Ystrad Meurig to form an electoral ward with 1,397 electors (1,428 projected electors) which, if

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represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 1% above the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the bilingual name of Lledrod. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and proposed no change to the Commission’s proposal. The Commission welcomes any suggestions for alternative names.

130. The Commission acknowledge the effectiveness of the existing electoral arrangements within the electoral ward of Lledrod. Although the Community of Ysbyty Ystwyth has been removed, the Commission considers that the proposal will maintain the shared community identity between the Communities of Lledrod, Ystrad Fflur and Ystrad Meurig.

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Lledrod and Melindwr

131. The existing Lledrod electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Lledrod, Ysbyty Ystwyth, Ystrad Fflur and Ystrad Meurig. It has 1,744 electors (1,784 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 26% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,715 eligible voters.

132. The existing Melindwr electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Blaenrheidol, Melindwr and Pontarfynach. It has 1,519 electors (1,596 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 10% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,589 eligible voters.

133. The Commission received 30 representations concerning these wards, from Ceredigion County Council, Lledrod Community Council, Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group, Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed) and 26 representations from residents within the Community of Lledrod.

134. Ceredigion County Council proposed to combine the Goginan and Penllwyn wards of the Community of Melindwr with the Communities of Blaenrheidol and Pontarfynach to form a single-member electoral ward, and to combine the Llanbadarn y Creuddyn Uchaf ward of the Community of Melindwr with the Community of Llanfarian to form a single member electoral ward.

135. In addition, Ceredigion County Council proposed to combine the Blaenpennal ward of the Community of Lledrod with the Town of Tregaron to form a single-member electoral ward, and to combine the Lledrod Isaf ward of the Community of Lledrod with the Communities of Ystrad Fflur, Ystrad Meurig and Ysbyty Ystwyth to form a single-member electoral ward.

136. Lledrod Community Council opposes Ceredigion County Council’s proposal for the existing electoral ward of Lledrod, highlighting the differences in rurality between the Blaenpennal ward of the Community of Lledrod and the Town of Tregaron. This view was supported within representations received from 42 residents of the Community of Lledrod.

137. The Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group also oppose Ceredigion County Council’s proposal for Lledrod. The Community Group proposed combining the Caron Uwchclawdd ward of the Community of Ystrad Fflur with the Town of Tregaron to form a single-member electoral ward. They believe this would satisfy the aspect of natural boundaries in keeping the electorate ward to one side of the Teifi valley. This proposal was supported within representations received from 30 residents of the Community of Lledrod.

138. Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed) proposed combining the Communities of Lledrod, Ystrad Fflur and Ystrad Meurig to form a single-member electoral ward. In addition, the Community Councillor proposed to combine the Communities of Pontarfynach, Trawsgoed and Ysbyty Ystwyth to form a single-member electoral ward, and to combine the Communities of Blaenrheidol and Melindwr to form a single-member electoral ward.

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139. One resident from the Blaenpennal ward of the Community of Lledrod objected to the proposal by Ceredigion County Council and proposed to combine the Community of Ystrad Fflur with the Town of Tregaron to form a single-member electoral ward.

140. The Commission notes the high level of under-representation in the existing electoral ward of Lledrod, compared to the proposed county average, and the similarities and sparse populations that exist between the large rural communities on the eastern border of the County. The Commission has therefore considered alternative arrangements for the area.

141. The Commission proposes combining the Communities of Blaenrheidol, Pontarfynach and Ysbyty Ystwyth with the Goginan and Penllwyn wards of the Community of Melindwr to form an electoral ward with 1,677 electors (1,763 projected electors) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 21% above the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the bilingual name of Melindwr. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and proposed no change to the Commission’s proposal. The Commission welcomes any suggestions for alternative names.

142. The Commission considers that the proposal of combining these upland communities, which share similarities in terms of rurality and size is an appropriate arrangement, and they have shared road links along the A4120, A44 and B4343.

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Llanfarian and Melindwr

143. The existing Llanfarian electoral ward is composed of the Community of Llanfarian. It has 1,147 electors (1,185 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 17% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,183 eligible voters.

144. The existing Melindwr electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Blaenrheidol, Melindwr and Pontarfynach. It has 1,519 electors (1,596 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 10% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,589 eligible voters.

145. The Commission received two representations concerning these wards from, Ceredigion County Council, and Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed).

146. Ceredigion County Council proposed to combine the Goginan and Penllwyn wards of the Community of Melindwr with the Communities of Blaenrheidol and Pontarfynach to form a single-member electoral ward. They also propose to combine the Llanbadarn y Creuddyn Uchaf ward of the Community of Melindwr with the Community of Llanfarian to form a single-member electoral ward.

147. Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed) proposed combining the Communities of Pontarfynach, Trawsgoed and Ysbyty Ystwyth to form a single-member electoral ward, and to combine the Communities of Blaenrheidol and Melindwr to form a single-member electoral ward. In addition, the Community Councillor proposed to combine the Deinol ward of the Community of Llanrhystyd with the Community of Llanfarian to form a single-member electoral ward.

148. The Commission notes the variation in levels of representation in the existing electoral wards and neighbouring areas within the County, and have therefore considered alternative arrangements for the area.

149. The Commission considered the representations received and the proposal made by Ceredigion County Council. The Commission acknowledges the strong communication links that exist along the southern Rheidol Valley, between the Llanbadarn y Creuddyn Uchaf ward of the Community of Melindwr and the Community of Llanfarian, by way of the A4120 road.

150. The Commission therefore proposes combining the Community of Llanfarian with the Llanbadarn y Creuddyn Uchaf ward of the Community of Melindwr to form an electoral ward with 1,336 electors (1,374 projected electors) which, if represented by one councillor, would result in a level of representation that is 3% below the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the bilingual name of Llanfarian. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the name and proposed no change to the Commission’s proposal. The Commission welcomes any suggestions for alternative names.

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Aberystwyth Bronglais, Llanbadarn Fawr Padarn and Llanbadarn Fawr Sulien

151. The existing Aberystwyth Bronglais electoral ward is composed of the Bronglais ward of the Town of Aberystwyth. It has 909 electors (1,025 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 34% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,803 eligible voters.

152. The existing Llanbadarn Fawr Padarn electoral ward is composed of the Padarn ward of the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr. It has 771 electors (815 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 44% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 776 eligible voters.

153. The existing Llanbadarn Fawr Sulien electoral ward is composed of the Sulien ward of the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr. It has 742 electors (846 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 46% below the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,090 eligible voters.

154. The Commission received three representations concerning these wards from: Ceredigion County Council, County Councillor John Roberts (Faenor) and Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed).

155. Ceredigion County Council proposed the creation of a single-member electoral ward for the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr and to retain the existing arrangements for the electoral ward of Aberystwyth Bronglais. The County Council highlight the differences between the population of eligible voters and the actual number of electors for the wards within the Town of Aberystwyth and Community of Llanbadarn Fawr, which is as a result of the large student populations in these areas. The County Council predict that future changes in the area, linked to studentification, retail and economic development, and increases in rental accommodation will increase the electorate within the Town; thereby justifying the retention of a ward with a significant level of over-representation within their proposal.

156. County Councillor John Roberts (Faenor) also proposed the creation of a single-member electoral ward for the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr.

157. Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed) also proposed the creation of a single- member electoral ward for the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr and to retain the existing arrangements for the electoral ward of Aberystwyth Bronglais.

158. The Commission notes the significant levels of over-representation in the existing electoral wards of Aberystwyth Bronglais, Llanbadarn Fawr-Padarn and Llanbadarn Fawr-Sulien, compared to the proposed county average, and have therefore considered alternative arrangements for the area.

159. In consideration of the representations received, the Commission notes the desirability of combining the existing electoral wards of Llanbadarn Fawr Padarn and Llanbadarn Fawr Sulien within the proposed arrangements. The Commission also identified that, in order to

Page 49 CEREDIGION DRAFT PROPOSALS REPORT

improve the high levels of electoral variance in the electoral wards for this area, the Bronglais ward of the Town of Aberystwyth needs to be included with a neighbouring area.

160. The Commission proposes combining the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr with the Bronglais ward of the Town of Aberystwyth to form an electoral ward with 2,422 electors (2,686 projected electors) which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation that is 13% below the proposed county average. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh language name of Bronglais a Llanbadarn Fawr; and the English language name of Bronglais and Llanbadarn Fawr. The Welsh Language Commissioner considered the names and proposed no change to the Commission’s proposal. The Commission welcomes any suggestions for alternative names.

161. The Commission acknowledge the large differences between the population of eligible voters and the actual number of electors within the existing electoral ward of Aberystwyth Bronglais, and considered the viability of retaining the existing electoral arrangements against the electoral and population statistics provided by Ceredigion County Council and the ONS. The Commission’s view is that the projected electorate for the area of Bronglais does not show a significant increase in the electorate within the next five years and, despite a large number of students residing in the area for part of the year, places limited justification towards Ceredigion County Council's recommendation to retain the existing electoral arrangements.

162. The Commission noted a viable alternative proposal which would combine the Bronglais, Canol/Central and Gogledd/North wards of the Town of Aberystwyth to form a two-member electoral ward and create a separate single-member electoral ward for the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr.

163. The Commission considered all of the available alternatives and considered that the most appropriate area to combine with Bronglais is the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr. The Commission acknowledges that this proposal generates a community split for the ward of Bronglais in combining with a neighbouring community. However, the Commission considers that this proposal substantially improves the electoral parity in the area and is supported by strong communication links along the A44 trunk road and ties to the University. In creating wards with improved electoral parity, this proposal also provides the least disruption to the Town of Aberystwyth.

164. The Commission acknowledges that both proposals referenced in paragraphs 160 and 162 for the Town of Aberystwyth and the Community of Llanbadarn Fawr would result in arrangements with appropriate levels of electoral variance. The Commission welcomes views on these proposals and their ability to aid in the delivery of effective and convenient local government.

Page 50 LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

Page 51 CEREDIGION DRAFT PROPOSALS REPORT

Chapter 5. SUMMARY OF PROPOSED ARRANGEMENTS

1. The existing electoral arrangements (as shown at Appendix 2) provide the following levels of electoral representation within the County of Ceredigion:

• Electoral variance ranges from 41% below the current county average (Llanbadarn Fawr Sulien) to 48% above the current county average (Llansantffraed) of 1,252 electors per councillor; • 16 electoral wards (40%) have levels of representation in excess of 25% above or below the current county average of 1,252 electors per councillor; • 16 electoral wards (40%) have levels of representation between 10% and 25% above or below the current county average of 1,252 electors per councillor; and, • The remaining eight electoral wards (20%) have levels of representation less than 10% above or below the current county average of 1,252 electors per councillor.

2. In comparison with the existing electoral arrangements shown above, the proposed electoral arrangements (as shown at Appendix 3) illustrate the following improvements to electoral representation across the County:

• Provides a level of representation that ranges from Aberystwyth Penparcau – at 25% below - to Llandysul North and Troedyraur - at 23% above - the proposed county average of 1,384 electors per councillor (based on the existing electoral figures); • No electoral wards have levels of representation in excess of 25% above or below the proposed county average of 1,384 electors per councillor; • 19 (58%) of the proposed electoral wards have levels of representation more than 10% above or below the proposed county average of 1,384 electors per councillor; and, • The remaining 14 (42%) of electoral wards are all less than 10% above or below the proposed county average of 1,384 electors per councillor.

3. As described in Appendix 4, in producing a scheme of electoral arrangements the Commission must have regard to a number of issues contained in the legislation. It is not always possible to resolve all of these, sometimes conflicting, issues. In the Commission’s proposed scheme, emphasis has been placed upon achieving improvements in electoral parity, whilst maintaining community ties wherever possible. The Commission recognises that the creation of electoral wards, which depart from the pattern which now exists, may impact upon existing ties between communities and straddle multiple community councils. Every effort has been made to ensure that the revised electoral wards, in the Commission’s view, are appropriate combinations of existing communities and community wards.

4. The Commission has looked at each area and are satisfied that it would be difficult to achieve electoral arrangements that keep the existing combination of communities and community wards without having a detrimental effect on one or more of the other issues that must be considered. The Commission recognise however, that there may be different combinations of communities and community wards that better reflect community ties and would welcome any alternative suggestions that comply with the legislation.

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5. In this document the proposed electoral wards have been given working names which are intended to represent an area rather than particular settlements, villages, or towns. The Commission understand that there may be names that are more appropriate and would welcome alternative suggestions. The Commission request that these suggested names should not merely consist of listed communities and villages but, instead, should reflect the character of the areas involved as well as being effective in either English or Welsh.

6. This draft scheme represents the Commission’s preliminary views on the electoral arrangements for the County of Ceredigion. The Commission welcomes any representations in respect of these proposals and will consider carefully all representations made, before formulating final proposals and submitting them to the Welsh Government.

Chapter 6. RESPONSES TO THIS REPORT

1. All observations on these draft proposals should be sent to:

The Chief Executive Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales Hastings House Fitzalan Court Cardiff CF24 0BL

Or by email to:

[email protected]

not later than 16 April 2018.

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Chapter 7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

1. The Commission wishes to express their gratitude to the Principal Council, all the Town and Community Councils, other interested bodies and persons who made representations and provided their assistance during the course of developing these draft proposals. The Commission commends the draft proposals contained within this report.

OWEN WATKIN OBE DL (Chair)

CERI STRADLING (Deputy Chair)

DAVID POWELL (Member)

JULIE MAY (Member)

THEODORE JOLOZA (Member)

STEVE HALSALL (Chief Executive)

January 2018

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APPENDIX 1 – GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Commission The Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales.

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

Community Council An elected council that provides services to their particular community area. A Community Council may be divided for community electoral purposes into community wards. Community / Town An area within a Community Council created for community electoral ward purposes.

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

Electoral wards The areas into which Principal Councils are divided for the purpose of electing county councillors, previously referred to as electoral divisions.

Electoral review A review in which the Commission considers the electoral arrangements for a Principal Council.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Projected electorate The five-year forecast of the electorate

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

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

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

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

Page 2 CEREDIGION COUNTY COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

22 Llandysiliogogo The Communities of Landysiliogogo and Llanllwchaiarn 1 1,511 1,511 21% 1,565 1,565 18% 1,607

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Aberaeron The Town of Aberaeron and the Llanddewi Aberarth ward of the Community of Dyffryn Arth 1 1,408 1,408 2% 1,452 1,452 -1%

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

3 Aberystwyth Central The Canol/Central ward of the Town of Aberystwyth 1 1,165 1,165 -16% 1,422 1,422 -3%

4 Aberystwyth North The Gogledd/North ward of the Town of Aberystwyth 1 1,115 1,115 -19% 1,206 1,206 -17%

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

6 Aberystwyth Rheidol The Rheidol ward of the Town of Aberystwyth 1 1,573 1,573 14% 1,745 1,745 20%

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

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

9 Bronglais and Llanbadarn Fawr The Community of Llanbadarn Fawr and the Bronglais ward of the Town of Aberystwyth 2 2,422 1,211 -13% 2,686 1,343 -8%

10 Cardigan The Town of Cardigan 2 3,131 1,566 13% 3,246 1,623 11%

11 Ceulanamaesmawr The Communities of Ceulanamaesmawr, Llangynfelyn and Ysgubor-y-Coed 1 1,474 1,474 7% 1,531 1,531 5%

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

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

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

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

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

Llandysiliogogo and 17 The Communities of Llandysiliogogo and Llangrannog 1 1,456 1,456 5% 1,495 1,495 2% Llangrannog

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

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

20 Llanfarian The Community of Llanfarian and the Llanbadarn y Creuddyn Uchaf ward of the Community of Melindwr 1 1,336 1,336 -3% 1,374 1,374 -6%

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

The Communities of Llanddewi Brefi, Llanfair Clydogau and Llangybi and the Gartheli ward of the Community of 22 Llangybi and Llanddewi Brefi 1 1,580 1,580 14% 1,645 1,645 13% Nantcwnlle

23 Llanrhystyd The Communities of Llangwyryfon and Llanrhystyd 1 1,242 1,242 -10% 1,303 1,303 -11% CEREDIGION COUNTY COUNCIL APPENDIX 3 PROPOSED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

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

24 Llansantffraed The Community of Llansantffraed and the Llanbadarn Trefeglwys ward of the Community of Dyffryn Arth 1 1,510 1,510 9% 1,575 1,575 8%

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

26 Lledrod The Communities of Lledrod, Ystrad Fflur and Ystrad Meurig 1 1,397 1,397 1% 1,428 1,428 -2%

The Communities of Blaenrheidol, Pontarfynach and Ysbyty Ystwyth and the Goginan and Penllwyn wards of the 27 Melindwr 1 1,677 1,677 21% 1,763 1,763 21% Community of Melindwr

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

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

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

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

32 Tregaron with Llangeitho The Town of Tregaron and the Community of Llangeitho 1 1,515 1,515 9% 1,581 1,581 8%

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

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

2017 2022 More than + or - 25% of County average 0 0% 1 3% Between + or - 10% and + or - 25% of County average 19 58% 15 45% Between 0% and + or - 10% of County average 14 42% 17 52% APPENDIX 4

RULES AND PROCEDURES

Scope and Object of the Review

1. Section 29 (1) of the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (the Act) lays upon the Commission the duty, at least once in every review period of ten years, to review the electoral arrangements for every principal area in Wales, for the purpose of considering whether or not to make proposals to the Welsh Government for a change in those electoral arrangements. In conducting a review the Commission must seek to ensure effective and convenient local government (Section 21 (3) of the Act).

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

Electoral Arrangements

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

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

(b) in consequence of such changes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

iv) the name of any electoral ward.

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Considerations for a review of principal area electoral arrangements

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

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

(b) have regard to:

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

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

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

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

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

Local government changes

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

Procedure

8. Chapter 4 of the Act lays down procedural guidelines which are to be followed in carrying out a review. In compliance with this part of the Act, the Commission wrote on 18 January 2017 to Ceredigion County Council, all the Community Councils in the area, the Members of Parliament for the local constituencies, the Assembly Members for the area, and other interested parties to inform them of our intention to conduct the review and to request their preliminary views. The Commission invited the County Council to submit a suggested scheme or schemes for new electoral arrangements and also requested Ceredigion County Council display a number of public notices in their area. The Commission also made available copies of the Electoral Reviews: Policy and Practice document. In addition, the Commission made a presentation to both County and Community councillors explaining the review process.

Page 2 APPENDIX 4

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

Policy and Practice

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

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

Crown Copyright

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

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

1. Ceredigion County Council wrote on the 3 April 2017 outlining their recommendations for electoral arrangements across the county, following the conclusion of their Task and Finish Groups considerations towards the County’s existing arrangements on the 16 March 2017. The Task and Finish group set out a series of options for consideration at a Council meeting and submitted the following paper to the Commission to present the views of the Council.

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2. Councillor John Roberts (Faenor) wrote on the 3 February 2017 highlighting the issues of registration and effective representation in electoral wards with high student populations, arguing that a normal registration by students (rather than registering students en bloc) would only add between 150 and 250 electors to the electorate total in Faenor.

He stated that an electorate total of 1,353 in the existing electoral ward of Faenor is compatible with the Commission’s proposed council size aim of 1,384 electors per councillor.

He agreed that the electoral wards of Llanbadarn Fawr Padarn and Llanbadarn Fawr Sulien should form the new electoral ward of Llanbadarn Fawr, given their historic status.

3. Councillor T. Haydn Lewis (Penparc) emailed on the 17 April 2017 to support the rationalisation of electorate numbers within electoral wards, however, expressed his belief that having arrangements with equal numbers [of electors] is only part of the story.

He stated his belief that the balance between Llechryd and the rest of the ward is excellent.

He put forward his objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of the area of Ferwig from the electoral ward of Penparc, into the electoral ward of Cardigan Mwldan. He believes this proposal would completely unbalance the existing ward of Penparc, suggesting a candidate from Llechryd would have an advantage in an election, and highlights the differences in rurality between the two electoral wards.

4. Llanllwchaearn Community Council wrote on the 19 February 2017 to express the councillors’ unanimous view that the Community of Llanllwchaearn should retain its existing electoral union with the Community of Llandysiliogogo at ward level. They propose that this arrangement is well established and provides the best arrangements for the future.

Page 8 APPENDIX 5 They state their objection to merging the Community of Llanllwchaearn in its entirety with the Town of New Quay to create an electoral ward because the Communities of Llanllwchaearn and Llandysiliogogo are;

• fundamentally rural and uniform in nature – in comparison with the urban nature of New Quay; • a social unit, bound by the following patterns of local social networks; o the catchment area of Ysgol Bro Siôn Cwilt, o the catchment area of Caerwedros Memorial Hall, o the catchment area of a number of the area’s societies and clubs e.g. Caerwedros YFC, the Urdd Youth Club, Mudiad Meithrin, Merched y Wawr, the Women’s Institute, Bowling club, the area’s chapels etc, o the catchment area of shops and business in Cross Inn and Caerwedros; • similar in terms of civil needs, local issues and social priorities; but are completely different to the social needs and priorities of the tourist seaside Town of New Quay; • uniform in village community size – in comparison with the population of the Town of New Quay, particularly during the summer months.

They also suggest that the Commission give consideration to two variations of the existing community boundaries in this area.

5. Llangeitho Community Council emailed on the 6 March 2017 to state that they wish to maintain their current electoral arrangements.

The Council also expressed their view that the Commission should not confuse the opinions of Town Councils and Community Councils because they are often vastly different.

The Council also suggested a minor community boundary change.

6. Lledrod Community Council emailed on the 26 March 2017 to express their opposition to an arrangement which would see the removal of Blaenpennal community ward from the Lledrod electoral ward and into the electoral ward of Tregaron.

The Community Council state that Blaenpennal and the surrounding area is a rural area in which rural issues are given priority, whereas Tregaron Town Council faces more urban issues. The Council feel the interests and wellbeing of Blaenpennal would not be held on a level playing field.

The Community Council feel the existing Lledrod electoral ward has worked effectively and successfully with community councillors and residents for a great number of years.

7. Llanfihangel Ystrad Community Council emailed on the 12 April 2017 to support the aim of changing the number of electors to be more equal for every County Councillor.

8. Cardigan Town Council emailed on the 13 April 2017 with reference to an arrangement which would see the hamlets of Ferwig, Gwbert and Mwnt transfer from the electoral ward of Penparc, into an electoral ward in Cardigan.

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The Council state their reservations regarding the merging of rural and urban wards, as they believe it would complicate the administrative and practical responsibilities of minor administrations.

9. Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group wrote and emailed on the 12 April 2017 to notify the Commission of the outcome of a public meeting held in the village of Blaenpennal on Tuesday 4 April 2017.

The Community Group unanimously agreed to object to an arrangement which would see the transfer of Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd from the electoral ward of Lledrod, into the electoral ward of Tregaron, for the following reasons:

• Tregaron is a town ward, whereas Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd were very rural and have very different needs. • Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd shared many community facilities with Lledrod and Bronant, such as Cymdeithas Hanes Blaenpennal, the Brownies Group, Merched y Wawr and Bronant Primary School – Ysgol Rhos yr Wlad. • The communities are all part of the Mynydd Bach area; an area which has been recognised as a natural geographic, cultural and social area for many centuries. • Communication with Tregaron is very difficult as the broadband in Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd areas is very poor. They explain the main road A487 runs along the eastern extremity of the Blaenpennal area. • As Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd would still form part of Lledrod Community Council, there would be a conflict of administration interests.

The Community Group propose the joining of Caron-Uwch-Clawdd Community Ward to Tregaron in order to meet a desired councillor/resident ratio; which they believe would satisfy the aspect of natural boundaries in keeping the electorate ward to one side of the Teifi valley.

The Community group also propose the joining of Llangeitho and Tregaron into an electoral ward, as well as the joining of Llanddewi Brefi with Llanfair Clydogau into an electoral ward. They believe this would have the net saving of one councillor and bring the ratio of councillor to electorate much closer to the target figure. The Community Group also believe this option would be preferable as it unites semi-urban village communities with another urban community.

10. Community Councillor Harry Hayfield (Llansantffraed Community Council) emailed on the 11 April 2017 with a proposed scheme of electoral arrangements for the entire County of Ceredigion, with a view to creating 37 electoral wards served by 38 members.

The Councillor supplied a detailed breakdown of proposed electoral wards and new electoral ward names, in addition to supplying paper maps to illustrate his proposals; shown below.

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Dear Sir, I would like to make the following proposals as part of your review of Ceredigion County Council. From the documents that you published, I understand that each councillor must have an electorate of as close to 1,460 where possible, therefore my submission contains the name of the new proposed ward, the community wards that comprise that ward, the future electorate as published and the difference from the electoral quota expressed as a percentage. I also enclose maps (made using Google Earth and openly available SHP files) to show the proposed wards in map form. My proposal is for 38 councillors to be elected from 37 wards (36 single member wards and 1 double member ward).

Borth and Geneu'r Glyn 1,631 (112% of electoral quota) Ceulanamaesmawr (Llangynfelyn, Ysgubor-y-Coed, 1,531 (105% of electoral quota) Ceulanamaesmawr) Clarach and Bow Street (Llangorwen, Tirmynach) 1,414 (97% of electoral quota) Trefeurig 1,393 (95% of electoral quota) Aberystwyth North 1,206 (83% of electoral quota) Aberystwyth, Bronglais 1,025 (70% of electoral quota) Aberystwyth Central 1,422 (97% of electoral quota) Aberystwyth, Rheidol 1,745 (120% of electoral quota) Aberystwyth, Penparcau 2,190 (150% of electoral quota) Llanbadarn Fawr (Padarn, Sulien) 1,661 (114% of electoral quota) Comins Coch and Faenor (Waunfawr, Faenor) 1,640 (112% of electoral quota) Pumlumon Fawr and Ponterwyd (Blaenrheidol, 1,199 (82% of electoral quota) Llanbadarn y Creuddyn Uchaf, Goginan, Penllwyn) Blaenplwyf and Capel Seion (Llanbadarn y Creuddyn, 1,276 (88% of electoral quota) Llanychaiarn, Deiniol) Ystwyth Valley (Pontarfynach, Ysbyty Ystwyth, Llanafan, 1,523 (104% of electoral quota) Llanfihangel y Creuddyn) Llanon, Llansantffraed and Llanrhystud (Mefenydd, 1,760 (121% of electoral quota) Haminiog, Llansantffraed) Strata Florida (Caron-Uwch-Clawdd, Gwnnws Uchaf, 1,250 (86% of electoral quota Lledrod Uchaf, Lledrod Isaf, Blaenpennal) Tregaron and Llandewi Brefi (Tregaron, Llandewi Brefi) 1,422 (97% of electoral quota) Cilcennin and Bethania (Llanbadarn Trefeglwys, 1,914 (131% of electoral quota) Penwuch, Nantcwnlle, Cilcennin, Trefilan) Aeron Valley (Llanddewi Aberarth, Ciliau Aeron, 1,611 (110% of electoral quota) Henfynyw) Aberaeron (Aberaeron) 1,105 (76% of electoral quota) New Quay and Cross Inn (Llanllwchaiarn, New Quay) 1,599 (110% of electoral quota) Llanarth and Synod Inn (Llanarth, Mydroilyn) 1,172 (80% of electoral quota) Felinfach and Cribyn (Dihewid, Llanfihangel Ystrad, 1,174 (80% of electoral quota) Llangeitho and Llangybi (Gwynfil, Gartheli, Llangybi, 1,277 (87% of electoral quota) Llanfair Clydogau, Cellan) Lampeter (Lampeter) 1,790 (123% of electoral quota) Llanwenog (Silian, Llanwnnen, Llanwenog) 1,601 (110% of electoral quota) Llangrannog and Talgarreg (Llangrannog, 1,495 (102% of electoral quota Llandysiliogogo) Tresaith, Sarnau and Ffostrasol (Penbryn, Troedyraur) 1,785 (122% of electoral quota) Capel Dewi and Tre-groes (Pontshaen, Tregroes, 1,442 (99% of electoral quota) Llangynllo, Capel Dewi)

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Llandysul (Trefol) 1,101 (75% of electoral quota) Llandyfriog and Aber-banc (Llandyfriog, Orllwyn Teifi) 1,455 (100% of electoral quota) Beulah and Cenarth Falls (Llandygwydd, Beulah, Bettws 1,373 (94% of electoral quota) Evan, Brongwyn) Porth Valley (Aberporth) 1,871 (128% of electoral quota) Cardigan Rural (Y Ferwig, Llangoedmor) 1,872 (128% of electoral quota) Cardigan, Mwdlan (Mwdlan) 1,529 (105% of electoral quota) Cardigan, Teifiside (Teifi, Rhyd-y-Fuwch) 1,717 (118% of electoral quota)

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I hope that the Commission find this proposal of use and I look forward to receiving a copy of the Comission’s recommendations when it is published.

Yours sincerely Harry Hayfield National Health Action Party candidate for Llansantffraed County Ward

11. Two residents of Blaenpennal emailed on the 26 March 2017 to state their objection to an arrangement which would see the Community Ward of Blaenpennal be removed from their existing Electoral Ward of Lledrod, where they have worked successfully in partnership for many years, to form part of an Electoral Ward with Tregaron.

The residents highlight the differences in rurality between Blaenpennal and Tregaron, and their belief that, if they were to join with Tregaron, the interests and well-being of the residents in the rural area of Blaenpennal would not be dealt with fairly.

The two residents also emailed on the 18 April 2017 to give authorisation to the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a detailed objection, and alternatives, on their behalf.

12. Two residents of Blaenpennal emailed on the 26 March 2017 to oppose an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community ward of Blaenpennal, from the Electoral ward of Lledrod to the Electoral ward of Tregaron.

The two residents feel the area of Blaenpennal should be represented by a rural community council, rather than a town council.

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13. A resident of Blaenpennal emailed on the 27 March 2017 to oppose an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal, from the Electoral Ward of Lledrod to the Electoral Ward of Tregaron.

The resident stated that Blaenpennal is a very rural area, and so is the whole of the Lledrod electoral ward, whereas Tregaron is a town ward and therefore very unlike the nature or the needs of the Mynydd Bach area.

14. Two residents of Blaenpennal emailed on the 29 March 2017 to register their opposition to the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal from the Electoral Ward of Lledrod, to the Electoral Ward of Tregaron.

The residents state that Tregaron is a town ward and therefore very unlike the nature and needs of the Mynydd Bach area, and also explain that both Blaenpennal and the rest of Lledrod is a very rural area.

15. A resident of Blaenpennal emailed on the 29 March 2017 to register their objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal from the Lledrod electoral ward to the Tregaron electoral ward.

The resident states Tregaron is a town and residents in Blaenpennal are, by nature of its position, rural, living without street lighting, main draining and some other services.

16. Two residents of Blaenpennal wrote and emailed on the 11 April 2017 to register their objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal from the Lledrod electoral ward to the Tregaron electoral ward.

The residents also gave authorisation for the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a detailed objection and alternatives on their behalf.

17. A resident of Bontnewydd wrote and emailed on the 11 April 2017 to register their objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal from the Lledrod electoral ward to the Tregaron electoral ward.

The resident also gave authorisation for the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a detailed objection, and alternatives, on their behalf.

18. A resident of Bontnewydd wrote and emailed on the 11 April 2017 to register their objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal from the Lledrod electoral ward to the Tregaron electoral ward.

The resident also gave authorisation for the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a detailed objection, and alternatives, on their behalf.

Page 14 APPENDIX 5 19. Two residents of Blaenpennal emailed on the 11 April 2017 to register their objection to an arrangement which would see the change of the Lledrod ward to Tregaron.

The residents also state their belief that Blaenpennal is a very rural community and fits well with the neighbouring Lledrod, and if Blaenpennal were to be transferred into Tregaron the needs of the community would be overlooked; as small rural villages have far different requirements than towns like Tregaron.

20. Two residents of Blaenpennal wrote and emailed on the 11 April 2017 to register their objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal from the Lledrod electoral ward to the Tregaron electoral ward.

The residents also gave authorisation for the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a detailed objection and alternatives on their behalf.

21. Two residents of Bontnewydd wrote on the 13 April 2017 to object to the areas of Bontnewydd and Blaenpennal being joined with Tregaron.

22. A resident of Bontnewydd wrote on the 18 April 2017 to register their objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal from the Lledrod electoral ward to the Tregaron electoral ward.

The resident also gave authorisation for the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a detailed objection, and alternatives, on their behalf.

23. Two residents of Bontnewydd wrote on the 18 April 2017 to register their objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal from the Lledrod electoral ward to the Tregaron electoral ward.

The residents also gave authorisation for the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a detailed objection and alternatives on their behalf.

24. Three residents of Blaenpennal wrote on the 18 April 2017 to register their objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal from the Lledrod electoral ward to the Tregaron electoral ward.

The residents also gave authorisation for the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a detailed objection and alternatives on their behalf.

25. Two residents of Blaenpennal wrote on the 18 April 2017 to register their objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal from the Lledrod electoral ward to the Tregaron electoral ward.

Page 15 APPENDIX 5 The residents also gave authorisation for the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a detailed objection and alternatives on their behalf.

26. Two residents of Bontnewydd wrote on the 18 April 2017 to register their objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal from the Lledrod electoral ward to the Tregaron electoral ward, for the following reasons.

• Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd are within the naturally described Mynydd Bach area. The mountain provides a sense of place. • The two residents feel they have far more connections with the Lledrod ward due to shared rural lifestyle and interests. • The concerns of a town and those of a dispersed rural community are very different. It would be impossible for one councillor to effectively represent both. The two residents believe their rural voice would be lost amid the clamour of a town’s.

The residents felt there are other possibilities better suited to all:

• Geographically, Tregaron joins more logically to Pontrefendigaid, all adjoining lands being on the same side of the bog and defined by the Teifi River. • To bring about a reduction of one councillor by joining Tregaron to Llangeitho, and Llanddewi Brefi to Llanfair Clydogau; stating this would join areas more sympathetically allied and would bring closer parity.

27. Two residents of Blaenpennal wrote on the 18 April 2017 to register their objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal from the Lledrod electoral ward to the Tregaron electoral ward.

The residents see no reason to move the very rural area of Blaenpennal to the town area of Tregaron.

The residents also gave authorisation for the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a detailed objection and alternatives on their behalf.

28. A resident of Bontnewydd wrote on the 18 April 2017 to register their objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal from the Lledrod electoral ward to the Tregaron electoral ward.

The resident also gave authorisation for the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a detailed objection, and alternatives, on their behalf.

29. A resident of Bontnewydd wrote on the 18 April 2017 to register their objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal from the Lledrod electoral ward to the Tregaron electoral ward.

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The resident also gave authorisation for the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a detailed objection, and alternatives, on their behalf.

30. A resident of Blaenpennal wrote on the 18 April 2017 to register their objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of Blaenpennal from the Lledrod electoral ward to the Tregaron electoral ward. They stated the area’s residents are opposed to such an arrangement and believe it is not sensible.

The resident highlighted Blaenpennal is a rural community which belongs naturally with the other villages of Mynydd Bach, Bronant, Lledrod, Trefenter, Llangwyryfon, Bethania and Penuwch; whereas the area of Tregaron is much more populated and has a much more urban feel.

The resident proposed the transfer of the community ward of Caron-Uwch-Clawdd into the electoral ward of Tregaron, rather than the community ward of Blaenpennal, believing this arrangement to be the most suitable.

31. Two residents of Bontnewydd wrote on the 18 April 2017 to register their objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal from the Lledrod electoral ward to the Tregaron electoral ward.

The residents also gave authorisation for the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a detailed objection and alternatives on their behalf.

32. A resident of Bontnewydd wrote on the 18 April 2017 to register their objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal from the Lledrod electoral ward to the Tregaron electoral ward.

The resident states that the area of Pontrhydfendigaid (spanning the community wards of Caron-Uwch-Clawdd and Gwnnws Uchaf in the Community of Ystrad Fflur) is more similar to Tregaron. The resident questions whether this may be a more appropriate proposal.

33. Three residents of Bontnewydd wrote on the 18 April 2017 to register their objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal from the Lledrod electoral ward to the Tregaron electoral ward.

The residents also gave authorisation for the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a detailed objection and alternatives on their behalf.

34. Two residents of Bontnewydd wrote on the 18 April 2017 to register their objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal from the Lledrod electoral ward to the Tregaron electoral ward.

Page 17 APPENDIX 5 The residents also gave authorisation for the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a detailed objection and alternatives on their behalf.

35. A resident of Blaenpennal emailed on the 18 April 2017 to state their objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal from the Lledrod electoral ward to the Tregaron electoral ward.

36. A resident of Blaenpennal emailed on the 19 April 2017 to register their objection to an arrangement which would see the transfer of the Community Ward of Blaenpennal from the Lledrod electoral ward to the Tregaron electoral ward.

The resident also gave authorisation for the Committee of the Blaenpennal and Bontnewydd Community Group to submit a detailed objection, and alternatives, on their behalf.

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WRITTEN STATEMENT BY THE WELSH GOVERNMENT

TITLE LOCAL ELECTIONS AND ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS

DATE Thursday 23rd JUNE 2016

MARK DRAKEFORD, CABINET SECRETARY FOR FINANCE AND BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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