Agenda item

Joint Report of the Chief Executive and Assistant Chief Executive and Chief Digital Officer enclosed

Members considered the above report and noted that the implications arising from reducing the election age had not been factored into the proposals neither had the increase in the number of electorates as a result of the influx of students. 

Some Members felt that the proposals disproportionately affected valley communities by reducing member representation and adversely affecting valley identities.  Consideration had not been given to the affects that the proposals would have on the residents.

Some Members were unhappy with the recommendations contained in the circulated report in particular:

·      The proposed alignment of the Pelenna and the Bryn and Cwmavon wards.

·      The proposed amalgamation of the Glynneath and Blaengwrach wards.

·      The proposed amalgamation of the Pontardawe and the Trebanos wards.

·      The proposal for the Aberafan ward.

An addendum had been circulated, prior to the meeting, outlining the concerns of the Plaid Cymru Group and proposing an amendment to the recommendations contained in the Joint Report.  

Members were reminded that the consultation document had been issued by the Boundary Commission and that levels of deprivation, crime, etc. could not be taken into account.  The proposals were based on population numbers. 

The amendment contained in the addendum was put to the meeting.  This fell and the substantive recommendation as contained in the Joint Report was considered.

RESOLVED:       That the Chief Executive be authorised to submit a response to the Boundary Commission based on the officer assessment contained in the circulated report.