East Devon boundary changes will mean 'loss of rural representation'
Letter from Cllr Geoff Jung
Raleigh Ward, as we know it, is set to be abolished.
The proposal by the Boundary Commission is for the creation of a “super ward”, with three District Councillors representing a new ward called “Budleigh Raleigh” from 2019.
So why is this a bad idea? Let me explain:
I currently represent the rural ward of Raleigh as a District Councillor and there are 3 Town Councillors from Budleigh Salterton who are also District Councillors for the present Budliegh Ward. So you will lose a rural District Councillor and the combined ward will be represented by 3 Councillors whose main interests are likely to be for the town of Budleigh Salterton.
The stated aims of the boundary re-organisation are to:
- Improve electoral equality by equalising the number of electors each council represents;
- Reflect community identity;
- Provide for effective and convenient local government.
I believe this proposal for the formation of a “super ward” of Budleigh Raleigh with 3 councillors will result in none of the stated objectives being met.
District Councils are responsible for street cleaning, curb side waste/recycling, and planning and in the case of EDDC social housing.
There will always be under representation for residents in rural areas by District Councillors, because Councillors representing urban areas outnumber rural Councillors. These proposals make this situation worse overall by increasing the number of urban Councillors from 36 to 39 and reducing the number of rural Councillors from 22 to 21.
This imbalance can result in decisions that favour the needs of the towns as against the needs and wishes of the rural areas.
There are many examples of where decisions can favour urban residents to the disadvantage of rural residents: docks and important employment areas being lost to slick marinas and ‘executive’ housing; inappropriate industrial/commercial development actively being encouraged within the open countryside.
The very nature of our villages and our beautiful countryside attracts tourists. It is vital to retain the character and appeal of the area for what is a major source of income. Great care is needed to protect the rural nature of our villages and surrounding countryside and the needs of farming, forestry, conservation and habitat protection need very careful consideration.
Rural areas need effective representation and it is important that the villages have their own representative wherever possible; one who does not have a vested interest elsewhere.
There will be twice as many residents within the town of Budleigh Salterton (Estimated 4639) as against the rural area (Estimated 1993). This is likely to mean the councillors will be elected from the town to represent the whole ward.
It should also be noted that the estimated figure for the town of Budliegh Salterton is only 24 residents above the target figure for a two-Councillor ward.
The Boundary Commission`s proposal is unrepresentative, undemocratic and could result in the rural areas again being used for the kind of unwanted and inappropriate commercial development that has taken place previously.
I object to this proposal and request that the decision to amalgamate the rural parishes with the town of Budleigh Salterton be replaced with a single rural ward and a two-Councillor ward of Budleigh Salterton.
If you agree, please email reviews@lgbce.org.uk
Or write to The Review Officer (East Devon)Local Government boundary commission for England.14th Floor Millbank Tower.Millbank London SW1P4QP
The opinions of local people are important and will be considered by the Boundary Commission. The closing date for comments is Monday 3rd April.
To view the draft recommendations Local Government Boundary Commission for England website www.lgbce.org.uk.
Cllr Geoff Jung
Raleigh Ward
EDDC
