Proposed new electoral boundary changes would see Banbury in the same parliamentary constituency as Chipping Norton

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) launches online public consultation for on the proposed boundaries
Image of the map for the proposed new constituency boundaries for the Banbury area as published by the Boundary Commission for England (BCE)Image of the map for the proposed new constituency boundaries for the Banbury area as published by the Boundary Commission for England (BCE)
Image of the map for the proposed new constituency boundaries for the Banbury area as published by the Boundary Commission for England (BCE)

A public consultation has started for the proposed electoral boundary changes which would see Banbury in the same parliamentary constituency as Chipping Norton.

The new electoral boundary changes just announced today (Tuesday June 8) would mean Banbury would no longer be in the same parliamentary constituency as Bicester.

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) has published its initial proposals for new constituency boundaries.

Victoria Prentis, a member of Parliament for Banbury and North Oxfordshire, said: “It has been clear for some time now that the Banbury constituency would need to be looked at carefully during the next round of boundary reform given the level of growth across North Oxfordshire.

"With a population of over 125,000 and an electorate of over 90,000, it is one of the largest Parliamentary constituencies in the UK.

“While the decision to form a new Bicester constituency does not come as a surprise, it is important to remember that these proposals have been put forward by the independent Boundary Commission. They will be subject to lengthy and detailed consultation in the weeks and months ahead. No decisions have been made.

“I would encourage all those who wish to have their say to do so via the Boundary Commission’s website: https://www.bcereviews.org.uk/.”

Image of the map for the current constituency boundaries for the Banbury areaImage of the map for the current constituency boundaries for the Banbury area
Image of the map for the current constituency boundaries for the Banbury area

The Boundary Commission is looking for feedback from the public on the proposed boundaries as part of an eight-week consultation process.

The eight week public consultation period on the electoral boundary proposals started today (Tuesday June 8), during which people are encouraged to give their views through the Government website, in particular describing alternatives they believe would be better.

Anyone who would like to make a comment can use the following web link: https://www.bcereviews.org.uk/node/add/informed-representation/6488

Members of the public are encouraged to visit www.bcereviews.org.uk to view maps showing the proposed new boundaries and provide feedback before the consultation closes on August 2.

People can comment on anything from where the proposed new boundary lines are to the names of the constituencies. There will be a further two rounds of consultation in 2022. Following the conclusion of all three consultation periods, the commission will look at all the evidence received before forming its final recommendations.

Tim Bowden, Secretary to the Boundary Commission for England, said:

“We consider all feedback received during the consultation process, and it is your local knowledge that helps us to shape constituencies that best reflect your local area. It is easy to get involved – view our proposals and have your say through our online consultation portal – www.bcereviews.org.uk.”

The 2023 Review of Parliamentary constituencies was formally launched in January this year. The commission is required to ensure that the number of electors in each constituency is more equal; in doing so, the number of constituencies in England will increase from 533 to 543. The commission is undertaking an independent review of all constituency boundaries in England, and will present its final recommendations to Parliament by July 2023.

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