Thurrock Council

12/03/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 12/03/2024 11:11

A new political map for Thurrock Council

New boundaries for Thurrock Council's wards will go to Parliament for decision following a Local Government Boundary Commission (LGBC) review of the council's ward arrangements.

The recommendations put forward by the LGBC will change the boundaries of all the borough's wards, however Thurrock will continue to have 49 councillors representing 20 wards - nine of which will be represented by three councillors and 11 of which will be represented by two councillors - despite the boundary changes.

The LGBC's recommendations will become law once Parliament has approved them in early 2025. Once approved by Parliament the new ward map will first be implemented in the May 2025 Thurrock local elections.

Cllr John Kent, Leader of Thurrock Council, said:

"We thank the commission for their work reviewing our ward boundaries and thank all residents who took the time to feed into the consultation over the last year. This is the first time in 20 years our political map has been reviewed and we are grateful for all the commission's efforts to ensure that new ward boundaries reflect the changes that have happened in the borough over that time.

"The Boundary Commission has listened to feedback from residents and retained current names of wards such as Belhus, Ockendon and Homesteads and rethought its proposals for Grays.

"The commission's work will mean that all Thurrock residents will be able to elect members on new ward boundaries ensuring that each councillor represents a similar sized population.

"I would urge all residents to check the new maps to make sure that they know which ward they are in and where their local polling station will be, when they are announced."

Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Local Government Boundary Commission, said:

"We are very grateful to people in Thurrock. We looked at all the views they gave us. They helped us improve our earlier proposals.

We believe the new arrangements will deliver electoral fairness while maintaining local ties."

Details of the LGBC's review can be found at Local Government Boundary Commission: Thurrock review.