Issue - meetings

Presentation by Local Government Boundary Commission

The Group considered a report which advised of the Boundary Commission for Scotland’s proposals for the Argyll and Bute area. Colin Wilson and Ronnie Hinds provided an overview of the changes proposed to ward boundaries in the Argyll and Bute area and the process for and reasoning behind the proposed changes, noting that no changes had been made to the boundaries for Argyll and Bute Council since 2007.

Discussion took place around: the benefits of island only wards in comparison to wards which included both island and mainland areas;  the potential impact of the proposed changes in representation for those who would be placed in larger or smaller wards; the benefits of continuity by maintaining the current wards; the potential impact on lifeline services such as ferries if wards were to change; the willingness and ability of the Local Government Boundary Commission to take into account the views of the Council and local constituents during the consultation period; and the newly proposed boundaries being suited to service delivery arrangements in the area.

Colin Wilson advised that further details regarding the review were available on the Local Government Boundary Commission’s website at https://lgbc-scotland.gov.uk/2019-reviews-electoral-arrangements, noting that any further questions or comments could be directed to the Local Government Boundary Commission by e-mail at lgbcs@scottishboundaries.gov.uk and feedback to the consultation could be given at https://consult.lgbc-scotland.gov.uk/reviews/argyll_and_bute_council_area_public_consultation/ .

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group;

1.    noted the position; and

2.    noted that further questions and comments could be addressed to the Local Government Boundary Commission using the details provided.

(Reference: Report by the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland, dated 10 November 2020, submitted)