Agenda item

            The Senior Democratic Services Officer reminded the Members that the Local Government Boundaries Commissioner was currently undertaking a review of Local Government Boundaries. The Commissioner was planning to publish her proposals in an accessible online format and, in order to accommodate those members of the public who may not have internet access, had asked the Council to place a computer in one of its facilities, such as a community centre.

            In addition, the Commissioner would, at the end of September, be convening public hearings on the provisional proposals for each Council area. Given the current public health issues, it was likely that these would be held virtually rather than in person. However, she was hoping to convene an in-person hearing for at least a limited number of people and, therefore, had requested the Council to provide an appropriate venue. He pointed out that the Council had, in the past, in the interest of allowing wider access by the public, granted free use of a room in the City Hall for similar events.

            The Senior Democratic Services Officer went on to state that, in January 2021, the Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland had announced the commencement of the 2023 Review of Parliamentary constituency boundaries in Northern Ireland, in accordance with the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986, as amended. The Commission had also recently published its Guide to the Review, which included information on the upcoming boundary review process and set out how members of the public, political parties and wider civic society would be able to share their views.

            He explained that the publication of the Commission’s initial proposals and the first period of public consultation was planned for autumn 2021, with further periods of public consultation planned during 2022, in line with the statutory requirements. The Commission was required to make a copy of its proposals available for inspection by the public at specified places within each proposed constituency. During previous reviews, Public Display Points had been established in a range of public venues across all constituencies, including local council buildings and public libraries. This had ensured that there had been widespread access to the Commission’s proposals, in addition to them being made available on the Commission’s website. 

            He confirmed that the Boundary Commission was proposing to adopt a similar approach for the 2023 Review, although it was conscious of possible public health restrictions which may be in place in the autumn. It was, therefore, seeking approval, in principle, to establish one or more Public Display Points within Council buildings throughout the eight-week consultation period. Again, during the previous review, the Council had made available a space in the reception area of the City Hall to display the proposals.

            The Members of the Committee agreed to recommend that, in accordance with the Council decision of 4th May, the Chief Executive exercise her delegated authority to approve the requests for the free use of Council facilities, as outlined, subject to all public health measures in place at the time being adhered to.