Consultation on Electoral Review of Dorset Council – Closes 1st June 2026

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) is conducting an electoral review to make sure that each local councillor represents about the same number of electors, and that the wards they represent reflect community identities. Following an earlier consultation with the Council, the Commission concluded that Dorset Council needs 82 councillors to be able to operate effectively. This is the same number as it has now.

In drawing up new electoral wards, the Commission must balance three legal criteria, namely:

• to deliver electoral equality: where each councillor represents roughly the same number of electors as others across the county;
• that the pattern of wards should, as far as possible, reflect the interests and identities of local communities;
• that the electoral arrangements should provide for effective and convenient local government.

The consultation is easy to complete with various fields identifying who you or your organisation are followed by a text box where you are asked to share your views. When putting forward a view you are urged to include evidence that supports your submission, for example, if you wish to argue that two areas should be included in the same electoral ward, make sure you explain why they should be together, providing evidence about community facilities, ties, organisations, and amenities, rather than simply asserting that they belong together.

The consultation will close on 1 June 2026. The Commission aims to publish draft recommendations in September 2026 followed by a further period of consultation on the draft recommendations. The new electoral arrangements will come into effect at the local elections in May 2029.

Complete the consultation.