Key Facts

• Amendment proposed: leave out subsection (2) of clause 1.
• The amendments aim to maintain the status quo of parliamentary oversight within the boundary review process.
• Clauses 1 and 2 are under discussion with regards to maintaining current oversight procedures.
• Clause 1 sets 1 July 2023 as the date by which boundary commissions must submit their final reports.
• The current Westminster constituencies are based on electoral data from the early 2000s, not reflecting recent democratic shifts and house building.
• The public consultation time for the next boundary review is proposed to be shortened from 24 to 18 weeks.
• Clause 2 changes how the recommendations of the boundary commissions are brought into effect.
• The clause aims to provide certainty and avoid interference or delay in implementing the boundary commission's proposals.
• Witnesses including respected academics support this change, citing similar practices in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
• The right hon. Gentleman is acknowledged as a former Secretary of State.
• Sir John Curtice mentioned that someone could introduce an overturning Bill if they wished.
• The hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton (Afzal Khan) tried to do this in the last Parliament.
• Amendment 10 would remove the words “and no more than five” in each of the subparagraphs under paragraph 2(1).
• The restriction on the number of hearings was described as problematic by Ms Drummond-Murray during a previous evidence session.
• The amendment aims to provide boundary commissions with flexibility for public engagement.
• The amendment would make the number of public hearings a matter of judgment for each boundary commission.
• Currently, there should be between two and five public hearings in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and each English region.
• Maintaining clear rules helps preserve the perceived independence of the boundary commissions.
• The current legislation requires public hearings during the first 12-week consultation period.
• The change allows boundary commissions to hold better-targeted hearings after reviewing initial feedback.
• The clause adjusts the secondary and third consultation periods for the next boundary review in 2021.
• Sir David Amess is addressing Clause 5 of the Parliamentary Constituencies Bill.
• The committee discussed voting on amendment 10, which will occur later in their proceedings.
• Members expressed appreciation for cooperation regarding hearings and consultation locations.
• UK population has grown by 5% since 2011.
• The Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 set the number of constituencies at 600.
• Brexit is considered relevant to the argument for maintaining 650 constituencies.
• Sir David Amess is chairing a Public Bill Committee session on the Parliamentary Constituencies Bill.
• The discussion has been diverted towards reform of the House of Lords by other members.
• Amendment 8 in clause 6 aims to insert “(a)” before “for”.
• Amendment 9 proposes adding a clause to allow boundary commissions to consider polling districts when drawing constituency boundaries.
• The amendment seeks to add to the current list of factors that boundary commissions may take into account as per rule 5(1).
• Evidence from June 18 suggests Scotland uses postcode data for more flexibility in boundary drawing.
• The amendments probe the requirement for polling district mapping to be available.
• Postcode data is used in Scotland and Wales but not in England.
• Mr Bellringer stated it would take a long time to create postcode areas in England.
• The amendment is a probing one tabled by the hon. Member for Glasgow East.
• Rule 5 of the 1968 Act is important when it comes to geography and keeping constituencies roughly as they are.
• There is concern about potential gerrymandering if polling districts were prescribed as starting points.
• Chris Matheson's constituency already has split wards with neighbouring constituencies.
• Splitting wards and considering polling districts may be influenced by pre-existing local government boundaries.
• Boundary commissions are currently using wards as the main unit for boundary reviews.
• The amendment aims to add specific factors for boundary commissions to consider polling districts within their assessment of new constituencies.
• The current Bill does not propose changes to the existing rules and factors outlined in the 1986 Act.
• Professor Iain McLean's evidence session highlighted the importance of this additional provision.
• The proceedings are confusing due to remote organisation and absence of physical notes and assistance from civil servants and Clerks.
• Sir David Amess acknowledges that some Members have never served in Committee before, adding to the confusion.
• He promises greater clarity for future sittings on Tuesday.
• Sir David Amess admits he was given the wrong script but insists on changing the order to allow discussion of new clause 9.
• New clause 9 would include DWP data to improve the accuracy and completeness of electoral registers for constituency boundary drawing.
• The Minister highlights practical considerations against including non-registered voters in the electorate.
• Amendment 7 addresses removal of detailed definition of a 'prospective' local government boundary.
• This amendment is linked to amendment 6.
• The goal is to allow more flexibility for Boundary Commissions during their review process.
• Amendments 6 and 7 seek to remove restrictions on local government boundaries for boundary commissions.
• There are concerns about respecting historical territories like Cornwall, which may influence boundary decisions.
• DNA research indicates that the Celtic kingdom of Elmet's DNA has remained largely within West Yorkshire.
• The discussion has wandered off topic according to Sir David Amess.
• Members were discussing local authority boundaries and their impact on constituency definitions.
• Clarkson mentions several constituencies in the north-west that cross county lines.
• The MP references a planning application near Wetherby and Harrogate that highlights arbitrary boundary issues.
• Clarkson sends casework related to Rochdale constituents, indicating people's confusion about their local representation.
• Boundary commissions have factors such as geographical features, community ties, existing constituencies, and local government boundaries which they may take into account.
• The current legislation sets the snapshot of local government boundaries on the first Thursday in May before the start date for the boundary review.
• Clause 6 allows boundary commissions to consider both existing and prospective local government boundaries at the time of the review.
• Amendments 6 and 7 were withdrawn.
• Eddie Hughes intends to conclude proceedings at 4:45 PM.
• Further consideration is adjourned till Tuesday, 30 June at 9:25 PM.