Views sought on authority shake-up

People in Powys are being urged to have their say in an electoral review which could see the number of county councillors cut by more than half.

The review will consider the number of Powys county councillors and could mean the current 73 members may be reduced to 30.

It will also consider the number and boundaries of electoral divisions, the number of councillors for each division and the name of the divisions.

John Bader, of the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales, which is behind the review, said: "It is considered that the minimum number of councillors needed is 30 with a maximum of 75 councillors to prevent an authority from becoming unwieldy and difficult to manage."

Mr Bader said the aim should be to have a ratio no lower than one councillor per 1,750 electors.

He said the consultation would end on January 8.

"We will then formulate draft proposals, receive representations on it, formulate final proposals and after six weeks, during which time representations can be made to the Welsh Assembly, the proposals could be put into effect," he said.

Mr Bader said the aim was to complete the review by June 2011 so that any changes could be implemented for the local elections in 2012.

Councillor Michael Jones, chairman of Powys County Council's board, welcomed the review.

At the moment, Powys County Council has an electorate of 103,701, with 73 county councillors, giving a ratio of one councillor for each 1,421 electors.

People are being urged to send their comments to The Secretary, Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales, Caradog House, 1-6 St Andrews Place, Cardiff, by January 8.