Community Governance Review - Draft Recommendation 4(c) - Kettering, Kettering Central

Overview

Summary of Proposal

The Kettering Town Council proposal suggested changes to internal ward boundaries, an amendment to the external parish boundary where it borders with Barton Seagrave, a realignment of councillors and changes to town council ward names.

Kettering Central Ward

Split the ward into two electoral areas to reflect the distinct identities of the two community areas. Create a separate single member Northfield Ward that reinstates the previous Kettering Borough Council ward boundary. Rename Kettering Central Ward to William Knibb ward and reduce the number of councillors from 4 to 3 for this ward.

View the full submission (CGR 13, page 19) by Kettering Town Council.

View a map (Draft Recommendation 4a-4f, page 9) of the proposal.

Observations

The existing Kettering Central Ward is currently represented by four councillors. Its boundary is coterminous (having a common boundary) with the North Northamptonshire Council ward boundary. The current elector-to-councillor ratio is 2,125 electors per councillor. Under the Town Council’s proposal, this ratio would remain broadly unchanged, with approximately 2,143 electors per councillor in the proposed Northfield Ward and around 2,120 electors per councillor in the proposed William Knibb Ward. No significant development has been identified within this area that is expected to materially affect elector-to-councillor ratios over the next five years.

Draft Recommendation (Recommendation 4c) - Kettering Central

c) That the warding pattern for Kettering Town Council as per the map attached at Appendix D be taken forward for further consultation.

Reason(s) for recommendation - Further views are sought on the proposal, particularly in relation to how well it reflects community identity and interests, supports community cohesion, and contributes to effective and convenient local governance.

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