Community Governance Review - Draft Recommendation 4(d) - Kettering, Kettering North

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 North Ward

Split the ward into two electoral areas to reflect the distinct identities of the two community areas. The proposal suggests a single member Brambleside Ward and a two member Park 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 boundary is coterminous (having a common boundary) with the North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) ward boundary. The Town Council proposal would divide Kettering North Ward into two separate electoral areas. The current elector-to-councillor ratio for the ward is 2,658 electors per councillor. Under the proposal, the estimated ratio would be approximately 3,162 electors per councillor in the proposed Brambleside Ward and 2,187 electors per councillor in the proposed Park Ward. This would create a notable disparity in representation between the two wards, resulting in a level of electoral variance that is not consistent with Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) guidance.

Draft Recommendation (Recommendation 4d) - Kettering North

d) 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.

Representations are invited on alternative warding arrangements for the current Kettering North Ward, provided they do not result in parish wards crossing or being split by North Northamptonshire Council ward boundaries. Where possible, proposals should also maintain broadly consistent elector-to-councillor ratios across all wards, with any electoral variance kept where possible within +/-10% of the average to support fair and effective representation

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