AN ELECTORAL review will be carried out for Hampshire.

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England set out its plans for the review to Hampshire County Council (HCC) yesterday. 

The review was prompted by electoral data from 2013, which shows that in a third of all the county council’s 75 electoral divisions, there was more than 10 per cent difference (plus or minus) in the number of electors compared to the average for the county.

Following the briefing yesterday, Andrew Smith, chief executive of HCC, said: “It’s been 10 years since the last review, and in that time, demographic changes have seen an increase in the electorate in some areas of the country, leading to an uneven balance, with some councillors representing more Hampshire residents than others.

“It is vitally important that all voters are adequately represented on the county council, and that the identities and interests of local communities are suitably reflected so that we can continue to ensure effective local, county government and maintain our strong performance in meeting the needs of Hampshire residents.

“For that reason, we very much welcome this review, and would encourage all residents and other stakeholders to have a say when the Boundary Commission goes out to public consultation from May to August.

“The commission has indicated that they will consult fully with parish councils and would welcome comments from other groups as part of the consultation exercise.”

The Boundary Commission is due to publish its draft recommendations between November and January 2016.