A CONSULTATION into proposed changes to ward boundaries in Basingstoke and Deane has been suspended after all not all the evidence was considered.

Independent body, Local Government Boundary Commission for England, had put forward the proposal which would reduce the make-up of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council by six councillors.

The commission had previous contacted residents asking for their view on the proposal.

However, an e-mail was sent out to say the consultation would be paused due to an ‘administrative error’.

The e-mail read: “Due to an administrative error, the Commission did not consider the totality of evidence supplied to it before it took its view on councillor numbers in November.

“The Commission has decided that it will retake a decision on councillor numbers in February 2018.”

People who have already submitted their views on new wards for the borough, will still have their evidence considered when the consultation reopens.

In drawing up new boundaries, the commission aims to deliver electoral equality for voters in council elections so that each councillor represents roughly the same number of voters.

If agreed, the make-up of the borough council will go from 60 councillors to 54.

For more information visit lgbce.org.uk/current-reviews/south-east/hampshire/basingstoke-and-deane.