Boundary changes

We are very pleased that, after some pressure from Cllrs Flick Rea & Russell Eagling, Camden Council agreed to put in a brief submission to the Boundary Commission (please see the text of their press release below) Meanwhile - thanks to all those of you who have written in individually (as well as local groups) saying you think its a daft idea! To quote one response:
"Lets hope it makes them change their minds"!

Camden press release:


Camden sets out concerns with proposed boundary changes
A Camden Council cross-party committee has set out its response to the Parliamentary Boundary Commission 2013 Review.
Elected members from the three political parties on the Council set out their concern with proposals to split Camden’s existing constituencies of Hampstead and Kilburn and Holborn & St Pancras.
The proposal to split the parliamentary constituencies would lead to Camden wards being incorporated into constituencies in Islington, Barnet, Brent and the City of London.
The Audit and Corporate Governance Committee took the view that while there is a rationale for change, arrangements crossing council boundaries would not be the most efficient way of working, and would break up long standing ties between neighbouring wards in Camden.
While not prejudicing any submissions from national and London political parties, the committee’s response also highlighted:
- Problems that arose in the 2010 General Election in the Hampstead and Kilburn constituency where three wards from neighbouring Brent were included. This lead to considerable confusion throughout the election period by Brent residents;
- Local residents associate themselves primarily with their local community and local Council, not parliamentary constituencies. Camden has a highly developed community strategy that co-ordinates services and any changes would impact on the Local Development Framework;
- The proposals make no allowance for redevelopment and associated growth in population in areas such as St Pancras, Gospel Oak and West Hampstead.
- That the aim of any changes should be to avoid confusion for our residents.