WIREDGOV

Strictly embargoed until 00:01 on Monday 21 November 2011 - Two weeks to go! BCE approaches its public consultation deadline of December 5th as it marks the end of a landmark series of 36 hearings around the country.

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 18 November 2011

The Boundary Commission for England is making a last appeal for contributions from anyone interested in commenting on its initial proposals for a new constituency map for England.

Simon James, Secretary to the Commission, said, "Over the last few weeks we have travelled extensively across England to listen to the views of local people. The Commission has been able to gain a real insight into what people think thanks to the contributions from over 1,000 speakers at the public hearings. Although the hearings have come to an end, the consultation period is still open and we are still keen for people to write to us, and let us know whether they accept the proposals or what their alternative suggestions are".

Over the past six weeks BCE hosted 36 public hearings across England, from Carlisle in the North to Truro in the South West, in order to give people the opportunity to have their say. The hearings attracted a wide audience of more than 2,000 people, including members of the public, representatives of political parties, and MPs, and all views will serve to inform the process. The oral representations will all be transcribed and published in the spring alongside any written submissions sent in to BCE before the consultation closes on 5 December 2011.

BCE invites everyone to consider the proposals by visiting its website. All details about the consultation are available at www.consultation.boundarycommissionforengland.independent.gov.uk and it will be on this same website that BCE will publish everyone's contributions in full next year.

ENDS
Notes to Editors

1. BCE
The Boundary Commission for England is an independent and impartial advisory body, constituted under the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986. It is responsible for conducting periodic reviews of English parliamentary constituency boundaries and making recommendations for changes to Parliament. Full details of the review behind today's proposals are available in the Commission's publication, 'A guide to the 2013 Review', available at www.consultation.boundarycommissionforengland.independent.gov.uk

2. How to participate in the consultation
In order to consider the proposals, people can access reports and maps online or printed copies at places of deposit. Written submissions can be made then by following the steps on the website, or by writing to 'Consultation feedback', Boundary Commission for England, 35 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BQ or via the email address below:
reviews@ bcommengland.x.gsi.gov.uk

Please note, there will be no more public hearings - the last of the 36 hearings took place on Friday 18 November. General enquiries can be made by contacting BCE on information@ bcommengland.x.gsi.gov.uk or 0207 276 1102.


Media enquiries
0207 276 1102 / press@bcommengland.x.gsi.gov.uk
Anna Richards | Media and Public Affairs Manager
Boundary Commission for England | 35 Great Smith Street | London | SW1P 3BQ
Anna.richards@bcommengland.x.gsi.gov.uk
Mb: 07584 886387

Contacts:

NDS Enquiries
Phone: For enquiries please contact the issuing dept
ndsenquiries@coi.gsi.gov.uk