A BOUNDARY review could see the number of councillors representing wards in the New Forest slashed by 12.

The Local Government Boundary Commission has reviewed New Forest District Council to make sure councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements will help the council work effectively.

It has published final recommendations for changes in New Forest and says residents should be represented by 48 councillors –12 fewer than current arrangements.

There will be 26 wards, with between one and three councillors per ward. The boundaries of all wards will change.

Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: “We are very grateful to people in New Forest. We looked at all the views they gave us. They helped us improve our earlier proposals.

 “We believe the new arrangements will guarantee electoral fairness while maintaining local ties.”

Parliament will now need to agree the changes. The new arrangements will then apply for the 2023 council elections.

For more information about the boundary review go to lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/south-east/hampshire/new-forest