Council / Parliament committee backs council ward changes
A PROPOSAL to rejig some of Shetland’s council ward boundaries – which would increase the total number of elected members – is one step closer to being given the go-ahead.
The plans were given approval from the Scottish Parliament’s local government, housing and planning committee last week.
The next step is for the proposal to be ratified by the parliament as a whole. If it gets the thumbs up, it will come into force ahead for the next council election in May 2022.
Under final plans drawn up by Boundaries Scotland in a bid to rebalance the number of electors per councillor in the isles, Shetland would end up with 23 elected members instead of the current 22.
It proposes to decrease the number of councillors in the Shetland West ward from three to two, and reduce its size, and add one to Shetland Central and another to Shetland South.
This would include Gulberwick moving from Lerwick South to the south ward partly to “better reflect local ties”.
Under the plans Lerwick North would also be renamed Lerwick North and Bressay.
Proposals for councillor numbers for Orkney and the Western Isles were also approved by the parliament committee, but plans for the Highlands were not amid concern they would create a “democratic deficit” for some communities in the area.
The 2018 Islands Act required Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland to review the six councils containing inhabited islands.
Meanwhile Shetland Islands Council released a handbook last week offering guidance for anyone thinking of standing in the May election.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.