Second County Councillor proposed for Radyr and Morganstown

Will we get a second County Councillor to vote for?

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What's happening?

The Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales has published its draft proposals for the future electoral arrangements for the City and County of Cardiff. 

The Commission's proposals can be seen in Welsh, here - and in English, here. If you want to comment on the proposals you will need to do so by 13 April, the closing date for the consultation.

Will this change things in Radyr and Morganstown?

Quite possibly. At present, we have 5,259 electors, represented by one councillor (currently, Cllr Rod McKerlich). This number would be 67% above the proposed average number of electors-per-councillor across Cardiff. As such, it was agreed to include an additional councillor in the Commission's proposals, in order to address the fact that we are currently under-represented on Cardiff Council.

If these proposals are agreed, we will have two councillors representing us on Cardiff Council, rather than the one we have at present. This will give Radyr and Morganstown a higher profile on the Council  and a stronger voice. 

It was for this reason that Radyr and Morganstown Community Council supported the call for an extra councillor when the Commission began its review.

An extract from the Commission's document, discussing Radyr and Morganstown, can be seen below.

Can I make my views known?

Yes. The Commission is inviting responses to its consultation by 13 April. Responses can be sent to:

consultations@boundaries.wales

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The Commission's map of the Radyr electoral ward

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This is what the Commission has to say about Radyr:

Radyr

1. The existing Radyr electoral ward is comprised of the Community of Radyr. It has 5,259 electors (5,562 projected) represented by one councillor which is 67% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 5,160 eligible voters.
   
2. The Commission received five representations concerning these wards from; The City and County of Cardiff Council, Cardiff Council Conservatives Group, Radyr and Morganstown Community Council, Councillor Phil Bale (Llanishen) and Councillor Rod McKerlich (Radyr).
   
3. The City and County of Cardiff Council, Cardiff Council Conservatives Group, Radyr and Morganstown Community Council and Councillor Rod McKerlich (Radyr) all proposed to allocate an additional councillor in the Radyr electoral ward in order to address the inappropriate level of electoral variance in this ward.
   
4. Councillor Phil Bale (Llanishen) stated that whilst he does not presently accept the arguments to increase the council size above 75 members, he would support an additional member in the Radyr electoral ward in order to address the existing under-representation.
   
5. The Commission proposes that the Community of Radyr forms an electoral ward of 5,259 electors (5,562 projected), which if represented by two councillors (an increase of one) would result in a level of representation that is 17% below the proposed county average.
   
6. The Commission has given the proposed electoral ward the Welsh Language name of Radur and the English Language name of Radyr. The Welsh Language Commissioner is in agreement with the proposed name. The Commission would welcome any suggestions for alternative names.
   
7. The Commission agrees with the representations received for the area. It is the view of the Commission that this arrangement best addresses the existing levels of electoral variance. The Commission considers that the proposed electoral ward shares a common identity and provides for an effective electoral ward, which would build on the established community, communication and social links within the area.