Rutland County Council is considering its response to proposals from the Boundary Commission for England (BCE) that would change the number of parliamentary constituencies in the East Midlands.

Elected Members attending Full Council last Monday were asked to note the BCE proposals, which – if implemented – would see the total number of parliamentary constituencies in the region increase from 46 to 47.

One of the effects of these proposals would be to merge Rutland and Stamford and into a single, combined unitary authority area, encompassing Rutland and wards from South Kesteven District (including Stamford).

At present, Rutland is represented by Conservative MP for Rutland and Melton, Mrs Alicia Kearns. Stamford, as part of the Grantham and Stamford constituency, is represented by Conservative Gareth Davies.

A national consultation is currently underway around the BCE proposals and is due to run until 2 August 2021, inviting comments and feedback from councils and members of the public.

Full details of the boundary review process, including maps showing the proposed boundary changes, can be viewed on the Boundary Commission for England's website: boundarycommissionforengland.independent.gov.uk.

As all Rutland County Councillors are able to provide feedback through the BCE's process, it was decided that the County Council will not be issuing a formal comment on the proposals at this stage.

The agenda and reports for Full Council on Monday 5 July 2021 can be viewed online at: www.rutland.gov.uk/meetings. Minutes from the meeting will be published within seven days of the meeting date.