The Review
In its Review of the Community Arrangements of the City and County of Swansea, the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales has proposed that all of the current CCs in Gower merge to form two larger ones: Gower North and Gower South (the information on Gower South starts on p38).
In a nutshell, the current Rhossili, Reynoldston, Penrice and Port Eynon Community Councils would merge to form Gower South Community Council. Gower South CC would be made up of 4 wards, Rhossili, Reynoldston, Oxwich (which would include Penrice) and Port Eynon. The new CC would have 8 councillors – including just one from Rhossili.
There would also be some tweaking of the boundaries, so the number of electors in some wards would be slightly different under the new CC.
| Current CCs | Wards | No. Councillors (no. actually in post)* | No. Electors |
| Rhossili | – | 7 (6) | 207 |
| Reynoldston | – | 7 (6) | 346 |
| Penrice | Penrice Oxwich Horton | 9 (9) | 323 |
| Port Eynon | Port Eynon Scurlage Llanddewi Knelston | 10 (5) | 513 |
| New CC | |||
| Gower South | Rhossili | 1 | 203 |
| Reynoldston | 2 | 341 | |
| Oxwich | 2 | 323 | |
| Port Eynon | 3 | 518 |
What does this mean for Rhossili?
These proposals have significant implications for all of our local CCs. For Rhossili, the potential advantages and disadvantages are set out below (although these might well be common with other CCs). You might be able to think of some more, either way!
| Advantages of Merger | Disadvantages |
| Councillor numbers might be more sustainable – recruiting 8 councillors rather than 33 across the same population | A more centralised CC might deter people from standing |
| Reduced requirement at local/Ward level for people to serve as councillors | Increased workload on individuals might hamper recruitment and retention of councillors |
| Economies of scale, e.g. one Responsible Finance Officer and Clerk to serve the new CC; Swansea CC has to conduct only one annual audit | Decrease in involvement from electors as a more centralised CC might feel less relevant |
| Pooling of resources & expertise (although the Gower Community Forum currently provides a route for this) | Existing expertise might be spread more thinly across the wider area |
| Larger constituency area should have a stronger voice at city/county level. | Potential loss of democracy as Rhossili’s voice will be just one amongst 8 councillors |
| Capacity to respond promptly and flexibly at times of crisis at local level (e.g. pandemic) may be compromised | |
| With a more centralised CC and reduced councillor numbers locally, vulnerable people may be at greater risk of being overlooked or isolated | |
| The local community could be vulnerable to lack of representation during periods of absence of the Ward councillor. | |
| The calculations for the councillor: electorate ratio do not take into account the substantial temporary increase in residents during the long holiday season in Gower. |
What do you think?
Rhossili Community Council is preparing a response to the Commission’s proposals– and we need your help to ensure that your views are represented.
Have your say by taking part in our survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HKBVTM5
NB The online survey is now closed as we have reached the maximum number of responses we are allowed.
Paper copies are available from any of the RCC councillors – contact details can be found at https://rhossilicc.org.uk/your-council/.
What’s next?
We were pleased to welcome other Community Councils across Gower to a meeting on June 24th to share views on the proposals and to agree a way forward. We are now in the process of drafting our initial reponse to the Boundaries Commission and this will be further informed by YOUR responses to the survey.
TIP:
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