Sandwell is set to have new boundaries for its council wards.
The Local Government Boundary Commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries. It has reviewed Sandwell to make sure councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that warding arrangements will help the council work effectively.
The Commission has published final recommendations for changes in Sandwell. It says residents should be represented by 72 councillors. This is the same as the existing arrangements.
There will be 24 three-councillor wards, all wards will see changes to their boundaries.
Publishing the recommendations Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: “We are very grateful to people in Sandwell. We looked at all the views they gave us. They helped us improve our earlier proposals. We believe the new arrangements will deliver electoral fairness while maintaining local ties.”
The Commission received 118 comments from people and organisations to help decide the new wards. Changes in response to what local people said include:
Adopting the Council’s proposals for the Rowley Regis area based on opposition to our draft recommendations and convincing community evidence received.
Reverting to the existing boundary between Oldbury and St Pauls wards to better reflect communities and access routes.
Modifying the boundary between our proposed Bearwood and Old Warley wards based on evidence received.
The Commission has made further changes to its earlier proposals. Details can be found on the LGBCE website.
The changes become law once Parliament has approved them. Staff at the council will ensure that the arrangements are in place for the 2026 elections.