The map of Liverpool is set to drastically change, with people set to find themselves living in parts of the city with new names and new boundaries.
In December, the ECHO reported on the initial proposals for a drastic reshaping of Liverpool's electoral map - which divides the city up into ward areas, which are all represented by elected councillors. The remapping of the city is one key aspect of Liverpool's improvement journey following the damning government inspection which revealed huge failings at the city council last year.
Following Max Caller's historically bad inspection report, the council was told it must redraw its city boundaries, reduce the number of elected councillors and change when it holds elections. Mr Caller's recommendations called for a new system where the majority of wards in the city are represented by a single elected member, rather than the current system that sees three councillors represent each of 30 city wards.
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It was also decided the council will move to all out elections every four years, starting in 2023 - which is when the new ward map will come into play and that there should be a reduction in the total number of councillors representing the city. The initial ward map proposal from the council was sent to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England in December. The LGBCE has now come back with what it hopes will be the final proposals, subject to a further public consultation. We've taken a close look at what the new of Liverpool may look like and how it will affect the areas you call home.
The main proposals
Currently Liverpool is represented by 90 elected councillors across thirty city ward areas. There are currently three councillors per each ward. Previously, a third of all council seats would be elected in three of every four years. Under the new electoral system, there will be one Liverpool Council election every four years - starting next May - where all of the council's seats will be up for grabs.
Under its new draft proposals, the LGBCE is proposing that the 90 councillors are reduced to 85 and that these 85 councillors will serve across 71 electoral wards - 41 more than it has now. These would include 58 wards represented by just one councillor (rather than the current three), while there would be 12 larger wards represented by two wards and one even larger three member ward.
The move to predominantly single-member wards is a dramatic one. In his inspection report, Max Caller said he felt this would provide much more accountability for residents. Under the new plans, each councillor will represent an average of 4,300 electors.
The new map
This is how the new draft map of Liverpool looks. The city is divided up into 71 electoral wards, many of them with new names and all of them with different boundaries.
The new ward areas
Below is a summary of the 71 new ward areas for Liverpool. This includes the proposed name for the area, the number of councillors set to represent it and how many people living in that area (as of 2019).
Aigburth
Proposed to be a single member ward in the south of the city with an electorate of 4,572. It would share boundaries with Garston to the south, Festival Gardens to the north and Mossley Hill to the East.
Aintree
A new Aintree ward is proposed in the north of the city, incorporating the hospital site. Proposed to be a single member ward representing 4,295 people.
Anfield
This would be one of the 12 larger wards represented by two councillors. With a population area of 8,132 and including the home of Liverpool FC.
Arundel
A newly named area, between Princes Park and the Smithdown Road area. This would be a single member ward, with one councillor representing 3,446 people.
Belle Vale
Another of the larger two-person wards. This would be an area of 9,967 people in the south of the city represented by two councillors.
Broadgreen
Sandwiched between Old Swan and Knotty Ash on the city's east side. This would be a single-member ward, representing 4,734.
Brownlow Hill
One of the new city centre wards, Brownlow Hill would be made up of the so-called Fabric District, London Road and parts of the university campus. Here two councillors would represent just 2,026 people. But this figure is projected to grow substantially to around 8,034 by 2027.
Calderstones
A southern city ward. This area would see one councillor represent 4,285 people.
Childwall
Another southern city ward, but Childwall would be one of the larger, two-member wards under the proposals. With the two councillors representing 10,101 people between them.
Church
Also in south Liverpool, the Church ward would be represented by one member, with a 2019 population of 4,696.
City Centre North
Another of the larger new city centre wards. This ward would see two councillors represent a large part of the north of the city centre, including areas like Dale Street, James Street, Castle Street and the Central Business District up to the boundaries with Vauxhall and Scotland Road. As of 2019 the area had an electorate of 3,998 but this is projected to grow to 8,368 by 2027.
City Centre South
Another of the new city centre wards, also proposed to be represented by two city councillors. This ward would cover a southern chunk of the city centre including the entire Liverpool One estate, the Anglican Cathedral and the Baltic Triangle. As of 2019 the electorate of the new ward stood at 3,542 but this is projected to grow to 8,457 by 2027.
Clubmoor East
The proposals would see the Clubmoor area of north Liverpool split into two wards. Clubmoor East would see one councillor representing around 4,549 people.
Clubmoor West
And Clubmoor West would see one councillor representing around 4,471 people.
County
The new version of the County ward, part of the wider Liverpool Walton constituency, would see two councillors representing around 7,939 people.
Croxteth
Sticking in the north of the city. Croxteth would be a single-member ward based on a 2019 electorate of 4,109.
Croxteth Country Park
Part of the Croxteth area would become the newly named Croxteth Country Park, where one councillor would represent around 5,164.
Dingle North
The Dingle area of south Liverpool would be split into two wards under the latest proposals. Dingle North would see one councillor representing 2,875 people. The electorate of this new ward is projected to rise to around 4,642 by 2027.
Dingle South
The southern area of Dingle would involve 4,713 people being represented by one elected councillor. There is a suggestion within the consultation that the two Dingle wards could be merged into one in the final city map.
Dovecot North
The Dovecot area in the north east of the city would be split into two wards under the current plans. Dovecot North would be see one councillor representing 4,681 people.
Dovecot South
And Dovecot South would see one councillor representing a 2019 electorate of 4,112.
Edge Hill
The new Edge Hill ward, sandwiched between Princes Park, Kensington and the Paddington Village area, would be a single member ward, representing 3,303 people.
Everton North
To the north of the city and the wider Everton area would be split into two. Everton North, flanked by Anfield and Scotland Road, would see one councillor representing 4,093 people.
Everton South
And directly below it would be Everton South. Sharing boundaries with Kensington to the south and Tuebrook to its east, this ward would see one councillor representing 4,147 people.
Fazakerley East
Another famous Liverpool area set to be split into two wards. Fazakerley East would see one councillor representing 4,119 people.
Fazakerley West
While Fazakerley West would see one councillor representing 4,050 people.
Festival Gardens
A newly named ward incorporating the famous Garden Festival site - and importantly - the new major housing development being created around it. This single member ward of 2,569 people (expected to rise to 3,879 by 2027) would also include the Riverside Drive area and a small part of Dingle.
Garston North
The Garston North ward in the south of the city would see one councillor represent around 3,569 people on 2019 figures.
Garston South and Cressington
The southern part of Garston would be brought together with Cressington to form a one-member ward of 4,073 people.
Gateacre
Over in the south east and the newly shaped Gateacre ward would have an current electorate of 4,686, with one councillor.
Grassendale
A new Grassendale ward is proposed in south Liverpool, sandwiched between Garston North, Aigburth and Mossley Hill. Here one councillor would represent 4,816 people.
Greenbank
A smaller Greenbank ward would include the south Liverpool park of the same name. Here one councillor would represent 3,851 people.
Kensington & Fairfield
This ward is the only area where it is proposed that three councillors are elected to serve. A new Kensington and Fairfield ward would be made up of 11,457 people, a number expected to grow to nearly 14,000 by 2027. The large area would be bounded by Brownlow Hill, Everton South, Edge Hill, Old Swan West and Stoneycroft.
Kirkdale
A one member ward, north of the city centre, of 4,006 electors.
Knotty Ash
A single member ward in the east of Liverpool, with 4,383 electors.
Melrose
A newly named area of north Liverpool, sandwiched between Kirkdale, Anfield and County. Here one councillor would represent 2,730, a figure expected to rise to over 4,000 in five years.
Menlove
Based around Menlove Avenue in south Liverpool. This new ward would be flanked by Penny Lane, Church, Childwall and Woolton Park. It would have one councillor representing 5,204 people.
Mossley Hill
Sticking in south Liverpool. The new Mossley Hill ward would see one councillor representing 3,974 people.
Much Woolton & Hunts Cross
A new amalgamation in south Liverpool. This ward would be made up of parts of Woolton and Hunts Cross and see two elected members representing 9,826 people.
Norris Green East
The northern area of Norris Green would be split into three separate areas under the latest proposals. Norris Green East would see one councillor represent 4,371 people.
Norris Green West
Norris Green West would see 2,491 people represented by one councillor.
Norris Green North
And Norris Green would see one councillor represent over 5,000 people. In its latest consultation the LGBCE says it would welcome thoughts on merging the three Norris Green wards into one large three-councillor area.
Old Swan East
Another well known Liverpool area that is set to be split is Old Swan. With Old Swan East proposed to be a single-member ward of 4,296 people.
Old Swan West
And the west of 'The Swan' likely to see a single councillor representing 4, 019 people.
Orrell Park
Right up in the far north of the city, a new Orrell Park ward would be situated between Walton Vale and Fazakerley West. It would be made up of 4,443 people, who would elect one councillor.
Paddington
The Paddington Village area on the edge of the city centre is one of Liverpool's most exciting growth areas. A new Paddinton ward would include this entire area, including The Spine building, the new Royal Liverpool Hospital and the Liverpool Women's Hospital.
Two councillors would be elected here to represent an electorate that is projected to more than double from 4,097 in 2019 to 8,265 in 2027.
Penny Lane
One of the more famously named new area, thanks to The Beatles. The new ward in the south of the city will of course include the famous Penny Lane. It will see one councillor elected to represent 4,001 people.
Princes Park
A smaller Princes Park ward is proposed, incorporating the Liverpool 8 park and surrounding areas. One councillor will be elected to represent 4,577 people.
Ropewalks
Another of the new city centre wards would be Ropewalks. This would include key city centre areas like Concert Square, Parr Street and Bold Street. It is proposed that one councillor would represent an electorate predicted to grow from 1,484 to 4,707 in the next five years.
Sandfield Park
Another new name. Sandfield Park is a new area, proposed to be sandwiched between Tuebrook, Stoneycroft and West Derby. It is suggested that one councillor would represent 4,523 here.
Scotland Road
The famous Scotty Road would have its own ward area under the latest proposals. To the north of the city centre, the new ward would be represented by two councillors. The population of the area is predicted to rise from 5,921 in 2019 to 7,837 by 2027.
Sefton Park
Another famous Liverpool area set to get its own ward is Sefton Park. The southern city ward would be flanked by Greenbank, St Michaels and Princes Park and see one councillor represent 4,179 people.
Smithdown
The famous Smithdown Road would form the southern boundary for this new ward, within the wider Wavertree area. Here two councillors will represent 7,367 people (although this is expected to rise to nearly 9,000 by 2027).
Speke
At the city's southernmost point would be another two-councillor ward. The Speke area would see two members represent more than 9,100 people.
Springwood
Another new name in the mix. This new southern city ward takes its name from Springwood Avenue, Gardens and Primary School and is bounded by Garston North, Calderstones, Much Woolton and Hunts Cross and Grassendale. Here one councillor will represent 4,937 people.
St Michaels
A smaller St Michaels ward is produced, with one councillor representing 4,564 people. It would largely be based around the roads within the St Michaels Hamlet and be flanked by the new Sefton Park, Festival Gardens and Dingle South wards.
Stoneycroft
Stoneycroft was formerly joined with Tuebrook but will now have its own area. One councillor would represent 4,548 people here.
Toxteth
A new Toxteth ward in the Liverpool 8 area would be formed between Dingle and Princes Park, with one councillor representing 4,230 people.
Tuebrook Edinburgh Park
Two new wards are proposed for the Tuebrook area. Tuebrook Edinburgh Park to the west side would see 3,517 represented by 3,517 people.
Tuebrook Larkhill
The second Tuebrook seat would see one councillor elected to represent 4,932 people.
Vauxhall
Just north of the city centre and beneath Kirkdale would be a Vauxhall ward. One councillor would be elected for a 2019 electorate of 1,679 that is expected to rise to just under 5,000 by 2027.
Walton Hall
Further north and the wider Walton area will be split in two. Walton Hall will see one councillor elected to represent 4,374 people.
Walton Vale
While Walton Vale will see a single councillor elected to represent 4,628 people.
Waterfront North
Liverpool's historic waterfront will be represented in the new ward boundaries. The proposed Waterfront North ward would only have a current electorate of 567 people, mainly made up of those living in the Waterloo Dock warehouse developments. But the ward also includes the ongoing major developments at Liverpool Waters and Bramley Moore Dock and is expected to rise to over 4,000 people by 2027. Once councillor is proposed to represent this ward.
Waterfront South
This ward includes areas like Princes Dock, Mann Island, Kings Dock and down to Brunswick Dock. Again ongoing developments mean there is likely to be a large growth in the population, from 1,586 in 2019 to 4,241 by 2027. One councillor would represent the area.
Wavertree Garden Suburb
Another smaller ward within the wider Wavertree area that would incorporate the well known Botanic Gardens. This area would see one councillor elected to represent 4,111 on 2019 numbers.
Wavertree Village
Sticking with Wavertree, this new ward would include the main Wavertree Village, the Mystery playground and Wavertree Technology Park. One councillor would be elected to represent 4,287.
West Derby Deysbrook
It is proposed that the West Derby area be divided up into three parts. The first, West Derby Deysbrook, would elect one councillor for 4,554 people.
West Derby Leyfield
The second, West Derby Leyfield, would elect one councillor for 4,432 people.
West Derby Muirhead
And the third, West Derby Muirhead, would see one elected member represent 4,194 people.
Woolton Park
Last but not least, a new Woolton Park ward is proposed in the south of the city. One councillor would be elected to represent 4,241 people.
What next?
These proposals are not finalised, the commission will now begin a final consultation with the people of Liverpool on the proposed changes. This consultation will run until June 8, after which the final submission will be presented. This will then be laid before Parliament and voted through, with the changes set to come in from May 2023.
Launching the consultation Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, said: “We want people in Liverpool to help us. We have drawn up proposals for new wards in Liverpool. We want to make sure these new electoral arrangements reflect communities. We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people.
“Residents and local organisations can help us do that. We would like them to let us know whether they agree with our proposals before we take final decisions. It’s easy to get involved. Go to our website. Or you can e-mail or write to us. Just tell us what you think and give us some details why you think that. It’s really simple, so do get involved”
The Commission has a dedicated section on its website where people can see the detail of the proposals and comment on the names of wards, their boundaries and the number of councillors per ward: https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/30069
People can also give their views by e-mail at reviews@lgbce.org.uk, and by post: Review Officer (Liverpool), LGBCE, PO Box 133, Blyth, NE24 9FE.
