What an electoral boundary review is, Bristol's review and consultation, how to have your say.
What an electoral boundary review is
An electoral boundary review looks at the:
- total number of councillors elected to a council (council size)
- number of wards or electoral areas for the election of councillors
- boundaries of wards for the election of councillors
- number of councillors for each ward
- names of the wards
Electoral boundary reviews are conducted by The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) approximately every 10 years.
The aim of the review is to make sure that:
- each local councillor represents about the same number of electors
- the wards they represent reflect how local communities work
Electoral boundary review for Bristol City Council
The LGBCE is undertaking an electoral boundary review for Bristol City Council.
On Thursday 4 December 2025, the LGBCE will hold a community briefing with details of the review, and how to have your say.
A video recording of the briefing is on the LGBCE website under 'Recording of Bristol community briefing on 4 December 2025'
Public consultation
A public consultation will run from Tuesday 25 November 2025 to Monday to 16 February 2026.
The LGBCE is inviting proposals from the council, community groups and other members of the public on how the wards are divided up and the number of councillors needed to represent electors within it.
The LGBCE wants to:
- make sure that, within an authority, each councillor represents a similar number of electors
- create boundaries that are appropriate, and reflect community ties and identities
- deliver reviews informed by local needs, views and circumstances
The LGBCE will consider all views received during the consultation. They plan to publish proposals for new electoral arrangements on Tuesday 30 June 2026.
Have your say
The LGBCE would like your views on:
- the number of wards
- the names of wards
- where the boundaries between wards should be
- the number of councillors for each ward
The LGBCE's website has guidance and maps of the current wards in Bristol.
Send your views:
- by email: reviews@lgbce.org.uk
- using the online form
- by post: Review Officer (Bristol City Council), LGBCE, 7th Floor, 3 Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8YZ