To ask the hon. Member for Gosport, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission what criteria govern the (a) definition and (b) review of local authority boundaries by the Boundary Committee for England; what guidance the Commission has issued to the Committee on (i) the conduct of its work, (ii) whom to consult in defining local authority boundaries and (iii) the account to be taken in future reviews of new housing developments built close to existing local authority boundaries. (275674)

The Electoral Commission informs me that when conducting reviews of local authority boundaries, the Boundary Committee for England can recommend to the Secretary of State the alteration of a local government boundary; the abolition of a local government area; or the constitution of a new local government area.

The Committee must have regard to the need to secure effective and convenient local government; and the need to reflect the identities and interests of local communities.

The Electoral Commission's role in relation to boundary reviews is limited to ensuring that the Boundary Committee has sufficient resources to carry out its programme of work. It has not provided the Boundary Committee with guidance or otherwise on the conduct of such reviews, who should be consulted or the matters that should be taken into account.