Today The Local Government Boundary Commission of England has published the new ward boundaries that will come into place in May 2022.
The last review was in 1999 with the latest review starting back in December 2019. This time however the process was met with controversy.
At the start of the process the Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Damian White was recorded trying to manipulate the process, for him and his party's political advantage. The H.R.A reported this through to the Local Government Boundary Commission of England and Havering Council. This is currently in the hands of the IOC.
The LGBCE draft report was controversial, removing part of Corbets Tey, Upminster into Rainham. Over 500 letters were received by the LGBCE from residents objecting to this change and concerns about the Leader of the Councils manipulation, which resulted in the LGBCE having to go back out to consultation.
Councillor Linda Hawthorn Leader of the Upminster & Cranham Residents Association said “ it was ridiculous to ever think that Corbets Tey was part of Rainham, they are part of Upminster and our history”
Leader of the opposition Councillor Ray Morgon said “Despite the Leader of Havering Council trying to “gerrymander” the process, the voices of the residents and our robust challenge has ensured the best scrutiny and outcomes”.
The changes include an increase from 18 wards to 20, 55 Councillors instead of 54, Emerson Park reducing to two Councillors rather than three, Pettits Ward changing its name to Marshalls & Rise Park, a new ward ‘Beam Park’, Hylands Ward changing its name to Hylands and Harrow Lodge, Romford Wards becoming St. Albans and St. Edwards, Hacton reducing to 2 councillors from 3, Havering Park changing its name to Havering-atte-Bower. Rush Green becomes Rush Green & Crowlands.
The full report can be accessed here: https://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/greater-london/greater-london/havering
Please contact us if you require any further information.
Havering’s Residents Associations are working together