§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what procedures there are for changing an electoral ward name in a new unitary authority; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KynochThere are no statutory procedures for changing the name of an electoral ward. The usual practice is that names of electoral wards are included by local authorities in any proposals made in the course of a review426W of local government electoral arrangements by the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland. Proposals for changes to electoral areas, including the name of electoral wards are subject to wide public consultation. The first review of electoral arrangements in respect of the new unitary authorities will commence as soon as practicable after 1 April 1996 with the aim of completing the review in time for the next election in 1999.