SOLIHULL’S political landscape has been shaken up.
And the Local Government Boundary Commission has resolved an issue which saw councillors lock horns.
The newly proposed electoral map includes new wards and boundaries and would see the biggest change for two decades.
The independent body said Solihull should be represented by 51 councillors – the same as the existing arrangements.
However, it recommended that 16 out of the Council’s 17 wards should change their boundaries.
The Commission says the changes would make sure councillors represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements will help the council work effectively.
The commission originally recommended the Cars estate – the area between Lanchester Way and Auckland Drive – be moved from the current Smith’s Wood ward to the Castle Bromwich ward.
It also proposed to include Meriden in an Arden ward separate from Balsall and Berkswell.
But after reviewing 191 comments from residents and organisation across the borough changes were made.
The Commission has proposed Buckingham Road is included in the Castle Bromwich ward instead and to include Barston in the Knowle ward.
Publishing the recommendations Professor Colin Mellors, chair of the Commission, said: “We are very grateful to people in Solihull. We looked at all the views they gave us. They helped us improve our earlier proposals.
We believe the new arrangements will deliver electoral fairness while maintaining local ties.”
The changes become law once Parliament has approved them and they will be in force for the 2026 elections.
Councillor Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council, said: “I would give my thanks to the Commission for all their work, as well as express my appreciation to all the many others who have taken part.
“The whole process is very long and complex, compromise has been necessary and is inevitable in these situations. We look forward to the elections next year with enthusiasm.”
