Published on 4th April 2023

Map of new wards for Cheltenham. Credit: contains Ordnance Survey data (c) Crown copyright and database rights 2023

Local Government Boundary Commission for England recommend 20 wards remain with new boundaries for all wards except Charlton Kings and Oakley.

Following work by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) with direct feedback from communities, Cheltenham is set to have new boundaries for its council wards.

The LGBCE, an independent body that draws these boundaries has reviewed Cheltenham. LGBCE last reviewed Cheltenham in 2000 and in advance of 2024 elections has made its recommendations in its final report.

The recommendations for changes in Cheltenham says residents should be represented by 40 councillors. Each of the 20 wards, the same as there are now, will be represented by two councillors. The boundaries of all but two wards will change; Charlton Kings and Oakley.

113 people and organisations made comments to help decide the new wards. Changes in response to what local people said include:

  • Changes to ward boundaries in the centre of Cheltenham to better reflect community identities.
  • An amended boundary for Springbank to avoid splitting communities near the Kingsditch retail park.

Councillor Rowena Hay leader of Cheltenham Borough Council said: ‘’I’m pleased that the changes put forward by our members were taken into account. These ward changes will better reflect the increase in our population and growing communities.’’

The next scheduled elections to take place in Cheltenham will be held on Thursday 2 May 2024 when all forty seats will be up for election. The elections will then revert to 20 seats being up for election every two years.

Paul Jones, executive director for finance and assets continued: ‘’Once we have received parliamentary approval, council staff will ensure that the arrangements are in place for the all up elections in 2024 which then reverts to two yearly.’’

Those affected by the new arrangements will receive polling cards detailing which ward voters are in and which polling station can be used.

At the 2024 elections people voting in person at a polling station, will be required to show voter ID.

The national voter ID scheme means people need to show one of a number of valid photo IDs or, if they do not have one, apply for a voter authority certificate. More information can be found www.cheltenham.gov.uk/voter-id

For media enquiries contact [email protected] 01242 264 231

For further information contact the Commission’s press office on 0330 500 1525 / 1250 or email [email protected]

An interactive map is available at www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/cheltenham. 

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England is an independent body accountable to Parliament. It recommends fair electoral and boundary arrangements for local authorities in England. In doing so, it aims 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