Annual Report 2020/21

Outline work programme and budget for 2021/22

Programme

The 2021/22 financial year is anticipated to be the busiest in the 2023 Review, as it includes consultation on the initial proposals, as well as preparation of responses to that for publication in the secondary consultation which includes the statutory public hearings. The budget agreed with the Cabinet Office is £2,182,718 and the Commission
expects to:-

• By the end of May 2021, develop all hard copy and electronic documentation for publication of initial proposals;
• By the end of May 2021, have a fully developed and tested online consultation portal ready to deploy for the initial consultation period, complete with data layers for existing boundaries and electorates for local authorities and wards;
• By the end of July 2021, have secured the appointment of a suitable number of Assistant Commissioners to assist the Commission in its work, particularly in relation to chairing public hearings and assessing responses to the Commission’s proposals for new constituencies;
• By the end of August 2021, conduct a comprehensive eight-week statutory consultation on the initial proposals;
• By the end of February 2022, have prepared for publication all written responses received in the consultation on initial proposals;
• By the end of spring 2022, organise and aim to deliver public hearings in each region;
• By the end of March 2022, have published the statutory ‘annual report on progress’, which the Commission is required to provide to the Speaker of the House of Commons, updating on progress with a live review;
• During the course of the year the Commission will aim to hold three formal meetings to assess progress with the Review and make key decisions, and will also be represented at the Annual Meeting of UK Boundary Commissions.

Budget by subhead for 2021/22