Following the announcement in December of the locations and dates for the public hearings during the second consultation phase of the current review of constituencies, we are pleased to advise that the booking system is now open, with details of the specific venue for each location where hearings will be taking place.
Those wishing to make an oral representation at a public hearing are strongly encouraged to book a timed slot in advance. To book, and click on your chosen hearing. You will then be invited to register via the booking platform Eventbrite. A step by step guide for booking via Eventbrite is published on our public hearings webpage. The only speaking slots automatically reserved are on the morning of the first day of the first hearing in each region, for the centrally-designated official spokesperson of each of the qualifying political parties (in England, Conservative, Green, Labour, Liberal Democrat) to present each party’s views on our proposals across the whole of that region.
While Covid remains a concern, we plan to take proportionate steps – in line with official guidance – to minimise the risk of transmission, while still allowing these statutory ‘in person’ hearings to take place. You can find further details in the published , which should also answer most other questions you may have. Should you not wish or be able to attend a hearing in person, however, please be assured that in the subsequent analysis of views, to consider whether and to what extent to revise our proposals, oral and written representations will be treated with equal weight.
It is currently proposed to publish the representations received during the first consultation period on the website at www.bcereviews.org.uk on 7 February. Please note, however, this is to allow people a good opportunity to read and consider their views on these representations before the consultation on them starts on 22 February: because the length of the consultation period is fixed by law, it will not be possible to accept or consider any comments received prior to this latter date.