MEMBERS of the public are being urged to take part in plans to shake-up parliamentary constituency boundaries ahead of the next general election.

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) is starting its second public consultation on the plans, which would reduce the current number of constituencies from 650 to 600.

Following a decision by Parliament to reduce the number of constituencies and to ensure that the number of electors in each constituency is equal, BCE has been asked to make independent recommendations about where the boundaries of English constituencies should be.

An initial 12-week consultation was held in the autumn last year, giving the public the first chance to view and comment on BCE’s plans. Almost 20,000 responses were received, which will now be published as part of the second consultation.

The second consultation started on February 28, and will last until March 27.

Sam Hartley, secretary to the Boundary Commission for England, said: “Public input is invaluable throughout the 2018 Boundary Review. Comments made during both consultations will help us develop a well-rounded picture of how local communities live and work together across the country.

"This local knowledge will be essential when we revise our proposals. Any changes will be based on your comments so it’s important to have your say.”

Following the second consultation, the BCE’s assistant commissioners will look through all comments received during both consultations, considering all the evidence submitted.

They will then advise the Commission on where they think the proposals should be revised.

Revised proposals will be published as part of a final consultation in late 2017/early 2018 and any further changes made based on comments received. BCE must report to Parliament with its final recommendation in September 2018.

If agreed by Parliament, the new constituencies will be in use at the next scheduled General Election in 2020.

For more information or to have your say on the consultation, visit bce2018.org.uk