Explanatory note

This Order gives effect to recommendations by the Local Government Commission for England for electoral changes in the city of Southampton. The changes have effect in relation to local government elections to be held on and after 2nd May 2002.

Article 2 abolishes the existing wards of the city and provides for the creation of 16 new wards. That article and the Schedule also make provision for the names and areas of, and numbers of councillors for, the new wards.

Article 3 makes provision for a whole council election in 2002 and for reversion to elections by thirds in subsequent years.

Article 4 revokes the City of Southampton (Electoral Arrangements) Order 1976 and article 10 of the Hampshire (Cities of Portsmouth and Southampton) (Structural Change) Order 1995.

The areas of the new city wards are demarcated on the map described in article 1(3). Prints of the map may be inspected at all reasonable times at the offices of Southampton City Council and at the offices of the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, 2nd Floor, Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6DE.