263Functions of the Boundaries Commission

263 Functions of the Boundaries Commission

263 Functions of the Boundaries Commission

(1) The Boundaries Commission is required to examine and report on any matter with respect to the boundaries of areas and the areas of operation of county councils which may be referred to it by the Minister.

(2) For the purpose of exercising its functions, the Boundaries Commission—

(a) may hold an inquiry if the Minister so approves, and

(b) must hold an inquiry if the Minister so directs,

but may not hold an inquiry otherwise than as referred to in paragraph (a) or (b).

(2A) Despite subsection (2), the Boundaries Commission must hold an inquiry for the purpose of exercising its functions in relation to a proposal for the amalgamation of two or more areas that has been referred to it in accordance with section 218F.

(2B) Reasonable public notice must be given of the holding of an inquiry under this section.

(3) When considering any matter referred to it that relates to the boundaries of areas or the areas of operations of county councils, the Boundaries Commission is required to have regard to the following factors—

(a) the financial advantages or disadvantages (including the economies or diseconomies of scale) of any relevant proposal to the residents and ratepayers of the areas concerned,

(b) the community of interest and geographic cohesion in the existing areas and in any proposed new area,

(c) the existing historical and traditional values in the existing areas and the impact of change on them,

(d) the attitude of the residents and ratepayers of the areas concerned,

(e) the requirements of the area concerned in relation to elected representation for residents and ratepayers at the local level, the desirable and appropriate relationship between elected representatives and ratepayers and residents and such other matters as it considers relevant in relation to the past and future patterns of elected representation for that area,

(e1) the impact of any relevant proposal on the ability of the councils of the areas concerned to provide adequate, equitable and appropriate services and facilities,