What is the ideal number of councillors for Buckinghamshire? The Local Government Boundary Commission wants to hear your views.

An eight-week consultation, running until November 2, gives residents and organisations a chance to have their say.

The Commission, which reviews electoral and boundary arrangements for local authorities, is reviewing Buckinghamshire because it is a newly-established council.

After consulting on the number of councillors, the Commission will then seek further local input that will help decide the wards for the council area.

The Commission is focusing on three proposals. The council itself has proposed 120 councillors. The former county council proposed 98 councillors when the new unitary authority was being considered.

But a report commissioned by Buckinghamshire Business First in 2014 suggested a range of 65 to 80 councillors. The Commission itself thinks the "upper limit of the range" is more likely, but it wants to know what people think about each of these proposals, and why.

Launching the consultation Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: “We want people in Buckinghamshire to help us.

“We are considering how many councillors will be needed to make sure that the new Buckinghamshire Council operates effectively in the long-term. Residents, local organisations, parish and town councils can all help us.

“It’s easy to get involved. Go to our website. Or you can e-mail or write to us. Just tell us what you think and give us some details about why you think that. It’s really simple, so do get involved.”

Buckinghamshire Council, which was formed in April 2020 when the five former councils - one county and four districts - were dissolved, currently has 147 councillors.

Three were elected from each of the previous county council electoral divisions, but this is only an interim measure.

Following the review, long-term arrangements will apply from local elections in 2025. There will be no changes to the external boundaries of parishes.

Go to www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/south-east/buckinghamshire/buckinghamshire-council