There were no Apologies for absence.

There were no Declarations of Interests made.

RESOLVED - That the minutes of the meeting held on 1 March 2017 be signed by the Deputy Chair as a correct record.

The Working Party was reminded by the Elections Manager of the review of the Parliamentary constituency boundaries in England being undertaken by the Boundary Commission for England and in particular, the proposals for the Copeland area.

It was stated that the initial proposals were published on 13 September 2016 and a 12 week consultation followed, ending on 5 December 2016.

Following a meeting of this Working Party on 28 October 2016, a response to the consultation had been submitted on behalf of the Council.

Members then considered responses to the initial proposals that had been received by the Boundary Commission for England from members of the public, political parties and Parish Councils.

Members sympathised with the comments made regarding Ravenglass and villages to the south, and the suggestions made by Bootle Parish Council. However, it was not felt that a further response should be made on this point.

In view of the areas being added to the Barrow-in-Furness Constituency, members supported the suggestion of renaming this constituency to Barrow and the Duddon Valley Constituency.

The Working Party was advised that a further round of consultation was expected later in 2017.

RESOLVED: that

a)     No further comment be submitted regarding Ravenglass and villages further south.

b)     In view of the areas being added to the Barrow-in-Furness Constituency, members supported the suggestion of renaming this constituency to ‘Barrow and the Duddon Valley Constituency’ and this be added to the Council’s response.