Proposals which could see parliamentary constituency boundaries change are being consulted on - and everyone's views are welcome.

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) is the independent organisation responsible for reviewing parliamentary constituency boundaries in England. It has published its initial proposals for new parliamentary constituency boundaries and the eight-week public consultation period will close on 2nd August.

Currently Minchinhampton, Wotton-under-Edge and Kingswood district council wards are within The Cotswolds constituency and the rest of the Stroud district is in Stroud constituency.

However, under the new proposals, Minchinhampton would be joined by Chalford, Bisley, Painswick & Upton and Hardwicke wards in The Cotswolds constituency from Stroud constituency, while Wotton-under-Edge and Kingswood wards would move to the Stroud Constituency.

It is also proposed that Winchcombe, Badgeworth and Brockworth from the Tewkesbury constituency would move to The Cotswolds constituency.

In addition:

• Cirencester and large areas of South Cotswolds including Tetbury, Kemble, Lechlade and Northleach, to move to the proposed new Cirencester and North Wiltshire constituency

• Barnwood and Elmbridge to move from the Gloucester constituency to Tewkesbury

• Springbank to move to from the Cheltenham constituency to Tewkesbury

Overall, the number of constituencies in England would increase from 533 to 543. Every constituency must contain between 69,725 and 77,062 electors and the number of constituencies in the South West will increase from 55 to 58.

Hannah Emery, Stroud District Council corporate policy and governance manager, said: "This is a critical part of our democracy and an essential process for our constituency to make sure that individual votes are of broadly equal weight. It's important the community has a chance to view the proposed changes, and have their say."

The Boundary Commission will make its final recommendations to Parliament by 1st July 2023. Any changes won't affect local services like bin collections or schools - the changes only relate to parliamentary constituencies.

BCE wants to hear from local residents and communities, to make sure their final recommendations to Parliament take account of local views and knowledge.

The consultation is now open and the BCE considers every piece of feedback that it receives, whether that is about where the constituency boundaries should be or the name of the constituency.

To view interactive maps showing the proposed changes, and to submit your feedback, go to www.bcereviews.org.uk.