Agenda item

To consider the report of the Head of Paid Service concerning the outcome of the consultation on changing the name of Matson and Robinswood Ward and seeking approval for the name to be changed to Matson, Robinswood and White City Ward.

40.1          The Leader of the Council, Councillor Cook, introduced the report inviting Members to approve changing the name of ‘Matson and Robinswood’ ward to ‘Matson, Robinswood and White City’ ward. He drew to Members’ attention the fact that beginning the process to change the name of the ward had been agreed by Council in March 2021 and noted that of those who had responded, two thirds were in favour of the change.

40.2          Councillor Hilton stated that his view was that names of electoral wards should be kept as short as possible. He also noted the small number of residents who had responded to the consultation and indicated that the Liberal Democrat Group would abstain.

40.3          Councillor Pullen reminded Members that the original proposal was by way of motion from a previous Labour Councillor for Matson and Robinswood, Councillor Coole. He shared his view that it was important that those who identified as living in the White City area of the City were recognized as such and that this be reflected in the name of the ward.

40.4          Councillor A. Chambers spoke in favour of changing the name of the ward and informed Members that there was support for this in the community which he had heard first hand.

40.5          Councillor Padilla noted that White City was used in the title of many organisations in the area and that changing the name of the electoral ward would better reflect this reality.

40.6          RESOLVED that:- The name of Matson and Robinswood Ward be changed to Matson, Robinswood and White City Ward.