This Order makes changes to electoral arrangements for the district of Welwyn Hatfield following recommendations made by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England. The area of the district remains unchanged. The electoral changes apply in respect of local government elections to be held on and after the ordinary day of election of councillors in 2016.

Article 3 abolishes the existing wards of the district of Welwyn Hatfield and replaces them with 16 new ones. That article and the map (as defined in article 2) also establishes the names, areas and number of councillors of the new district wards.

Article 4 makes provision for a whole district election in 2016. Subsequently, the council will revert to the existing system of election by thirds. That article also provides for the order of retirement of councillors in 2018, 2019 and 2020 and the election of their replacements.

Articles 5 and 6 abolish the existing wards of the parishes of Welwyn and Hatfield and replace them with new ones. Those articles and the map also establish the names, areas and number of councillors of the new parish wards.

The map defined in article 2 shows the new district and parish wards. It is available at http://www.lgbce.org.uk/current-reviews/eastern/hertfordshire/welwyn-hatfield. The map is also available for inspection at reasonable times at the offices of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, 14th Floor, Millbank Tower, Millbank, London SW1P 4QP.

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen.