VOTERS are being asked to give their opinion on the planned shake-up of Westminster constituencies.

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) wants the public to help shape the way it redraws seats as the Commons is cut from 650 MPs to 600.

The BCE has been asked to make independent recommendations on changing constituencies to ensure that each has roughly equal numbers of electors.

BCE secretary Sam Hartley said: “Public input is invaluable throughout the 2018 Boundary Review. Comments made during both consultations will help us develop a well-rounded picture of how local communities live and work together across the country.

“This local knowledge will be essential when we revise our proposals. Any changes will be based on your comments so it’s important to have your say.”

Some 20,000 people responded to the first consultation exercise last autumn. Their views can be seen at www.bce2018.org.uk where voters can highlight issues and support counter-proposals until March 27.

Revised proposals for reducing England’s constituencies from 533 to 501 will be published at the end of the year, or early next year.

In York, the changes consulted on last autumn would see a minor redrawing of boundaries to reflect council ward changes; but more significant changes were proposed around the Selby and Ainsty constituency, and the current Thirsk, Malton and Filey constituency boundaries. The BCE said it had received strong community evidence from across Yorkshire and the Humber during the earlier consultation.

The BCE must report to Parliament with its final recommendation in September next year to have the changes in place for the scheduled 2020 general election.