Wards are geographic subdivisions of a local authority area. The intention of these defined areas is to enable fair local representation by elected councillors. Wards are currently represented either by one or by two councillors in North Somerset.
Ward boundaries are set and reviewed by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE). The most recent electoral review of North Somerset was carried out by the commission in 2013 and provided new electoral arrangements which took effect at the May 2015 full council elections.
The subdivision of a local authority area into wards is a legal requirement for principal councils under the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).