Agenda item

REPORT OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

To outline and report on the outcome of the Review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations consultation following a review required by the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013.

RESOLVED: That Polling Places, as illustrated in the Returning Officer’s Proposals set out in Appendices A and C be designated.

REASON FOR DECISION: The Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 introduced a change to the timing of compulsory reviews of UK Parliamentary Polling Districts and Polling Places. The compulsory review must commence and conclude between 1 October 2018 and 31 January 2020 (inclusive).

Audio Recording – 39 minutes

The Democratic Services Manager and the Electoral Services Manager presented the report entitled Review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations and drew attention to the following:

·               Ramps at Gravely Village Hall and New Fellowship Hall were not required. However, ramps would still need to be supplied at Kings Walden Village Hall and Wytch End;

·               Four of the consultation responses related to the Southern Rural area. Three agreed with the current situation and one asked for an extension to the review consultation.

The following Member asked questions and took part in the debate:

·                Councillor Claire Strong.

In response to questions raised, the Electoral Services Manager advised that it was not election law for ballot papers to be brought out to someone who was not able to enter the polling station. However, it was considered good practice.

RESOLVED: That Polling Places, as illustrated in the Returning Officer’s Proposals set out in Appendices A and C be designated.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: The Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 introduced a change to the timing of compulsory reviews of UK Parliamentary Polling Districts and Polling Places. The compulsory review must commence and conclude between 1 October 2018 and 31 January 2020 (inclusive).