Issue - meetings

Report of the Assistant Director of Scrutiny and Democratic Services attached.

The Council considered a report of the Assistant Director of Scrutiny and Democratic Services that updated members on a recent review of polling districts and polling places that had been undertaken in line with statutory guidance.

The review sought to ensure that all electors have reasonable facilities for voting in elections and that every polling place is accessible to electors who are disabled.

Any new polling districts and polling places will come into effect for all future elections from the Police and Crime Commissioner elections in May 2020.

Following extensive consultation will all Members, the proposals recommended changes to polling places/polling district with Broadfield, Broad Oak, Buckshaw and Worden and Howick and Priory Wards. Detailed reasons for all the proposals were appended to the report.

As part of the review, officers have taken the opportunity to amend the polling district codes.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster gave his personal thanks to Elections Officer, James Wallwork for his hard work on the review.

Councillor Alan Ogilvie commented that whilst he was unhappy that both of the polling places recommended for Buckshaw and Worden were outside the ward, he accepted that they were the best of the available options and was pleased that they would be monitored. Councillor Ogilvie asked for measures to be put in place to inform residents of the changes and whilst the Interim Chief Executive stated that it would not be possible to distribute a ward wide flyer, notices would be displayed at the old polling places on election day.

It was proposed by Councillor Paul Foster, seconded by Councillor Jane Bell and subsequently

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

1.    That the polling districts and polling places as indicated in Appendix 1 be approved.

2.    That the Chief Executive be authorised to determine any unforeseen changes to polling places which become necessary for future elections.