Decision details

The changes arising from the Electoral Review of the New Forest District come into effect for the May 2023 elections and significant work is necessary to implement these changes and ensure the new Council can move forward from 2023 with appropriate governance arrangements.

The report recommends that the S151 Officer exercises his delegated authority to establish this budget to avoid any delay to the urgent recruitment work required to support the delivery of the necessary work programme.

That the Section 151 Officer:-

- Notes the preparation of the significant programme of work underway to deliver the changes arising from the Electoral Review, the introduction of new election legislation and the 2023 Elections and supporting governance arrangements;

- Exercises his authority to set aside financial regulations and establish a supplementary project budget, up to £177,000, to support urgent additional temporary resources necessary to deliver this extensive programme over the next two years; and

- Agrees that this report be presented to Cabinet and Council in accordance with the Council’s Financial Regulations.