Agenda and minutes

Cllrs Dunning, Harrison and Rickman.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on  27 May 2022 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 27 May 2022  be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To note any declarations of interest made by members in connection with an agenda item.  The nature of the interest must also be specified.

Members are asked to discuss any possible interests with Democratic Services prior to the meeting.

No Declarations of Interest were made by any Members in connection with any Agenda Item.

To note any issues raised during the public participation period.

No issues were raised during the Public Participation period.

To consider a review of polling districts and polling places.

The Committee considered the proposed process for the review of polling districts and polling places.

Members noted the revised Appendix A circulated since the agenda was issued.  In respect of Appendix A, officers undertook to highlight in bold the fact that representations made would be published.

The 6 week consultation period will commence on 18 July 2022 and conclude at midnight 28 August 2022.

Polling District Maps would be published on the Council’s website on 18 July. 

Representations would be sought from elected representatives, including MPs, district council members, parish and town councils, together with disability groups and other known interested parties.

Members of the Council will be specifically encouraged to make comments regarding known issues and concerns using local knowledge of their ward, including use of drop in sessions.

Ward members for New Milton, Ringwood, Hythe and Dibden, Fawley, Totton and Lymington and Pennington will be invited to specific sessions in early August to consider the proposals in those areas in more detail, given that these areas have seen most changes. 

Full consideration would be given to all representations and final recommendations, with reasons for the decisions, and will be presented to the Committee on

9 September.

Publicity for the consultation would be done in compliance with the statutory requirements and would be undertaken as widely as reasonably possible, being mindful that not all residents could access the information by electronic means.

RESOLVED:

(a)  That the commencement of an interim review of polling districts and polling places in response to the changes in electoral arrangements for the New Forest be approved;

(b)  That the publication of the Revised Notice of Review at Appendix A on 18 July 2022 be approved, subject to the presentational amendments described above.