Agenda item

To consider the Polling Districts and Polling Places Review 2024 and the report’s recommendation to Council.

The item was introduced by the Assistant Director – Governance who provided an overview of the report. It was explained that the Council were required by the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 to review the polling places and districts within its area. This review must be completed by 31 January 2025.

Members were reminded that a full, detailed review of polling districts and places was undertaken as part of the boundary review and changes leading up to the 2023 district elections. From this, there were very limited proposed changes to the polling places agreed at that time and no changes to the polling districts.

A number of informative responses had been received following a consultation throughout September 2024 and members were notified that several, detailed representations were received regarding the Waterside School and Bashley Village Hall. It was explained that alternative places were assessed as part of the Returning Officer’s consideration of the responses. Alternative places considered, such as the Scout Hut near Waterside School, were not deemed suitable due to accessibility issues and the risk of flooding. Members were informed that the National Association of Headteachers provides advice to schools on the use of school buildings for elections. It was heard that the Council provides additional staff at schools used as polling places to assist with the process on election day and that work would continue to take place in collaboration with schools on future election days.

Following the Officer’s overview, members asked questions and made comments.

On the use of schools as polling places, it was acknowledged that the use of these public buildings was positive but that there may be some disruption to the routine of families and pupils. Members commented on the positive opportunities that arise from using schools as polling places, such as the chance to provide education to school pupils on the importance of voting and the format of elections. To this, the Committee heard that four to five schools a year would contact the Elections team and request election packs including practice equipment in order to run dummy-polls in classes.

Comments were made on the accessibility of some polling places in the District and Officers noted these remarks, reassuring members that work would continue with the Council’s street scene teams to check the accessibility of polling places and identify any risks on polling day to this effect. Officers could also report access issues to the landowners of the relevant polling places.

On using places of worship or buildings that may sell alcohol, the Committee heard that it was difficult to balance the views of voters when it comes to their preference and views on venue. This is considered by Officers however and they would always provide all information to any individual who may prefer to submit a postal vote or arrange a proxy. Work was ongoing on encouraging these different forms of submitting votes so that the electorate have the best options available to them.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee recommends to Full Council that:

1.     There should be no changes to the polling districts.

2.     The changes to polling places as set out in the Table at Appendix 1 be agreed.