Issue - meetings

Councillor Collop stated that he had asked for this item to be on the agenda, and stated that the report showed that the Leader had been consulted but did not indicate that Ward Members had been.

The Leader explained that the Returning Officer had a responsibility to keep polling stations under review.  The changes put forward within the report were being made to improve accessibility and an improvement to the current polling station, or in one case the Olive Branch Café was no longer available.

The Chief Executive reassured the Committee that Ward Members had been consulted but reference to this had been omitted from the report.  He explained that officers’ routinely went round and inspected all polling stations, particularly looking at issues relating to access, car parking, etc.  With regards to the proposed polling stations, he considered that these would be a better alternatives than the existing polling stations.

The Chairman asked that when looking at alternative venues, was the cost of the venue taken into account.  The Chief Executive confirmed that this would be taken into account.

Councillor Mrs S Collop confirmed that Ward Members had been consulted on the proposed changes.

The Chief Executive also explained that it was sometimes difficult to find venues.  He reported that if Presiding Officers had any difficulties with the venue during an election, then this would be reported back to the Elections Team.

RECOMMENDED:      That the Polling District and Polling Place Review Schedule attached to the agenda be adopted

Reason for Decision

To ensure that the Council meets its statutory obligations in reviewing the Polling Places.

Cabinet considered a report which reminded Members of the Council's duty to undertake a review of the polling districts and polling places in respect of Parliamentary electoral areas that fell within the boundaries of the Borough.  This review was last conducted in 2013, but it was the Returning Officer’s responsibility to keep polling stations under review.  The following recommendations were being made for changes in order to improve accessibility and an improvement to the current polling stations, or where in the case of the Olive Branch Café it was no longer available:

Councillor Long drew attention to the fact that the Pavilion had planning restrictions around the use of the building after 10pm, to which the Democratic Services Manager explained it would not be open to the public after 10pm as that was the close of poll.

Councillor Long also drew attention to the poor condition that he had last seen Tilney All Saints Village Hall in, to which the Democratic Services Manager explained that the building had been refurbished and was now far more accessible than the current polling station.

In proposing the recommendations Councillor Beales drew attention to the fact that any ward member comments would be made on at Council

RECOMMENDED:      That the Polling District and Polling Place Review Schedule attached to the agenda be adopted