Issue - meetings

Report number DEM10 by the Returning Officer.      (Enclosure)

DECISION:

(1)           That the proposals for the new polling districts and polling places as appended to report DEM10 be approved, taking into account all representations made;

(2)           That the Council authorises the publication of the final proposals as required by legislation prior to re-publication of the current electoral register on 1 May 2008; and

(3)           That the information in report DEM10 be referred to the Engagement Policy Development Group as part of the ongoing review of polling districts and polling places.

The Council had before it report number DEM10 of the Chief Executive in his capacity as Returning Officer which advised that a complete review of all polling districts, polling places, and polling stations had been undertaken as required by the Electoral Administration Act 2006.

The review had been a comprehensive one but some members expressed concern at some of the proposals where the number of polling stations had been either reduced or an alternative location proposed.  The Council received advice from the Electoral Services Officer on the process of the review and criteria that had been applied to assessing the size of polling districts, the location and selection of premises for use as polling places.  A question was raised regarding disabled access to a particular station in Stamford to which the officer responded by outlining the legal obligations upon the Returning Officer with regard to disabled access and how that could practically be applied to each premises.  Provision of disabled access ramps where needed would involve a cost to the Council.  The Electoral Services Officer confirmed that the legislation placed a duty on the Returning Officer to keep the designation of polling districts, polling places and polling stations under review.

It was proposed and seconded that the proposals for the Greyfriars ward be re-examined.  An amendment was proposed and seconded but subsequently withdrawn that the proposals, apart from the Greyfriars ward, be accepted.

Having regard to the concerns raised and further information provided by the Returning Officer in relation to the timescale for completion of this review, it was proposed and seconded as an amendment that the proposals as contained in the report be accepted and implemented but that, as part of the ongoing review, the Engagement PDG give consideration to the issues of concern raised at the meeting.  Following a vote the amendment was carried becoming the substantive motion which was subsequently agreed.

[Councillor Miss Channell entered the meeting at 4.09pm.]