Agenda item

Report number LDS101 by the Electoral Review Working Group.                             (Report: Enclosure)

(Draft submission: Enclosure)

Decision:

1.    The Council approves the draft submission on proposed Warding arrangements which is attached to report number LDS101 at Appendix A, for submission to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

2.    The Council delegates authority to the Electoral Review Working Group to make any alterations to the submission resulting from the meeting.

In proposing the recommendations as set out in report number LDS101, on the Electoral Review of South Kesteven – Warding Patterns submission, the Governance and Communication Portfolio Holder thanked those who were involved in the preparation of the draft submission. He stated that the process had started a year previously, with the appointment of the working group, which also prepared the Council size submission (approved by Council on 13 December 2012). Any typographical errors and those amendments identified in the separate paper put before Members identified would be noted and picked up for correction through the second recommendation. The proposition was seconded.

An amendment was proposed to approve the draft submission subject to the following revision:

“That the submission be amended to ensure the Ward names for Stamford stay the same as they are now.”

In moving the amendment reference was made to the significance and history of the churches in Stamford and the strong association local people had with the churches. This was seconded. In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.4 a request was made for a recorded vote; this was supported by more than ten Councillors.

Councillors who spoke in favour of the amendment stressed the strong local connection with the churches, local heritage, the changeability of school names, the impact of proposed names for district council Wards on Stamford Town Council and local strength of feeling.

Those speaking against the amendment referred to the second part of the recommendation which gave delegated authority to the working group to make any amendments to the document arising from the Council meeting, the rationale that retaining the old names for Wards with different boundaries could be confusing to the local electorate and the opportunities which were made available to Councillors for commenting on the draft proposals.

In response to a question, officers confirmed no written submission had been received from Stamford Town Council.

On the completion of debate, a recorded vote was taken.

The amendment was defeated.

The Chairman of the Electoral Review Working Group thanked the members of the working group for their hard work and commitment and the officers who had assisted the group for their support. Members were informed that any suggestions which were received through the two briefing sessions for Councillors had been considered by the working group before the draft submission was circulated. Members were also reminded that any interested groups or individuals could make their own submissions directly to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England for all or part of the district.

During the summing up of debate, the submission deadline of 5 August 2013 was brought to Members’ attention. Particular reference was made to the evidence which was required to support any proposals put forward.

A vote was taken on the proposition as originally put, which was carried.