Issue - meetings

This report sets out the outcome of the consultation process on Polling Places and Districts and makes recommendations for proposed changes.

Following consideration, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

(1)        Agree the location of the polling places and districts as set out in Appendix 1 to the report for a five-year period from 1st January 2023, or until it is superseded by any subsequent review of any polling place or district; and

(2)        Delegate to the Chief Executive in their capacity as the Council’s Returning Officer any ongoing review or change of polling places during this period, to ensure that polling arrangements in the Borough remain fit for purpose for each election called.

The Committee received a report setting out the outcome of the consultation process on Polling Places and Districts and making recommendations for proposed changes.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Count venue. Following a question from a Member, the Committee was informed that the venue for the 2023 Borough Council Elections Count would be at Epsom Downs Racecourse.

b)            Preparations for 2023 elections. Following a question from the Vice Chair, the Head of Policy and Corporate Resources informed the Committee that a number of changes were scheduled to be introduced by the Government in advance of the 2023 Borough Council elections, including requirements for voter ID at polling stations. The Council was prepared for the challenges created by these changes. The Interim Chief Executive informed the Committee that discussions regarding funding to meet the new requirements were ongoing with the Government.

Following consideration, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Agree the location of the polling places and districts as set out in Appendix 1 to the report for a five-year period from 1st January 2023, or until it is superseded by any subsequent review of any polling place or district; and

(2)      Delegate to the Chief Executive in their capacity as the Council’s Returning Officer any ongoing review or change of polling places during this period, to ensure that polling arrangements in the Borough remain fit for purpose for each election called.