Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Corporate Manager Democratic and Civic Support.

Scrutiny Committee – Resources considered the report at its meeting on 17 September 2014 and its comments will be reported.

The report of the Corporate Manager Democratic and Civic Support was submitted setting out the proposals for new polling district and polling places arrangements recommended as a result of the Council’s responsibilities under the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 and Schedule A1 of the Representation of the People Act 1983.

The Leader stated that the moving of the Pinhoe Ward polling station based at Orwell Garth to Willowbrook School would not meet the geographical needs of the electors and cause them to have to cross a busy main road.

Scrutiny Committee – Resources considered the report at its meeting on 17 September 2014 and the support and comments of the Members were noted.

RECOMMENDED that Council approves:-

(1)          the adoption of the proposals outlined in the report, with the omission of paragraph 8.6 (Pinhoe Ward – Orwell Garth to remain in situ) for implementation from a revised register of electors to be published on 1 December 2014;

(2)          the formal publication of its final report on the Review of Parliamentary Polling Districts and Places within the Exeter Constituency on 16 October 2014, as required by the Electoral Administration Act 2006; and

(3)          the completion of a further review by 31 January 2020, as required by the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013.

To consider the report of the Corporate Manager Democratic & Civic Support and Returning Officer.

Councillor Hannaford attended the meeting under Standing Order 44 to speak on this item.

The Corporate Manager Democratic & Civic Support and Returning Officer presented a report which set out the proposals for new polling district and polling places arrangements which have been recommended as a result of the Council’s responsibilities under the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 and Schedule A1 of the Representation of the People Act 1983.

Councillor Hannaford requested that Members support the recommendation for four polling districts in the Exwick ward.  He welcomed the opportunity to identify a fourth polling station. 

The Corporate Manager Democratic & Civic Support and Returning Officer responded to a comment on the effect of the closure of buildings currently occupied by youth clubs and stated that there were no compelling powers to use any such premises with the exception of schools. He was in contact with Devon County Council to discuss the future approach. A Member considered that funding suitable community facilities for use as polling stations in Cowick was a challenge, but he made the suggestion of using the Trefoil Lodge in Buddle Lane. A Member also asked for further consideration of the location of one of the two Duryard polling stations, as it could be a busy student area and whether that was suitable venue for all voters. The Corporate Manager Democratic & Civic Support and Returning Officer reassured Members that factors such as examination periods would be taken into account at future elections,  but there was a shortage of suitable accommodation in that ward.  

Scrutiny Committee – Resources noted the report and recommended that Council be requested to approve the following:-