Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the (Acting) Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council:

(1)  adopt the proposals as set out at paragraph 8.5 of the report for implementation from a revised register of electors for publication by 1 February 2025;

(2)  formally publish its final report on the Review of Parliamentary Polling Districts and Places within the Exeter Constituency by 10 January 2025, as required by the Representation of the People Act 1983 (RPA 1983); and

(3)  agree to complete a further review by 31 January 2030, as required by the Representation of the People Act 1983.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report which set out proposals for a new Parliamentary polling district and polling places arrangements, which had been recommended as a result of a statutory review as set out in Representation of the People Act 1983.

During the discussion, Executive Members raised the following points and questions:-

·         the Alphington Ward previously had four polling stations, which had been reduced to three resulting in a low number of votes. Had any discussions been held on reintroducing the fourth polling station?

·         had there been a decline in the number of people engaging with the democratic process in Pinhoe following the move of the Polling Station to the Exeter Harriers Athletic Club?

·         what engagement had been undertaken with Members in regard to polling stations? and

·         political parties were able to access election information through appropriate channels.

Councillor Moore spoke on the item as opposition group leader and raised the following points and questions:-

·         a number of people had difficulty finding the entrance at the back of the St David's Community Centre. Could the front entrance be made available? and

·         the EQIA didn’t reference disability access to polling stations

In response to questions raised, the Electoral Services Manager advised that:-

·         there was a lot of dependency on the availability of polling stations and polling districts were built around that. If a polling station was lost and another could not be obtained within the polling district, an amendment had to be made, such as that in Alphington;

·         there had been no noticeable decline in the numbers using of the Exeter Harriers Athletic Club as a polling station;

·         in terms of consultation, it was standard practice to contact current Councillors and obtain their views and obtain their support in finding other locations, using their local knowledge; and

·         changing access arrangements St David's Community Centre could be looked at with equalities issues.

The Deputy Leader & Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services and City Centre advised Members that they were always contacted about a polling station specific to their Ward. Members were also reminded that the report was specifically about changing boundaries to include a new polling station that was used last year.

The Leader moved the recommendations, which were seconded by Councillor Wright, voted upon, and CARRIED unanimously.

RECOMMENDED that Council:

(1)  adopt the proposals as set out at paragraph 8.5 of the report for implementation from a revised register of electors for publication by 1 February 2025;

(2)  formally publish its final report on the Review of Parliamentary Polling Districts and Places within the Exeter Constituency by 10 January 2025, as required by the Representation of the People Act 1983 (RPA 1983); and

(3)  agree to complete a further review by 31 January 2030, as required by the Representation of the People Act 1983.