To make comment on the proposed changes to the number and locations of polling stations in Herefordshire.

THAT  (a)        The Council’s policy on charging parish and town councils to recover election costs, be reaffirmed and that the full cost of elections be charged except when combined elections take place, then only 50% of costs be recharged;

(b)       An administration charge be made on all parishes for uncontested elections but (subject to the views of HALC) that this charge be based on a per-head of elector cost basis;

(c)               HALC be informed of the likely increase in costs that will be incurred at the May 2007 elections and the extra costs if the Government decides that the all-postal ballot method should be used at the local elections in 2007, this information to also include an assessment for uncontested and contested elections and be sent to each parish and town council;

(d)              a Review be carried out of all Polling Stations in the County.

To review the current policy in relation to the recovery of election costs for town and parish councils.

The Council could agree to the request of HALC and absorb the parish council election costs, estimated to be in the region of £50,000/60,000.