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

Cabinet received a report on the proposed changes to the number and locations of polling stations in Herefordshire.  Cabinet was advised of the new Electoral Administration Act 2006, which requires that relevant authorities conduct a review of all polling districts and polling places by the end of 2007 with a further review conducted every four years thereafter.  It is a requirement that the Returning Officer must make representations to the relevant authority as to the location of existing or proposed stations and the Returning Officer’s comments must be published within 30 days of receipt.

It was noted that there had been some concerns from Members over the review but it was emphasised that it was a statutory duty.  Cabinet was informed that there had not as yet been the opportunity to return to consultees, such as parish councillors, to gain their views or to gain the view of the new Chief Executive as the new Returning Officer.

A Member in attendance expressed the view that it was felt that more work needed to be done, with particular regard to the disputed polling stations.  It was pointed out to Cabinet that the Strategic Monitoring Committee was awaiting a report on the issues that had arisen at the last local elections.  The Head of Legal and Democratic Services advised that a response was still awaited from the electoral supplier. 

Cabinet was advised that the advice of the Electoral Commission was that the review needed to be completed even if that meant the Executive did not approve the review.  This would mean that the current arrangements for polling stations would remain until the review was revisited.  Cabinet agreed that a further review needed to be carried out ensuring that it did not coincide with any proposed election date. 

RESOLVED

      THAT:

(a)     the existing arrangement of polling districts and polling places remain unchanged;

(b)    the Returning Officer’s recommendations as indicated in Appendix 2 of the report (Changes to Polling Stations) be not approved and Appendix 3 (No changes to Polling Stations) be approved; and

(c)     the review of Polling Stations be revisited and a further consultation take place before March 2008 with a report to Cabinet with the Returning Officer’s recommendations in April 2008.

To review the charges for fees to be levied on parish and town councils at ordinary elections and for casual vacancies.