Decision - Full Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places 2023

RESOLVED : That the Committee – (i) Agreed the polling district and polling place scheme outlined in Appendix 1. (ii) Delegated authority to the Executive Lead for Governance, People & Resources to take all measures as are necessary or incidental, as required by law, to implement the changes indicated in para 2.1. (iii) Delegated authority to the Returning Officer to designate alternative polling places, in the event of any polling place being unavailable, at any elections taking place prior before the next full review of polling places. Group Leaders and respective ward Councillors should be consulted prior to confirming any changes.

The consultation responses raised concerns about polling-station accessibility, walking distances, venue changes, school use, ward and polling-district boundaries, and voter identification. The Returning Officer explained the proposed arrangements and confirmed that a report and final scheme would be presented to the Policy & Resources Committee.