Issue - meetings

The Council is required to conduct a formal review of its polling districts, places and stations every five years, with the current review period being 1 October 2023 to 31 January 2025.  This report sets out the findings of the review and seeks agreement to the polling districts and polling stations/places to be used for future elections.

The Electoral Services Manager presented the report where she advised that it was a requirement for this review to be completed every 5 years, she confirmed that the team completed an evaluation of places and stations each year after each election to ensure that places are located in areas that are most convenient to electors as well as accessible to all, the visits and subsequent reports then feed into the larger review. She confirmed that electors, members and staff are asked for feedback after each election as part of the review and fully explore any issues or recommendations that are received. She advised that the schedule of Polling Districts, Places and Stations at the end of the report, that there had been minimal changes suggested, those changes that had been included were due to loss of venues or introduction of new community buildings or where the team has found another venue which would result in a better location for electors. 

          The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Bower and seconded by Councillor Turner.

          The Vice-Chair then invited members to ask questions or make any comments where it was asked, how much was cost an issue when, the council was forced to change a Polling Station, was there a budget, template and or guidelines to work within. The Electoral Services Manager advised that when alternatives were considered, it team do ensure that these are cost effective to the council. There was a budget for each election held and the team would try to stick within the budget, however there was no set budget per Polling Station. 

          As there were no other questions or comments the Vice-Chair then moved to the vote.

          The Committee

                    RECOMMEND TO FULL COUNCIL that

2.1 the Returning Officer’s report on the 2023/24 review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations for the Arun District, as set out in Appendix 1, be agreed; and

2.2 the use of the polling stations listed in Appendix 1 be agreed for future elections including the West Sussex County Council Elections scheduled to be held on 1 May 2025.