Issue - meetings

To consider a review of Polling Districts and Polling Places in Cheshire East.

The Committee considered a report on a proposed review of polling arrangements for Cheshire East.

The Electoral Administration Act 2006 had introduced a statutory duty for local authorities to carry out a review of their parliamentary Polling Districts and Polling Places by 31 December 2007; and at least every four years thereafter.

The first stage of the process involved giving notice of the Review. It was intended that a notice would be published at the end of June 2011. 

The Authority had to devise a proposal for the new Polling District and Polling Place arrangements, although there was no requirement to change any existing arrangements.

The consultation stage sought representations and comments on the local authority proposals for Polling Districts and Places. 

Following the consultation stage, the Authority had to make its final decisions on the review, taking into account all the representations received.

Delegating the power to conduct the Review to a Sub-Committee of the Constitution Committee was considered the most effective way for the Review to be conducted and would ensure that  representations received could be fully considered. It would also ensure that the final decision could be made and published prior to publication of the Register of Electors on 1^st December 2011. The final decision would be made by full Council in November. The proposed timetable was set out in Appendix A to the report.

RESOLVED

That

(1)   the publication of the notice of the Polling Districts and Polling Places Review be authorised; and

(2)   a sub-committee of six members be appointed (4 Con: 1 Lab: 1 Ind) with delegated powers to undertake the Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places as required by the Electoral Administration Act 2006.