Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Russell.

Copy of the minutes of the meeting held on the 7^th July 2015.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 7^th July 2015 were agreed and signed by the Chair.

There were none.

There were none.

There were none.

Report of the Chief Executive (Copy herewith)

The Chief Executive submitted a report which updated Members on the Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places. It was explained that the Electoral Commission had drafted guidance with regards to the forthcoming referendum on the membership of the European Union, having experienced a high turnout in the recent during Scotland’s referendum. It was explained that the Commission had recommended that Local Returning officers should attempt not to exceed 1,500 votes in person and therefore, in the review there was an increased number of polling districts.

It was noted that during the review there had been some feedback and responses from Members of the public and Members and it was explained that the next round of consultation may include further suggestions for Polling Stations. It was explained that the consultation would be for 4 weeks in order to comply with statute and that the final recommendations from the review would be brought before the General Purposes Committee on the 17^th November 2015.

In response to questions asked by the Committee, the Chief Executive confirmed that he was not aware of any research carried out that voting returns and proximity to polling stations. He also explained that there had been some strong representation from some schools who did not want to be used as polling stations and whilst efforts would be made to find alternative arrangements, ultimately, the Chief Executive could insist that they be polling stations.

RESOLVED:

2.1   That the representations of the Local Returning Officer and the public consultation be noted.

2.2   That Committee members make comments on the Local Returning Officer’s proposals that it would wish to inform the consultation.

2.3   That it be noted that the final recommendations would be brought to the meeting of the Committee on the 17^th November 2015.