Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Returning Officer, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Returning Officer seeking Members’ consideration of the outcomes of a review of all Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations within the District.  The report also sought confirmation of the designation of Polling Districts and Polling Places in the Maldon District.

The report provided background information and set out the stages of consultation for a review to ensure that all electors had reasonable access to facilities for voting.  It was noted that the review had to be undertaken by 31 January 2020.  A copy of the Notice of Review was attached as Appendix 1 to the report.  Other key parties had been asked to comment on the proposals set out at Appendices 2 and 3 to the report.  A number of proposed changes, the consultation responses received from the consultation and the results of the Polling Places reviewed were set out in the report. 

It was noted that reference in paragraph 3.4.4 to Great Totham North should be Maldon North.

The Leader of the Council advised that the proposed changes would come into effect following the General Election.  He then proposed that the recommendations as set out in the report be approved.  This was duly seconded and agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)              That the contents of the report be noted;

(ii)            That no changes to the Polling Districts be made;

(iii)          That the changes to Polling Places as set out below, be agreed to come into force following the General Election on 12 December 2019:

·             Maldon East[1]– The polling place be moved from Maldon Stadium to Blackwater Leisure Centre.

·             Mayland – The polling station at Henry Samuel Hall be moved on a temporary basis to Lawling Park Hall.