Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance asking the Council to appoint a Deputy Electoral Registration Officer (DERO) to carry out duties of the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) in their absence.  It was noted that under Section 52(2) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 the Council could appoint a DERO who was able to perform and exercise any of the duties and powers of the ERO.

The report advised that the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance was the current ERO and set out how appointment of a DERO would mitigate risks in the event that the ERO was unavailable. 

In response to a question regarding Officer fees for duties relating to elections, the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance advised that in accordance with legislation the Returning Officer and all staff on elections had to be paid for elections work separate to their Council duties to create a clear line of separation.

RESOLVED that the Lead Elections and Democratic Services Manager be appointed as the Deputy Electoral Registration Officer, with the full powers of the Electoral Registration Officer in his absence, with immediate effect.