Decision details

Designation of Polling Districts and Polling Places

Decision Maker: Council

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

This report will make recommendations to Council to appoint various polling places throughout the borough.

 

Decisions:

Council received a report on proposals for polling districts and polling places following the Local Government Boundary Commission’s review of the Council’s electoral arrangements.

The report was presented by the Electoral Registration Officer and Returning Officer. It was noted that the Local Government Boundary Commission had published its final recommendations in October 2018 and it was explained that Reigate and Banstead would be represented by 45 councillors, have 15 wards and that all ward boundaries would change as a result of the review.

The Mayor (Councillor Mrs. D.A. Ross-Tomlin) invited the Leader of the Council (Councillor M.A. Brunt) to the move the recommendations. In doing so the following points were highlighted:

·         The draft Electoral Changes Order was laid before Parliament on 3 December 2018 and was due to become law at the end of January 2019.

 

·         The Order would be implemented at the next local elections, scheduled for 2 May 2019.

Councillor M.A. Brunt informed Council that as part of the implementation process, Officers had undertaken a review of polling districts and places. It was noted that the polling districts had been illustrated on maps set out in Annex B to the report and that details of the proposed polling stations had been provided in Annex A. It was highlighted that all ward councillors had been consulted on the proposals.

The Leader of the Council explained that a couple of suggestions had been submitted for alternative polling stations for RDW5. It was noted that these had been received towards the end of the consultation period and were still being assessed for suitability.

As a result of these developments, Councillor M.A. Brunt moved adjustments to the recommendations to reflect these outstanding assessments. This was seconded by Councillor G.J. Knight whereupon it was

RESOLVED

 

1.    To note that the recommendations made by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE), for new ward boundaries within the borough of Reigate and Banstead, would be implemented and take effect from the local government elections due to be held on 2 May 2019, subject to Parliamentary approval as follows:

 

·         Reigate and Banstead would be represented by 45 councillors

 

·         Reigate and Banstead would have 15 wards

 

·         The boundaries of all wards would change

 

2.    That the revised schedule of polling districts and polling places set out in Annex A be approved, subject to any changes arising from the outstanding consultation (dealt with under Resolution 3 below).

 

3.    That the (Acting) Returning Officer, in consultation with Ward councillors, be delegated authority to designate any polling places following further assessment.

Wards Affected: (All Wards);

Contact: Sally Crawford, Electoral Services Manager Email: Sally.Crawford@reigate-banstead.gov.uk Tel: 01737 276440.

Report author: Sally Crawford

Publication date: 07/01/2019

Date of decision: 13/12/2018

Decided at meeting: 13/12/2018 - Council

Accompanying Documents: