Issue - meetings

At the invitation of the Mayor, the Interim Head of Paid Service introduced the report. The Coronavirus pandemic presented specific challenges to the administration of elections, particularly to arrangements at polling stations and the suitability of polling places. Since October, the Electoral Services team had been conducting a COVID risk assessment of all 43 polling places within the Borough, in line with the Electoral Commission’s guidance.

Consideration had been given to whether one-way systems and social distancing measures could be accommodated, in consultation with the Council’s health and safety officers. Where a change was recommended, Officers had undertaken a full assessment of electoral, accessibility and public health matters in consultation with Borough and County Members.

The report also sought to respond to the advice of the Electoral Commission that Councils should appoint a deputy Electoral Registration Officer in case the Electoral Registration Officer was unable to act personally.

RESOLVED:

1.     That the premises and recommendations set out in Appendix 1 (as revised) be designated the polling places for the polling districts stated.

2.     That Joyce Hamilton, Head of Legal and Governance, be appointed as a Deputy Electoral Registration Officer.