|
City of York Council |
Committee Minutes |
|
|
Meeting |
Licensing And Regulatory Committee |
|
|
Date |
22 January 2020 |
|
|
Present |
Councillors Mason (Chair), Wells (Vice-Chair), Barker, Cuthbertson, Galvin, Hook, Hunter, Melly, D Myers, Norman, Orrell, Pearson, D Taylor And Warters |
|
|
Apologies |
Councillor Kilbane |
|
Part B - Matters Referred To Council
35. Review Of Polling Districts And Polling Places 2019
Members considered a report that presented the outcome and resulting recommendations following the conclusion of the review of polling districts, polling places and polling stations, as required by the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013. The schedule of representations received was detailed in Annex A and the schedule of polling stations and (Acting) Returning Officer comments and recommendations was detailed in Annex B.
The Director of Governance was in attendance to present the report. She introduced herself noting that she was the Deputy Returning Officer and confirmed that the Returning Officer had been fully consulted on the review and added that Returning Officers acted independent of the Council.
The Director of Governance then explained the review noting that feedback from a number of people had been taken into account and thanked Members for their feedback.
In response to questions and comments, she clarified:
· The process for allocation of double polling stations;
· The responsibilities of Presiding Officers;
· Alternative venues for use as polling stations for the Police and Crime Commissioner elections would be considered due to a small number of venues not being available for that election. Members were invited to forward their suggestions for alternative venues;
· Alternative venues to schools as polling stations would be explored;
· The law allows the Returning Officer to make incidental changes to polling places and in this case the Returning Officer would advise and consult with Ward Councillors in circumstances where for whatever reason a polling station becomes unavailable. However, if changes were to be made to a larger number of polling places this would be brought back to the committee for consideration.
· If there needed to be a change of venue for a polling station, this would be communicated as soon as possible to the electorate;
· This review of Polling Districts and Polling Places could not bring about changes to ward boundaries.
It was:
Recommended: That Council approve:
a) The proposals for the Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places 2019;
b) The following changes to venues as set out by the (Acting) Returning Officer in Appendix B – Schedule of Polling Stations and (Acting) Returning Officers comments and recommendations:
· Christian Science Church to be used a polling station for DB polling district.
· St. Oswald’s Church Hall to be used a polling station for DC polling district.
· Murton Church to be used a polling station for YHB polling district
· A venue be located for Kexby to be used a polling station in YHE polling district.
Reason: In order to ensure that the Council complies with statutory requirements of the provision of polling places and polling stations for electors.
Cllr Mason, Chair
[The meeting started at 5.30 pm and finished at 6.00 pm].