The Review Process
We’ve done some initial research to inform the proposals in this consultation paper. We invite your comments on these proposals.
The electorate figures we used are for the local government electors on the Electoral Register published on 1 September 2023.
We are reviewing our polling places to make sure they are accessible, convenient, and fair for everyone. We will consider the following factors:
- Identifying new polling places: We will look for new polling places in areas where the existing provision is unsuitable or unavailable.
- Feedback: We will consider feedback received following recent elections from members of the public, elected members, and other stakeholders.
- Accessibility: We will ensure that every polling place is accessible to electors with disabilities.
- Facilities: We will make sure that all electors have such reasonable facilities for voting as are practicable in the circumstances.
- Disruption to schools: We will try to minimise disruption to schools, but we may use them if there are no better alternatives.
- Elector numbers: We will try to comply with the Electoral Commission's guidance on the maximum number of electors that should be allocated to a polling station.
- Future housing developments: We will consider the impact of proposed housing developments on polling station electorates using the Local Plan.
Read more information about the Local Plan
We're reviewing our access to premises and facilities for people with disabilities. We're holding a review, and we want to hear from you.
We'll send a consultation paper to elected members, MPs, local political parties, parish councils, and any other interested groups or people. This includes people with expertise in access to premises and facilities for people with disabilities.
THE REVIEW TIMETABLE
| Notice of Review published and elected members, MPs and Parish Clerks notified | Monday 2 October 2023 |
|---|---|
| Commencement of Consultation on current provision and proposed changes | Monday 2 October 2023 |
| End of Consultation | Monday 30 October 2023 |
| Consider comments and if necessary, revise proposals | Ongoing and completed by Tuesday 31 October 2023 |
| Final proposals published via Agenda papers and website | 6 November 2023 |
| Cabinet Meeting | 20 November 2023 |
| Council Agenda published | 21 November 2023 |
| Council meeting – approval of polling district and polling place scheme | 29 November 2023 |
| Publication of review result | 30 November 2023 |
| Publish Electoral Register based on approved polling district and polling place scheme | 1 December 2023 |
| Borough, Parish and Police & Crime Commissioner elections using new polling districts and polling places scheme | Thursday 2 May 2024 |
| Parliamentary General election on new constituency boundaries and new polling districts and polling places scheme. | By January 2025 |
COMPLETION OF REVIEW
We will publish:
- The results of the review.
- The minutes of Council meetings concerning the review.
- All correspondence received in connection with the review.
- All representations made by any person in connection with the review.