The Committee considered a report from the Senior Election Services Officer (circulated previously) regarding the Polling District and Place Review 2023.
The Head of Governance advised that there were three changes to make members aware of which were:
· Ebrington Arms, Knowle – There had been ownership issues, but recent communication indicated that it would be available again for use as a Polling Station and that would be the preferred option. The best alternative would be the Church Hall at Christchurch, Braunton although this would be outside of the Polling District. The situation would be kept under review.
· South Molton – to be split into 2 Polling Districts- which would be re-lettered from DY to EJ
· St Johns Community Centre – This was currently closed to the public due to a leaking roof. It was not known when it would re-open. The situation was being monitored.
In response to questions from the Committee, the Chief Executive advised that:
· Every effort is made to have the Polling Station within the Polling District where possible, however this was not necessarily the nearest polling station to a particular voter.
· The split within South Molton (to two Polling Districts) was only for polling purposes and did not affect the number of councillor seats in the town.
Councillor Walker advised the Head of Governance that there was a similar issue with the Tomlin Hall, Bickington, in that it was having a new roof. The Head of Governance noted that he would look into the situation.
RECOMMENDED to Full Council, that the Arrangements of the Polling Districts and Places 2023 (as contained in Appendix A of the report) are adopted.
Council considered a report by the Head of Governance to the Governance Committee on 9 January 2024 (circulated previously) regarding the Polling District and Place Review 2023.
The Head of Governance provided the following updates:
· Ebrington Arms, Knowle – the premises had now become available as a polling station which was the Council’s preference. However, the best alternative would be to use the Church Hall at Christchurch in Braunton and the situation would be kept under review.
· The Governance Committee at its meeting on 9 January 2024 had recommended that the Arrangements of Polling District and Places 2023 as detailed in Appendix A be adopted.
In response to a question, the Head of Governance advised that enquiries would be made in relation to the potential use of mobile libraries as polling stations.
It was moved by Councillor Norman and seconded by Councillor Bell that the recommendation be adopted.
RESOLVED that the proposed Polling District and Polling Places within the North Devon Constituency as required by the Electoral Administration Act 2006 be adopted, in accordance with appendix A, Arrangements of Polling District and Places 2023 annexed to the report.