Issue - items at meetings - Parliamentary Voting and Constituencies Bill

Report of the Strategic Director, Resources (copy attached).

RESOLVED - That the Governance Committee notes the content and implications of the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill.

45.1         The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Resources concerning the implications of the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill, which proposed a referendum on electoral reform and the creation of fewer and more equal sized constituencies.

45.2         The Head of Life Events explained that holding the referendum on the same day as the local elections presented some logistical issues for the Electoral Services Team and that it would be vital to provide the members of the public with clear information. He advised that the review of constituencies would take place by 2013 and that further information on both issues was expected and would be circulated.

45.3         Councillor Mitchell was concerned at the speed at which the Bill was going through Parliament and in particular highlighted worries over individual voter registration, which placed the onus on individuals to register or lose their vote, and the fact that there would be no right to appeal the forthcoming constituency boundary changes.

45.4         Councillor Mears stated that more detail on the proposals would be welcomed, particularly in relation to the referendum vote count. She reported that she had spoken with the Chief Executive to express a view that the vote count for the local election should take place during the night and not wait until the following day, and she hoped that opposition Members would also support this.

45.5         The Head of City Services gave a commitment to update Members on the points raised when further information was received from the Government. She added that that Electoral Services team would continue to provide the best possible service for councillors and members of the public, and that polling station staff would be sufficiently trained to offer assistance with both ballots.

45.6         Councillor Kitcat stated that dual elections could be problematic and that good preparation and publicity would be key. He advised that research had shown that vote counts were more likely to be accurate if conducted the next day and highlighted concerns that radical changes to constituency boundaries would break up natural communities.

45.7         The Chairman stated that it the responsibility of elected representatives to recognise the communities within their own wards, whatever the boundaries. He advised that political parties had a role to play in advising members of the public on the practicalities of voting.

45.8         Councillor Elgood noted that voters in Rottingdean had taken part in two ballots for a number of years without experiencing problems. He welcomed the referendum on the voting system and looked forward to the electorate’s decision. He advised that natural boundaries where not easy to identify and it was, therefore, logical to have equal sized constituencies.

45.9         Councillor Simson advised that voters should not be underestimated and that polling staff were consistently well-trained. She highlighted concerns about the postal vote and the need for clear guidance.

45.10    Councillor Fallon-Khan wished to record his congratulations to the council’s Business Rates Team, managed by the Head of City Services, for winning the award for ‘Innovative Customer Service’ at the Public Service Awards.

45.11    RESOLVED - That the Governance Committee notes the content and implications of the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill.