Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

To receive any declarations of interest from members relating to any item on the agenda.

Members present declared an interest only in so far as they are elected members and the proposals related to changes within their respective wards. 

To confirm the minutes of the meetings held on 22 September and 12 October 2023 as a correct record.

Resolved that the minutes of the meetings held on 22 September and 12 October 2023 be confirmed as a correct record.

To determine whether there are any additional items of business arising which should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

There were no additional items of business to consider as a matter of urgency.

To consider the proposed changes to polling districts and polling places.

The Committee was informed that The Electoral Administration Act 2006, as amended, introduced a duty on all local authorities in Great Britain to review their polling districts and polling places at least once every five years.  The last review in Sandwell had been undertaken in 2019. 

As a result, the recommendations being considered took into account:

a) the ongoing commitment to seek to further reduce the number of schools and temporary huts used as polling places;

b) the desire to improve voter accessibility to polling places;

c) the need to identify an alternative location where an existing polling place was no longer available to use.

The notice of review was published on 2 October 2023 and the consultation period was from 2 October 2023 to 2 November 2023. All elected members, Members of Parliament, local political parties and local disability and community groups were consulted. Seven changes were proposed and these would affect five wards.

This review focused on those polling places that it was necessary to change due to the current venue no longer being available, or due to significant issues with the polling place identified at the local election in May 2023.  This approach was taken due to the recent commencement of the Local Government Boundary Review of Sandwell which required all polling district boundaries to be reviewed in 2024/25.

To try and minimise voter confusion around where they were able to cast their vote, the intention with this polling district and polling place review was to only change those that were absolutely necessary, as there would likely be many changes to polling districts and polling places at all out Local Council elections in 2026.

In response to comments and questions from the Committee, it was confirmed that:-

·               there would be minimal changes to the existing polling stations to minimise voter confusion

·               where polling stations had poor lighting, subject to a more permanent solution being found by the venue, the Elections Team could provide temporary lighting to enhance security and safety;

·               where a viable alternative was available, schools would not be used to ensure little disruption to them and aid child welfare by keep voters and children separate.