Decision details

Polling District and Polling Places Review 2014

Decision Maker: Executive

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To consider the recommendations of the Electoral Review Steering Group for changes to Bracknell Forest's polling districts and polling places as part of a review carried out as required by the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013.

Decision:

That the Electoral Review Steering Group proposals are agreed for recommendation to Council:

i.            That no changes are made to the following polling districts and polling places which meet the statutory criteria and provide reasonable and accessible facilities:

BA

BD

BE

BF

BG

BH

BJ

BK

BM

BN

BP

BQ

BT

BW

CS

SJ

SO

SP

SQ

WG

WM

WN

WP

WQ

WS

WV

WW

WX

WY

WZ

ii.            That no changes are made to polling district CN (Crowthorne) noting that the TRL site is a long term development area and therefore will be kept under review as development progresses

iii.            That a new polling district BC is created to cover those properties in the Wykery Copse development, Peacock Lane and Waterloo Road which are currently located in BB and that the Jennett’s Park Community Centre, Tawny Owl Square, is designated as the polling place for the new BC polling district (see Map1).  Electors in the revised BB polling district will continue to vote at Farley Wood Community Centre.

iv.            That a new polling district BLP is created for The Parks and surrounding roads and that the Parks Community Centre is designated as the polling place for the new BLP polling district (see Map 2).  Electors in the revised BL polling district will continue to vote at St Paul’s Church.

 

Reasons for the decision:

The proposals seek to update the current scheme to enable Bracknell Forest to implement fully the guidance of the Electoral Commission. In particular the proposals seek to meet the recommended number of electors allocated to polling stations across the Borough.

All proposals are made to ensure that there is a balance of the electorate within each polling district; that polling places are convenient and easily accessible for voters; and that future demand arising from new building and development has been taken into account.

 

Alternative options considered:

The Electoral Review Steering Group received and considered the views of the Returning Officer, set out in Annex A of the Director of Corporate Services’ report and the representations received in response to the consultation, set out in Annex B of the Director of Corporate Services’ Report.

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None

Reason Key: Affects more than 1 ward;

Wards Affected: (All Wards);

Financial Impact: There are financial implications if additional polling districts/places are created of approximately £1,500 per polling station.

Declarations: None

Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No

Making Representations: In writing to the Director of Corporate Services

Other reasons / organisations consulted

Letters and emails to stakeholders and notices at the Council offices. All electors consulted via the website.

Consultees

All councillors, local MPs, local political parties, agents at recent elections and disabled groups were asked to comment and all electors were consulted via the website.

Contact: Ann Moore, Assistant Director: Democratic & Registration Services Email: ann.moore@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Tel: 01344 352260.

Report author: Ann Moore

Publication date: 21/10/2014

Date of decision: 21/10/2014

Decided at meeting: 21/10/2014 - Executive

Effective from: 30/10/2014

Accompanying Documents: