Decision details

2019 Review Polling Districts and Polling Places

Decision Maker: Executive

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

The undertaking of the statutory review of all polling places and polling districts within the Borough of Bracknell Forest.

Decision:

 

I.      existing polling arrangements remain the same in all wards except for Bracknell Town Centre: The Court House.

 

II.    Bracknell Town Centre: The Court House polling station is moved to the

Bracknell Central Library.

Reasons for the decision:

To address stakeholder feedback relating to the continued suitability of polling

locations and to ensure high quality, accessible polling arrangements for all Bracknell

Forest electors.

Alternative options considered:

I.      BT – The Court House: Consideration was given to moving the polling station to the Time Square council offices. Members decided that the Bracknell Central Library would provide a superior experience to electors.

 

II.    BJ - Wooden Hill Primary School: In response to feedback received during the public consultation, consideration was given to moving this polling station to the newly refurbished Great Hollands Pavilion. Officers visited the location and while the venue itself has excellent facilities Members decided that the location relative to the electors who would be using it and general issues around accessibly for those electors with limited mobility, discount it as a reasonable alternative compared to the existing arrangements.

 

III.   BW – Wildridings Primary School: A significant number of representations received requested the relocation of this polling station to an alternative venue. Other locations were considered such as the Wildridings Gospel Hall Members decided that restrictions around bookings meant that this was not a viable alternative.

 

At the Steering Groups request, officers met with the Headteacher to ascertain whether a compromise arrangement could be put in place to allow the school to remain open on polling days. It was mutually agreed that issues around safeguarding could not be appropriately mitigated. The Steering Group asked officers to keep the location under review and did not recommend any changes at this time.

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None

Reason Key: Affects more than 1 ward;

Wards Affected: (All Wards);

Financial Impact: The establishment of additional polling stations will involve additional costs for staffing and hire of accommodation. Any increased costs at the time of an election would be realised by the body responsible for paying for the particular election.

Declarations: None

Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No

Making Representations: A consultation will be undertaken and representations and solicited from a range of statutorily identified stakeholders and Bracknell Forest residents.

Other reasons / organisations consulted

Statutorily identified consultees will be written to in line legislative requirements and a public consultation will be run via the online Council consultation portal.

Contact: Philip Sadler, Head of Registration & Councillor Services Email: philip.sadler@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Tel: 01344 352140.

Report author: Philip Sadler

Publication date: 22/10/2019

Date of decision: 22/10/2019

Decided at meeting: 22/10/2019 - Executive

Effective from: 30/10/2019

Accompanying Documents:

 

Contact Information

Democratic services

Email: committee@bracknell-forest.gov.uk