Decision Maker: Executive
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: Yes
The undertaking of the statutory review of all
polling places and polling districts within the Borough of
Bracknell Forest.
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.
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.
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.
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: