Decision details

The Chief Executive submitted a report for information on the provisions of the Elections Act 2022.

The Act introduced several significant changes which will apply to UK parliamentary elections in Great Britain, local election in England and Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales.

The provisions were expected to be in place for the May 2023 elections and would make it easier for people with disabilities to vote, have a requirement for voters at polling stations to show photographic identification and change the counting system for mayoral elections from supplementary vote to First Past the Post.

The timescales for implementation were very tight and to guide Returning Offices with some guidance, the Electoral Commission had published a document to enable preparations to start.

A further report would be brought to committee in due course.

The Chief Executive also reported upon the outcome of the Parliamentary Boundary Review in that the proposal was for the Ribble Valley council area to be split in two with part of the borough being included in with Pendle district. A response had been invited by no later than 5 December 2022.

Members discussed this issue and felt that a response should be made but that councillors should have the opportunity to put their views forward in debate first.

Councillor Austin was given permission to speak on this item.

RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE

Agree to set up a working group comprising of Councillors S Atkinson, S Fletcher, M Hindle and D Peat to meet prior to a Special Policy & Finance committee on Tuesday 29 November 2022.