Decision details

The Chief Executive submitted a report for Committee to agree the adoption of the Returning Officer’s Scale of Fees in connection with any Borough and Parish Council By Elections that might arise in 2024/25.

The Returning Officer was held personally responsible for the organisation and conduct of every election held within the Borough, and in the case of a General Election the Ribble Valley Parliamentary Constituency which extended into the neighbouring Boroughs of South Ribble and Preston.

For Local Elections the Council were required to set the fees which the Returning Officer should not exceed. A scale of fees for Lancashire was developed by a working group of Elections Officers in 2007, which had been updated annually in line with inflation, general staff pay awards and guidance from DLUHC. The updated scale of fees was included with the report for Committee to consider.

It was highlighted at the meeting that cost of running Parish Council Elections had increased significantly over the years, particularly when a Parish By Election was held in isolation. The Council could recharge the cost of administering these elections to Parishes. Committee requested that a report be brought to the next meeting in order to fully consider the options.

RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:

1.    Agree the Returning Officers’ Scale of Fees for 2024/25 Borough and Parish Elections as set out in the report.

2.    Request that a report be brought to a future meeting detailing the costs to the Council for running Parish Council Elections and the options available for Committee to consider.