Issue - meetings

Councillor Duckworth presented the report and the following points were noted during the debate:

·  Community buildings that could be used as polling places were in short supply in some wards such as Beacon Road and Salmestone wards.

·  Mobile units were considered but the cost of mobile units was prohibitively expensive.

·  Concerns were raised about parking enforcement on polling days and some polling places being ‘out of area’.

Members agreed the officer’s recommendation:

That, subject to a re-assessment of Pierremont Hall as soon as practicable and that Democratic Services continue to search for an alternative venue in Beacon Road, the proposals for polling districts, places and stations for future elections, as attached at  Annex 2 to the report be agreed.

Mr Hughes, Committee Services Manager, introduced the item during which it was noted that:

• The Council was required to undertake a review of its Parliamentary polling districts and places between 1 October 2018 and 31 Jan 2020.
• Presiding Officers had completed a review form at the last European elections and the recent District/Parish elections.  The form had been designed by the Electoral commission to review polling stations.
• A proposed list of stations was created and circulated to over 200  stakeholders including elected members representing all areas of the Thanet District, Community organisations, organisations representing disabled residents and all of the currently used polling stations.  The proposals were also detailed on the councils website, social media and local news, including BBC South East The consultation was also open to all members of the public. 
• 20 responses had been received which were summarised in annex 1 of the report.
• There was concern that parking facilities at St Andrews Church were inadequate, however there was parking nearby.  Amongst others, St Peters House, Cabin Café and Westover Free Church had been considered as alternatives, however these venues either did not wish to be used by the Council or were found to be unsuitable.  Hire of a temporary station would be cost prohibitive at approximately £3800.00 per day.
• Queens Road Baptist Church replaced Piermont Hall, which was undergoing renovation work.  A re-assessment of Piermont Hall could take place once the renovations were complete.

The Working Party agreed that, subject a re-assessment of Piermont Hall as soon as practicable, the proposals for polling districts, places and stations for future elections, as attached at  Annex 2 to the report, be recommended to Council.