Decision details

Patrick Davies spoke during public participation regarding this report as summarised briefly below.

He stated that he had submitted representations to the review of polling arrangements on behalf of the local Labour party.  He did not believe that his comments relating to the variation in turnout in certain areas had been adequately addressed.  Specifically he believed there was a shortage of polling stations in suitable locations in St Lukes and St Bartholomew wards which resulted in a reduced turnout from voters living in certain areas of Stanmore and Winnall.  He did not consider it an adequate response in the report to state that no alternative suggestion was supplied.

The Governance Manager responded to the points raised by Mr Davies including advising that alternative locations for polling stations in the areas mentioned had been investigated but no suitable location had been identified currently. She emphasised that the monitoring for possible new polling stations would continue.

The Governance Manager introduced the report and drew attention to typographical errors in the report’s recommendations and elsewhere in the report. Specifically in relation to Newlands polling district, reference to “XW3” should be corrected to “WR3”. 

She responded to members’ questions on the following:

a)    Confirmation that turnout information at different polling stations was reported after each election.

b)    There was potential for future provision for an additional polling station at Whiteley when community facilities were provided but Meadowside Leisure Centre was a suitable location for the double station at this time.

c)    The practical difficulties and expense of using portacabins for polling stations.

d)    The practical difficulties for both schools and the voting process of using schools as polling stations, particularly given the short statutory notice period provided for a parliamentary election.

e)    That consideration had been given to a range of alternatives due to the loss of a polling station in the Upper Meon Valley and the reasons why proposed polling stations such as Makins Court were not suitable.

f)      The reasons for the proposed location of polling stations in Weeke.

g)    An explanation of the cost liability of different types of election.

h)    Communication of the proposed changes to polling stations and areas to the electors.

i)      The impact of the newly introduced Voter ID requirements.

j)      The percentage of postal voters across the district.

As a visiting member, Councillor Porter requested that the references to “Barton Farm” be corrected to “Kings Barton”.  She also asked that consideration be given to not having separate access for able and non-able voters at polling stations.  The Governance Manager noted this comment for further consideration and guidance to presiding officers when setting up polling stations.

One Member suggested that the suitability of Tichborne Cricket Club as an alternative polling station be investigated.  The Governance Manager agreed to investigate this suggestion further for possible future arrangements and report back accordingly.

RESOLVED:

1.                That the following changes to polling districts are agreed:

a)    Newlands: To combine WR2 and XW2 creating WR3.

b)    Headbourne Worthy: To split WW to create WW1 and WW2 allowing a separate polling district for Kings Barton

c)    Whiteley: To split YE into YE1 and YE2 allowing a more manageable polling station register. 

2.                That the following permanent changes to polling places are agreed:

a)      WD: Alresford & Itchen Valley - From the Ship Inn to Bishops Sutton Village Hall

b)      WR2 & XW2 Denmead – From Berewood School to Newlands Community Hall

c)       XV2: The Worthys - From St Andrews Garrison Church to St Andrews Community Centre

d)      XZ: Upper Meon Valley – From Tichborne Arms to Cheriton Village Hall

e)      YG & YG1: St Barnabas – confirm Winchester Racquets and Fitness

f)        YV: St Luke – recognise the name change from Level 10 Church to New Life Church

g)      XF: St Barnabas – From Wesley Methodist Church to Weeke Community Centre