Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for future polling arrangements for Stockport as a result of a review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations following a consultation period.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the adoption of the proposals for Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations as detailed in the report.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

The report details proposaed for proposed polling arrangements for Stockport in order to inform the Council meeting’s determination of polling districts, polling places and polling stations for forthcoming elections.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Consider the report, make any observations and or suggested amendments.

(2) Request that the Council Meeting give approval to the proposed polling arrangements for Stockport as detailed in the report.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates on 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for future polling arrangements for Stockport as a result of a review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations following a consultation period.

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources reported that following a request that investigations take place in relation to the potential for the provision of a new mobile polling station to serve electors in polling district HG7, a site visits had subsequently taken place and arrangements were now being made to provide a new polling station on the car park adjacent to Bradshaw Hall Playing Fields, Cheadle Hulme.  It was stated that subject to final confirmation of these arrangements, this proposal would be included within the report for the approval of the Council Meeting on 17 November 2023.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The use of schools as polling stations in some circumstance had resulted in the closure of schools on polling day.  In response, it was stated that this decision was left to the management of the school and depended on the configuration of the building and practicality of allowing members of the public into an operational school site.

·         The work of the Elections Team in producing this report was commended.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to adopt the proposals for Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations as detailed in the report.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive.

The report outlines the proposed polling arrangements for Stockport and seeks the Scrutiny Committee’s views in order to inform the Council meeting’s determination of polling districts, polling places and polling stations for forthcoming elections.

The views of the Scrutiny Committee are sought on the proposed polling arrangements. Any comments or suggestions will then be reported to the Cabinet on 1 November 2022 and taken into consideration in making recommendations to the Council meeting on 17 November 2022.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates on 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

The Strategic Head of Service (Legal and Democratic Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the proposed polling arrangements for Stockport and seeking the Scrutiny Committee’s views in order to inform the Council meeting’s determination of polling districts, polling places and polling stations for forthcoming elections.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was noted that all Members had been consulted on the proposed polling arrangements for Stockport.

·         In relation to Eden Point, Members raised concerns that the nearest polling station for residents was two miles driving or required crossing the A34.

·         In response, it was acknowledged that the council appreciated the position of Eden Point and it was an anomaly in terms of its positioning and where a polling station could be located. It was stated that any proposals or suggestions would be welcome as now the boundaries had been set, the focus was on the polling stations and districts.

·         It was suggested that a mobile polling be considered for the residents of Eden Point.

·         Members welcomed that there were no changes from the initial proposals in relation to Heatons North. 

RESOLVED - That the report be noted.