Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Policy, Strategy, Partnerships & Transformation)

The Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 makes provision for the introduction of Individual Electoral Registration (IER) from 2014 onwards. This report outlines the work undertaken to date to prepare for the introduction of IER and the timetable and activity necessary to ensure the transition to IER is completed successfully.

Members of the Scrutiny Committee are invited to comment on the report.

Officer contact Steve Callenderon telephone number Tel: 0161 474 3184 or alternatively email steve.callender@stockport.gov.uk

The Assistant Chief Executive (Policy, Strategy, Partnerships & Transformation) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) informing the Scrutiny Committee that the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 made provision for the introduction of Individual Electoral Registration (IER) from 2014 onwards. The report outlined the work undertaken to date to prepare for the introduction of IER and the timetable and activity necessary to ensure the transition to IER was completed successfully.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The proactive steps the Council was required to take in relation to the personal canvass and identifying individuals who needed to make an application was noted.

·         The targeted publicity in relation to 18-24 year olds and those in private rented housing was welcomed.

·         The approach being taken to try and match as many applications as possible was noted.

·         Copies of the rolling register would be available to Councillors.

·         It was noted that on the basis of current guidance on requirements for introducing IER, the additional funding of £77,715 in 2014/15 together with the saving from not carrying out an annual canvass in 2014, was expected to be sufficient to introduce IER.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Assistant Chief Executive (Policy, Strategy, Partnerships & Transformation) be requested to submit a further report to this Scrutiny Committee following the elections in May 2014 regarding the implementation of IER.