Agenda and minutes

None.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 11 February 2026.

RESOLVED – that the minutes of the meeting held on 11 February 2026 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair. 

The Committee received a presentation on the Interim Review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations 2026, delivered by the Head of Policy, Insight, Partnerships and Elections.

It was noted that the review related to the statutory arrangements for polling districts, polling places and polling stations, and that clear definitions applied to each. The Committee was informed of the legislative requirements governing the designation of polling districts and polling places, including the expectation that each parish should normally constitute a separate polling district, that polling places should be located within the relevant district unless exceptional circumstances applied, and that accessibility and convenience for electors, including those with disabilities, must be taken into account.

The Committee noted that the review had been prompted by changes arising from the Community Governance Review, which would come into effect at the May 2027 local elections. It was reported that an interim review was therefore required to ensure that polling arrangements remained appropriate in advance of those changes.

The Committee was advised that the review process followed statutory requirements, including the publication of a notice, consultation with the Acting Returning Officer and relevant stakeholders, and the consideration of representations prior to the publication of final decisions with supporting reasons.

Details of the consultation and engagement undertaken were presented. It was noted that a range of stakeholders had been consulted, including Members of Parliament, Town and Parish Councils, community groups, partner organisations and ward members. The Committee noted that a total of seven responses had been received. These included requests to retain existing polling station arrangements in several areas, as well as proposals for changes in St Georges, including alterations to polling district boundaries and relocation of certain polling stations. It was further reported that a request had been made for the establishment of an additional polling station at the Allscott Meads development, and that the Making it Real Board had been consulted, with site visits scheduled.

The Committee was informed that site visits had been undertaken to a number of polling places and stations by Members and officers. The outcomes of these visits were noted, with the majority of locations found to meet the required criteria. However, it was reported that some locations required improvement measures, including enhancements to accessibility, lighting and facilities for staff, and in certain cases consideration was being given to alternative venues.

The Committee noted the next steps in the review process, including the completion of visits with the Making it Real Board, the development of options for consideration in response to the findings, and the finalisation of polling district boundary proposals. It was also noted that, although the formal consultation period had closed, any further feedback received would continue to be taken into account.

It was noted that, although response levels to the review had been relatively low, polling station inspectors were deployed at each election; part of their role, when visiting polling stations, was to record any issues requiring improvement. Any matters raised were taken into account as  ...  view the full minutes text for item BRC21