Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor Owen, who did not participate and observed the meeting virtually.

To be apprised of any changes to the membership of the Committee in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4, the Committee noted the termination of Councillor Whittington and the appointment of Councillor Juckes and the termination of Councillor Yates and the appointment of Councillor Cummins for this meeting only, thereby giving effect to the wishes of the Political Groups.

If a member requires advice on Declarations of Interest, he/she is advised to contact the Legal & Democratic Services Manager in advance of the meeting.  (For the assistance of Members a checklist for use in considering their position on any particular item is included at the end of this agenda sheet.)

Councillor Juckes declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 5 ‘Interim Polling Review 2023 - Initial Report’, as she had participated in the setting of the precepts for Wrightington Parish Council as a Parish Councillor.

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 6 October 2022.

RESOLVED:That the minutes of the meeting held on 6 October 2022 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Report of the Corporate Director of Transformation, Housing & Resources

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Transformation, Housing & Resources as contained on pages 5 to 26 of the Book of Reports.

The Chairman invited the Electoral Services Manager to present the report, which was seeking the committee's approval to conduct an Interim Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places in line with the Representation of the People Act 1983, as amended (the 1983 Act).

A Motion to amend the Initial Proposals to remove the proposal for a further polling station at Ormskirk West from the recommendations, was moved and seconded. A vote was taken and, as there were equal numbers of votes for and against, the Chairman used his casting vote in accordance with Procedure Rule 16.2, and the Motion was DEFEATED.

A vote was taken on the recommendations and, as there were equal numbers of votes for and against, the Chairman used his casting vote in accordance with Procedure Rule 16.2, and it was RESOLVED:

1.    That the Timetable at Appendix 1 of the report for the Interim Review of Polling Districts and Places, be agreed.

2.    That the Initial Proposals (Appendix 2-4) be noted.

3.    That at the conclusion of the Review, the Corporate Director of Transformation, Housing & Resources report to the Polling Districts and Polling Places Review Committee with Final Interim Review Proposals for determination.