Agendas, reports and minutes

Public Engagement
Com-pàirt Phoblach

13.   A Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places 2014
Ath-bhreithneachadh de Sgìrean Bhòtaidh is Àiteachan Bhòtaidh 2014

There had been circulated Report No. CPE44/14 dated 25 November 2014 by the Chief Executive advising the Committee of the review of the current Scheme of Polling Districts and Polling Places, as required by the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013.  

The report highlighted the considerations required by legislation when assessing a polling place, including accessibility for disabled persons, and other factors taken into account during the review, including conditions and facilities for polling staff.  The report outlined the responses received during the second consultative process, in particular those which contested the review’s recommendations, and suggested a number of amendments to the existing Scheme.

In discussion, particular attention was drawn to representations received from a number of interest groups in Landward Caithness concerning the proposals for various polling places in that Ward, in particular those at Dunnet and Thrumster, and also representations received from Broadford and Strath Community Council concerning the proposal to cease using Torrin Community Centre in Skye.

Other points raised in discussion included:

• recognition of the scale of the exercise undertaken in carrying out the review
• a suggestion that the Council consider lobbying for a policy whereby the default position for remote rural communities with small electorates would be use of a postal ballot rather than provision of a local polling place.

After discussion, the Committee NOTED the representations received and AGREED:

i.   the suggestions to amend Polling Districts and Polling Places as detailed in paragraphs 4 and 5 of the
     report, subject to the qualifications detailed at (ii) below;
ii.   the final Scheme of Polling Districts and Polling Places at Appendix 2 to the report for the period 2015-20,
     subject to further review of the proposals for Britannia Hall, Dunnet, (paragraph 4.3) and Torrin Community
     Centre (paragraph 4.7), with authority to make final decisions on these delegated to the Chief Executive, in
     consultation with the Convener, Leader and Depute Leader of the Administration, Leader of the Opposition
     and appropriate Local Members; and
iii.  to continue to delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Convener, Leader and
     Depute Leader of the Administration, Leader of the Opposition and appropriate Local Members, to make
     any necessary changes to the Scheme should circumstances arise prior to the next review, including, with 
     particular reference to Thrumster Hall, circumstances where premises formerly included in the Scheme had
     been subject to improvement works.

14.   Community Planning Board - Minutes
Bòrd Dealbhadh Coimhearsnachd – Geàrr-chunntas 

There had been circulated minutes of meeting of the Community Planning Board held on 5 June 2014, as approved by the Board at its meeting on 13 October 2014.

In discussion, the range of positive work being undertaken by the Community Planning Partnership was highlighted.  Members were reminded that this Committee was a major forum for reporting Community Planning activities to the Council, and an opportunity for questions to be raised.

The Committee NOTED the position.

 

The meeting ended at 2.50 p.m., having adjourned for lunch from 1.30 p.m. to 2.00 p.m.