POLLING DISTRICTS AND POLLING PLACES REVIEW COMMITTEE: 24 January 2017

Report of: Borough Solicitor Contact for further information: Mr Thomas Lynan (Extn. 5013) (E-mail: thomas.lynan@westlancs.gov.uk)

SUBJECT: INTERIM POLLING REVIEW 2016 – FINAL PROPOSALS

Wards affected: Burscough East and Wrightington 1.0 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT 1.1 To present the Final Proposals for Burscough East Ward Polling District BEC

and Wrightington Ward Polling District WRD for consideration. 2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 That the proposals for the Polling Place of Polling District BEC (Appendix 1)

be noted and members determine that Option 2: The BEC Polling Place be designated as „Mobile Unit on Heathfields Estate

Park‟ be agreed. on the basis that the arrangements put in place would provide all electors with

such reasonable facilities for voting as are practicable in the circumstances and, so far as is reasonable and practicable are accessible to all electors, including those with disabilities.

2.2 That the proposals for the Polling Place of Polling District WRD (Appendix 2)

be noted and members determine that Option 2: The WRD Polling Place be designated as „St. Teresa‟s Catholic Club‟ be

agreed. on the basis that the arrangements put in place would provide all electors with

such reasonable facilities for voting as are practicable in the circumstances

and, so far as is reasonable and practicable are accessible to all electors, including those with disabilities.

3.0 BACKGROUND 3.1 On the 27 October 2016, the committee decided to proceed with an Interim

Polling Review of Polling Districts BEC (within Burscough East Ward) and WRD (within Wrightington Ward).

3.2 On Thursday 3 November 2016 a consultation began on the current Polling

arrangements for Polling Places BEC and WRD. This ended on Thursday 17 November 2016. No representations were received.

3.3 Following completion of this consultation, Initial Proposals for Polling Districts

BEC and WRD were drafted. The proposals and the Acting Returning Officer‟s (the Chief Executive) comments are noted at Appendix 3.

3.4 These Initial proposals were put out to consultation on Thursday 24 November

2016. This consultation ended on Thursday 22 December 2016. One representation was received in relation to Polling District BEC which is set out at Appendix 4. No representations were received in relation to Polling District WRD.

3.5 Local authorities are required to divide their area into polling districts for

elections and to designate a single polling place for each polling district. Polling places should be within the polling district unless special circumstances make it desirable to designate an area outside the district. When conducting a statutory review of polling districts, places and stations, local authorities must follow rules set out in Schedule A1 and Sections 18A, 18B, 18C and 31 of the Representation of the People Act 1983.

4.0 DISABLED ELECTORS 4.1 The initial proposals were drafted in line with Electoral Commission guidance

and disability access issues taken into consideration following onsite visits to the proposed locations.

4.2 Details of the Initial Proposals and the consultation were issued directly to

Disability Advice West Lancashire (DAWL) on Thursday 24 November 2016. A copy of this correspondence is at Appendix 5. This was followed by a phone call on Thursday 8 December 2016; however no response was received from DAWL.

5.0 CURRENT SITUATION 5.1 Following conclusion of the consultation on the Initial Proposals and the

consultation submission by Cllr Melling (Appendix 4), a further site visit of both the current and proposed Polling Place locations in BEC was conducted in conjunction with the ARO to investigate the concerns raised. It is the view of

officers and the ARO that, on balance, the proposed Polling Place at Heathfields Estate Park is the better option (Option Two of Appendix 1) as it would reduce the traffic and volume of footfall at the current Polling Place (which is to be retained as a Polling Place for the BEB Polling District) and provide a more convenient voting location for the majority of electors in the BEC Polling District by siting the Polling Place within the Polling District, as per Electoral Commission Guidance.

5.2 Final Proposals have been drafted for consideration by this committee, taking

into account the views of the ARO and the submission to the consultation. The Final Proposals for Polling District BEC are attached as Appendix 1. The Final Proposals for Polling District WRD are attached as Appendix 2. No changes have been made between the Initial and Final Proposals.

5.3 The Interim Polling Review 2016 has been untaken in line with applicable

legislative requirements and with due regard to the latest guidance from the Electoral Commission.

6.0 TIMETABLE 6.1 Should the committee approve any changes, these will take affect for the

Lancashire County Council elections on Thursday 4 May 2017. 6.2 To aid electors, all properties affected by any changes will be written to,

advising of the change of Polling Place, encouraging registration for those not yet registered and also offering a Postal Vote to those who are.

6.3 Poll Cards for the Lancashire County Council elections issued to each

registered elector in any affected areas will also note the change of Polling Place.

6.4 As the proposals do not affect the makeup of the Polling Districts themselves

there is no requirement to republish the Register of Electors. 7.0 SUSTAINABILITY IMPLICATIONS/COMMUNITY STRATEGY 7.1 There is no significant impact on crime and disorder. The report does impact

on accessibility of services as it affects the location and accessibility of where electors vote.

8.0 FINANCIAL AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS 8.1 There is no additional cost associated with the WRD proposals; however the

BEC proposal would incur additional costs in relation to a Mobile Unit which is estimated to be £1,300 and includes; hire of the unit, fee for use of land (if applicable), hire of chemical toilet and hire of generator. If there is more than one election taking place on the same day, the cost would be shared between elections.

8.2 The financial and resource implications arising from this report will be met from within existing budgets.

9.0 RISK ASSESSMENT 9.1 The review process proposed enables the Council to carry out the Interim

Review, although no detailed prescribed interim review process is identified in legislation. However, the process described is robust and provides for input by interested parties and a mechanism for an appeal should there be a challenge by local electors to the Electoral Commission.

Background Documents

There are no background documents (as defined in Section 100D(5) of the Local Government Act 1972) to this Article. Equality Impact Assessment

There is a direct impact on members of the public, employees, elected members and or stakeholders. Therefore an Equality Impact Assessment is required. A formal Equality Impact Assessment is attached as Appendix 6 to this report, the results of which have been taken into account when undertaking the actions detailed within this article. Appendices

1. Final Proposals for Polling District BEC

2. Final Proposals for Polling District WRD

3. Initial Proposals for Polling Districts BEC & WRD

4. Submissions received to the Initial Proposals consultation

5. Correspondence sent to DAWL

6. Equality Impact Statement

APPENDIX 1 West Lancashire Borough Council

Interim Review of Polling District and Polling Places for Burscough East Ward Polling District BEC

INTERIM REVIEW 2016 - JANUARY 2017 FINAL PROPOSALS

WARD/POLLING DISTRICT

ELECTORS POSTAL VOTERS

LOCATION OF EXISTING POLLING PLACES AND STATIONS

SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED

ACTING RETURNING OFFICERS

COMMENTS

FINAL PROPOSALS

Burscough East

Burscough Parish (Ellerbrook Parish

Ward)

BEC

1108 255

The Polling Place and Polling Station is currently St. John’s

Catholic Church Hall, Chapel Lane, Burscough (in neighbouring BEB

Polling District)

See Appendix 4

Proposal Option 2 would site a Polling Place

within the Polling District, for the convenience of voters within

BEC.

Option 1 BEC Polling Place to remain as

‘St. John’s Catholic Church Hall, Chapel Lane, Burscough’

Option2 (Recommended) BEC Polling Place to be

designated as ‘Mobile Unit on Heathfields Estate Park’

MAP OF BEC FINAL PROPOSAL

APPENDIX 2 West Lancashire Borough Council

Interim Review of Polling District and Polling Places for Wrightington Ward Polling District WRD

INTERIM REVIEW 2016 - JANUARY 2017 FINAL PROPOSALS

WARD/POLLING DISTRICT

ELECTORS POSTAL VOTERS

LOCATION OF EXISTING POLLING PLACES AND STATIONS

SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED

ACTING RETURNING OFFICERS

COMMENTS

FINAL PROPOSALS

Wrightington

Up Holland Parish (Roby Mill Parish

Ward)

WRD

631 90

The Polling Place and Polling Station is currently St. Teresa’s

Catholic Primary School, College Road, Up Holland

None

Proposal Option 2 is in line with the

school's preference to cease to be a

polling place and moves the Polling

Place to a suitable location

in close proximity to the existing

location, minimising

change for voters.

Option 1 WRD Polling Place to remain as ‘St. Teresa’s Catholic Primary

School, College Road, Up Holland’

Option2 (Recommended) WRD Polling Place to be

designated as ‘St. Teresa’s Catholic Club, College Road, Up

Holland’

MAP OF WRD FINAL PROPOSAL

APPENDIX 3

APPENDIX 4

Summary of Initial Proposals Consultation Submissions/Representations

Burscough East Polling District BEC

Wednesday 21 December 2016

Cllr Ruth Melling (Burscough East Ward)

“As I understand from a phone call I made yesterday (as it was not clear from the

map you provided) the new position for the Polling Booth is on the land by the round

about in the middle of Heathfield, if permission is given from the developers, or on

the small road on Reese Park.

In my opinion neither of these sights are very user friendly. There is very limited

parking on the roundabout and traffic would have to do U turns on the roundabout to

leave the area. The other sight is far too small to accommodate the traffic. The traffic

on Heathfield is quite busy, even through the day.

When I have been sat at the polling booth at the Catholic School on Chapel Lane,

there are times between 7am and 9am,4pm and 8pm when the traffic is very heavy.

This would I feel cause really bad confusion if the Heathfield site went ahead.

The only other site that could be appropriate for this part of the ward could be

Mill Lane car park. Again I think the traffic problems that would be caused here

would be tremendous. It is quite a long way for the residents from the Chapel

Lane/Richmond Ave/ Heathfield areas of the ward. All the sheltered accommodation

is also based in this area.

My recommendation would be to retain the use of the property at Chapel Lane. On

reflection it is the best site for traffic and pedestrians use.

Regards

Cllr Ruth Melling”

APPENDIX 5 – Correspondence to Disability Advice West Lancashire (DAWL)

From: Lynan, Thomas

Sent: 24 November 2016 12:24

To: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Subject: INTERIM REVIEW OF POLLING PLACES AND POLLING STATIONS FOR BURSCOUGH EAST

WARD DISTRICT BEC & WRIGHTINGTON WARD DISTRICT WRD – INITIAL PROPOSALS

CONSULTATION

Importance: High

INTERIM REVIEW OF POLLING PLACES AND POLLING STATIONS FOR BURSCOUGH EAST WARD

DISTRICT BEC & WRIGHTINGTON WARD DISTRICT WRD – INITIAL PROPOSALS CONSULTATION

I am writing to inform you of the formal publication of a ‘Notice of Interim Review of Polling Places

and Polling Stations for Burscough East Ward District BEC and Wrightington Ward District WRD –

Initial Proposals Consultation’.

The attached notice lists all the relevant information pertaining to this stage of the review, which

proposes changes to the Polling Places of both Polling Districts.

As an organisation with particular expertise in access and disability issues with West Lancashire, we

would be particularly interested in hearing your views on these proposals.

Submissions to the consultation can be made in writing using the contact details contained within

the notice. Representations are to be received no later than Thursday 22 December 2016.

Should you have any questions or require further information then please contact me on the details

below.

Kind Regards,

Thomas Lynan

Electoral and Administration Services Manager

West Lancashire Borough Council

APPENDIX 6

Equality Impact Assessment Form

Service: Legal and Democratic Services

Completed by: Thomas Lynan Date: 04/01/17

Subject Title: Interim Polling Review 2016 – FINAL PROPOSALS

1. DESCRIPTION

Is a policy or strategy being produced or revised:

Yes

Is a service being designed, redesigned or cutback:

Yes

Is a commissioning plan or contract specification being developed:

No

Is a budget being set or funding allocated: No

Is a programme or project being planned: Yes

Are recommendations being presented to senior managers and/or Councillors:

Yes

Does the activity contribute to meeting our duties under the Equality Act 2010 and Public Sector Equality Duty (Eliminating unlawful

discrimination/harassment, advancing equality of opportunity, fostering good relations):

Yes

Details of the matter under consideration: Partial review of the Polling Districts BEC and WRD.

If you answered Yes to any of the above go straight to Section 3 If you answered No to all the above please complete Section 2

2. RELEVANCE

Does the work being carried out impact on service users, staff or Councillors (stakeholders):

If Yes, provide details of how this impacts on service users, staff or Councillors (stakeholders): If you answered Yes go to Section 3

If you answered No to both Sections 1and 2 provide details of why there is no impact on these three groups:

3. EVIDENCE COLLECTION

Who does the work being carried out impact on, i.e. who is/are the stakeholder(s)?

There is a direct impact on members of the public, employees, elected members and or other stakeholders.

If the work being carried out relates to a universal service, who needs or uses it most? (Is there any particular group affected more than others)?

All groups are affected but special consideration is required for disabled electors as per Electoral Commission guidelines.

Which of the protected characteristics are most relevant to the work being carried out?

Age No Gender No Disability Yes Race and Culture No Sexual Orientation No Religion or Belief No Gender Reassignment No

Marriage and Civil Partnership No Pregnancy and Maternity No

4. DATA ANALYSIS

In relation to the work being carried out, and the service/function in question, who is actually or currently using the service and why?

Members of the public, employees, elected members and or other stakeholders currently use the service because it is a universal service integral to the function of the Council.

What will the impact of the work being carried out be on usage/the stakeholders?

Potential changes to voting arrangements to provide all electors with such reasonable facilities for voting as are practicable in the circumstances and, so far as is reasonable and practicable are accessible to all electors, including those with disabilities.

What are people‟s views about the services? Are some customers more satisfied than others, and if so what are the reasons? Can these be affected by the proposals?

All relevant stakeholders have been given the opportunity to express their views through consultation.

What sources of data including consultation results have you used to analyse the impact of the work being carried out on users/stakeholders with protected characteristics?

The views of those with expertise in disability issues were sought through consultation.

If any further data/consultation is needed and is to be gathered, please specify:

All relevant stakeholders, including Parish, Ward & County Councillors, and the MP for West Lancashire have been given the opportunity to express their views through consultation.

5. IMPACT OF DECISIONS

In what way will the changes impact on people with particular protected characteristics (either positively or negatively or in terms of disproportionate impact)?

Changing the location of where certain residents vote, making it more convenient for the majority of electors within the affected Polling Districts.

6. CONSIDERING THE IMPACT

If there is a negative impact what action can be taken to mitigate it? (If it is not possible or desirable to take actions to reduce the impact, explain why this is the case (e.g. legislative or financial drivers etc.).

None

What actions do you plan to take to address any other issues above?

No actions If no actions are planned state no actions

7. MONITORING AND REVIEWING

When will this assessment be reviewed and who will review it?

This assessment will be reviewed before any further report on this issue is released.