Report to: Southport Area-Committee
Date of Meeting: 23 November 2011
Subject: Polling District Review 2011
Report of: Director of Corporate Commissioning
Wards Affected: Ainsdale, Birkdale, Cambridge, Dukes, Kew, Meols & Norwood
Is this a Key Decision? No Is it included in the Forward Plan? No
Exempt/Confidential No
Purpose/Summary
To advise the Area Committee of the outcome of a statutory review of polling places and polling stations and to advise on the current arrangements for the location of polling places and stations within the Wards of the Area Committee.
Recommendation
That the Area Committee considers the current location of polling places in the Wards along with the responses to the consultation undertaken as part of the statutory review of polling places and polling stations and to indicate whether these are suitable locations and, if not, suggests alternative venues for consideration in order to improve the current arrangements.
How does the decision contribute to the Council’s Corporate Objectives?
Corporate Objective Positive Neutral Negative Impact Impact Impact 1 Creating a Learning Community üüü 2 Jobs and Prosperity üüü 3 Environmental Sustainability üüü 4 Health and Well-Being üüü 5 Children and Young People üüü 6 Creating Safe Communities üüü 7 Creating Inclusive Communities üüü 8 Improving the Quality of Council Services and Strengthening Local üüü Democracy
Reasons for the Recommendation:
This is a statutory function under the provisions of the Electoral Administration Act 2006.
What will it cost and how will it be financed?
All actions required are contained within existing Council Budgets
(A) Revenue Costs
(B) Capital Costs
Implications:
The following implications of this proposal have been considered and where there are specific implications, these are set out below:
Legal There is a statutory duty to carry out a review of all polling districts and polling places. Human Resources
Equality 1. No Equality Implication
2. Equality Implications identified and mitigated √
3. Equality Implication identified and risk remains
Impact on Service Delivery:
All actions relating to this review are aimed at improving the delivery of the service.
What consultations have taken place on the proposals and when?
The Head of Corporate Finance and ICT (FD 1103/11) has no comments on this report because the contents of the report have no financial implications.
Head of Corporate Legal Services (LD 460/11) has been consulted and any comments have been incorporated into the report at paragraph 1.1.
Are there any other options available for consideration?
No alternative options.
Implementation Date for the Decision
Following the expiry of the “call-in” period for the Minutes of the meeting.
Contact Officer: Neil Middlehurst Tel: 0151 934 2260 Email: [email protected]
Background Papers:
The following papers are available for inspection by contacting the above officer(s).
The Electoral Administration Act 2006 Representation of the People Act 1983
1. Introduction/Background
1.1 The Electoral Administration Act 2006 (EAA 2006) introduced a duty for all polling districts and polling places to be reviewed by the end of 2011 (Section 18C(1), Representation of the People Act 1983 (RPA 1983), as inserted by Section 16, EAA 2006). There is a statutory duty to carry out a review of all polling districts and polling places.
1.2 A full review of polling districts and polling places took place in 2003 following a periodic electoral review, the final recommendations were published in The Borough of Sefton (Electoral Changes) Order 2003, which came into force at the Borough Elections in June 2004. A further review under Section 16 of the EAA 2006 was undertaken in 2007.
1.3 Elected members, MP’s, political parties, parish councils and other identified groups have been consulted on the current arrangements.
1.4 In addition to the periodic reviews, the Electoral Registration and Returning Officer assesses the suitability of all polling places within the Borough each year.
2. Review and Designation of Polling Places
2.1 All existing polling places have been inspected to ensure they comply, as fully as possible, with the criteria specified on accessibility of polling places. An equality impact assessment and risk assessment is made on all polling places and any risk mitigated as far as possible.
2.2 The owners of all non-council owned premises are required to undertake a self- assessment audit of their premises annually. On Election Day, Polling Station Inspectors, appointed by the Returning Officer carry out a further audit and the Presiding Officer appointed to particular polling station is also required to monitor activity and report any complaints in relation to that polling place.
2.3 The criteria specified for assessing the suitability of a building to be designated as a polling place is attached to this report as Annex A.
2.4 A schedule of current polling places for each electoral ward is attached. The schedule includes the percentage turnout in May 2011 along with the cost per individual vote. The cost per vote is based on the over all cost to hire, staff and equip the polling place divided by the number of votes cast on election day.
2.5 The Returning Officer is aware that some current polling places will not be available for hire in 2012. The schedule of polling places identifies these, along with any suggested new locations received during the consultation period.
2.6 The Area Committee has delegated powers to approve matters relating to the review of polling places, and as such the Area Committee is asked to consider whether the polling places shown on the schedule are in the most suitable locations and, if not, to make alternative suggestions to the location and designation of polling places for the future.
ANNEX A
Location of the Building
• Is it located within the Polling District? • Is it at the top or bottom of a steep hill? • Does it have suitable access from a road? • Is there a pavement, does it have a dropped kerb nearby? • Is the approach from the road and car parking a smooth non-slip surface without steps, potholes, broken slabs? • Is the approach well lit? • Are there convenient public transport links?
Outside the Polling Station
• Are there adequate parking facilities close to the entrance of the building? If not, is there anywhere close by that could be used for parking just on polling day? • How far do electors have to walk from the car park to the polling station? • Is there a designated disabled parking space or could one be provided? • Is there level access into the building? • If there are any steps into the building is there an alternative entrance? Could a temporary ramp be used? • Are any ramps appropriately designed; are they permanent or temporary? • Are all stairs and ramps highlighted? • Do all stairs have handrails? • Is there designated parking for disabled voters? • What parking is there for staff and other electors? • Are the doors wide enough for wheelchair access? Can they safely/easily be kept open? • Are doors light enough for frail / elderly electors to open? • Is there good lighting outside the polling place? • How much signage is required between the street and main entrance? Are there any obstacles between the street and the main entrance? • Is there an alternative disabled route? What signage is required? Is it easy to find from the street?
Entrance
• Does the building have a level entrance? • Are there any steps to the entrance to the building? • Are the stairs highlighted? • Is there a handrail? • Is there a permanent ramp? • Could a temporary ramp be provided? • Is the door wide enough for a wheelchair user to gain access? • How heavy are the doors for a frail or elderly person to open? • Do the doors need to be propped open?
Inside the Building
• Are there any internal steps or barriers to electors? • Are doormats level with the floor? If not, can they be removed? • Are there any other trip hazards? • Is there a suitable non-slip floor covering? Would it become slippery when wet? • Are there ay corridors, which may be difficult to negotiate for any electors using wheelchairs or those who find walking difficult? • Is there enough space in the room for staff, polling equipment plus a wheelchair? • Is there adequate lighting? • Is there level access inside the building? • Are there any trip hazards? Is there a suitable non-slip surface? • Are the internal corridors / rooms wheelchair accessible? • Is there enough room for the number and positioning of polling stations in this building? Should other rooms be considered? How many polling stations could the building hold? • Is the polling station well lit? Test the lighting yourself. • Is there adequate space for official signage? • Are there induction loops fitted/available? • Are there toilets? • Is there a kitchen; what facilities are there? • Are there adequate tables/chairs of adult size? • Are there any security concerns?
Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places (Parliamentary Elections) Regulations 2006 Existing Polling Arrangements - 2011
Ainsdale Ward
Polling Polling Station Electorate Statistics Comments District
Sacred Heart Catholic In Person 2011 Church Hall 1276 Turnout Liverpool Road Postal 33.07% R1 Ainsdale 279 Southport Total Cost per PR8 3DP 1555 vote £2.43
Polling Polling Station Electorate Statistics Comments District
Methodist Lecture Hall In Person 2011 Combined with Polling District R4 Adj 688 Liverpool Road 1155 Turnout Ainsdale Postal 38.72% R2 Southport 220 PR8 3NQ Total Cost per 1375 vote £1.59
Polling Polling Station Electorate Statistics Comments District
Shoreside Primary In Person 2011 School 1629 Turnout Westminster Drive Postal 51.34% R3 Ainsdale 493 Southport Total Cost per PR8 2QZ 2122 vote £1.20
Polling Polling Station Electorate Statistics Comments District
Methodist Lecture Hall In Person 2011 Combined with Polling District R2 Adj 688 Liverpool Road 1253 Turnout Ainsdale Postal 49.26% R4 Southport 276 PR8 3NQ Total Cost per 1529 vote £1.59
Polling Polling Station Electorate Statistics Comments District
Pinfold Hall In Person 2011 Pinfold Lane 1240 Turnout Ainsdale Postal 52.01% R5 Southport 270 PR8 3QH Total Cost per 1510 vote £1.81
Polling Polling Station Electorate Statistics Comments District
Woodvale Community In Person 2011 Centre 1150 Turnout Meadow Lane Postal 27.70% R6 Woodvale 276 Ainsdale Total Cost per Southport 1426 vote PR8 3RS £3.06
General Comments
Comments & Proposals received
None
Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places (Parliamentary Elections) Regulations 2006 Existing Polling Arrangements
Birkdale Ward
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
St. Peter's Parish In Person 2011 Centre 1500 Turnout S1 St. Peter's Road Postal 38.95% Birkdale 290 Southport Total Cost per PR8 4BU 1790 vote £1.45
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Birkdale Primary In Person 2011 School 1351 Turnout S2 Matlock Road Postal 25.97% Birkdale 264 Southport Total Cost per PR8 4EL 1615 vote £2.46
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
St. John's Hall In Person 2011 St. John's Road 1409 Turnout S3 Birkdale Postal 41.71% Southport 301 PR8 4JP Total Cost per 1710 vote £2.04
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Liverpool Road In Person 2011 Combined with Polling District S5 Methodist Church Hall 1288 Turnout S4 Liverpool Road Postal 34.78% Birkdale 263 Southport Total Cost per PR8 4PD 1551 vote £1.86
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Liverpool Road In Person 2011 Combined with Polling District S4 Methodist Church Hall 1377 Turnout S5 Liverpool Road Postal 43.25% This is a new polling station Birkdale 317 designated since the 2007 Southport Total Cost per review. The polling station was PR8 4PD 1694 vote first used in 2008 replacing £1.86 Southport Rugby Union Club.
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Farnborough Road In Person 2011 The polling station is shared with Junior School 1224 Turnout West Lancs Borough Council. S6 Farnborough Road Postal 27.43% Birkdale 264 Southport Total Cost per PR8 3DF 1488 vote £2.57
General Comments
Comments & Proposals received
None
Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places (Parliamentary Elections) Regulations 2006 Existing Polling Arrangements
Cambridge Ward
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
St Patricks Parish Hall In Person 2011 This is a new polling station 35 Marshside Road 1336 Turnout designated since the 2007 review. X1 Southport Postal 36.80% PR9 9TJ 392 The polling station was first used Total Cost per in 2009, replacing Marshside Day 1728 vote Centre. £2.04
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Emmanuel Church In Person 2011 Combined with Polling District X3 Centre 1368 Turnout X2 Cambridge Road Postal 45.51% Southport 355 PR9 9PR Total Cost per 1423 vote £1.86
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Emmanuel Church In Person 2011 Combined with Polling District X2 Centre 1305 Turnout X3 Cambridge Road Postal 41.30% Southport 360 PR9 9PR Total Cost per 1655 vote £1.86
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
All Saints Parish Hall In Person 2011 Park Road 1155 Turnout X4 Southport Postal 40.39% PR9 9LS 336 Total Cost per 1491 vote £2.31
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Friends Meeting House In Person 2011 Combined with Polling District X6 Court Road 1177 Turnout X5 Southport Postal 34.09% There is very little parking around PR9 9ER 278 the polling station, which has Total Cost per brought complaints in the past. 1455 vote Alternative locations have been £2.14 considered, but no suitable venue has been found to replace this polling station
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Friends Meeting House In Person 2011 Combined with Polling District X5 Court Road 1332 Turnout X6 Southport Postal 30.51% There is very little parking around PR9 9ER 243 the polling station, which has Total Cost per brought complaints in the past. 1675 vote Alternative locations have been £2.14 considered, but no suitable venue has been found to replace this polling station
General Comments
Comments & Proposals received
None
Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places (Parliamentary Elections) Regulations 2006 Existing Polling Arrangements
Dukes Ward
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Holy Trinity Church In Person 2011 Combined with Polling District W2 Hall 1324 Turnout W1 Hoghton Street Postal 27.04% Southport 244 PR9 0TE Total Cost per 1568 vote £3.21
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Holy Trinity Church In Person 2011 Combined with Polling District W1 Hall 1058 Turnout W2 Hoghton Street Postal 24.79% Southport 213 PR9 0TE Total Cost per 1271 vote £3.21
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Southport Unitarian In Person 2011 The premises are currently up for Church 1240 Turnout sale and it is not know at this W3 Portland Street Postal 27.14% stage if the building will be Southport 291 available to the Returning Officer PR8 1HU Total Cost per at future elections. 1531 vote £2.98
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
St. James C.E. Church In Person 2011 Hall 1378 Turnout W4 Lulworth Road Postal 38.68% Southport 341 PR8 2BQ Total Cost per 1719 vote £1.91
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Birkdale United In Person 2011 Combined with Polling District W6 Reformed Church Hall 1376 Turnout W5 Grosvenor Road Postal 37.11% Southport 500 PR8 2ET Total Cost per 1876 vote £1.46
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Birkdale United In Person 2011 Combined with Polling District W5 Reformed Church Hall 1504 Turnout W6 Grosvenor Road Postal 41.27% Southport 421 PR8 2ET Total Cost per 1925 vote £1.46
General Comments
Comments & Proposals received
None
Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places (Parliamentary Elections) Regulations 2006 Existing Polling Arrangements
Kew Ward
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Church of St Francis Of In Person 2011 Assisi 1454 Turnout T1 68 Folkestone Road Postal 35.72% Southport 366 PR8 5PH Total Cost per 1820 vote £1.69
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Southport Football In Person 2011 This is a new polling station Club 1148 Turnout designated since the 2007 review. T2 Haigh Avenue Postal 27.29% Southport 295 The polling station was first used PR8 6JZ Total Cost per in 2008, replacing King George V 1443 vote Sixth Form College. The previous £3.67 polling was poor in terms of cost efficiency and although costs have been reduced, the cost per vote at this polling station remains high and is in the top 10% of polling station expenditure.
The average cost per vote across the Borough is £2.04.
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
The Family Life Centre In Person 2011 The polling station is inefficent in Ash Street 1271 Turnout terms of cost and is in the top 10% T3 Southport Postal 29.76% of polling station expenditure. PR8 6JH 283 Total Cost per The average cost per vote across 1554 vote the Borough is £2.04. £3.24
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
St. Philip & St. Paul In Person 2011 With Wesley Church 1229 Turnout T4 Scarisbrick New Road Postal 29.76% Southport 252 PR8 6RA Total Cost per 1481 vote £2.68
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Boundary Street In Person 2011 This is a new polling station Evangelical Church 1228 Turnout designated since the 2007 review. T5 1a Fernley Road Postal 24.45% Southport 241 The polling station was first used PR8 5AU Total Cost per in 2009, replacing Hampton Road 1469 vote United Reformed Church. The £3.21 polling station is combined with Polling District T6. The cost per vote, despite being a combined polling station is high in term of cost efficiency.
The average cost per vote across the Borough is £2.04.
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Boundary Street In Person 2011 This is a new polling station Evangelical Church 1189 Turnout designated since the 2007 review. T6 1a Fernley Road Postal 25.93% Southport 278 The polling station was first used PR8 5AU Total Cost per in 2009, replacing Hampton Road 1467 vote United Reformed Church. The £3.21 polling station is combined with Polling District T5. The cost per vote, despite being a combined polling station is high in term of cost efficiency.
The average cost per vote across the Borough is £2.04.
General Comments
Comments & Proposals received
None
Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places (Parliamentary Elections) Regulations 2006 Existing Polling Arrangements
Meols Ward
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Larkfield Primary In Person 2011 Combined with Polling District Y4 School 1520 Turnout Y1 Preston New Road Postal 32.85% Southport 408 PR9 8PA Total Cost per 1928 vote £1.54
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Crossens Community In Person 2011 Combined with Polling District Y3 Centre 1192 Turnout Y2 The Recreation Ground Postal 31.94% Rufford Road 211 Southport Total Cost per PR9 8HT 1383 vote £2.13
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Crossens Community In Person 2011 Combined with Polling District Y2 Centre 1294 Turnout Y3 The Recreation Ground Postal 29.91% Rufford Road 299 Southport Total Cost per PR9 8HT 1593 vote £1.54
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Larkfield Primary In Person 2011 Combined with Polling District Y1 School 1391 Turnout Y4 Preston New Road Postal 39.12% Southport 243 PR9 8PA Total Cost per 1634 vote £2.13
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
St. Cuthberts Church In Person 2011 Hall 1305 Turnout Y5 St Cuthberts Road Postal 36.15% Southport 328 PR9 7NN Total Cost per 1633 vote £2.01
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Churchtown Branch In Person 2011 Library 1265 Turnout Y6 Mill Lane Postal 38.16% Southport 302 PR9 7PL Total Cost per 1567 vote £2.19
General Comments
Comments & Proposals received
None
Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places (Parliamentary Elections) Regulations 2006 Existing Polling Arrangements
Norwood Ward
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
St. Luke's Church Hall In Person 2011 St. Luke's Road 1505 Turnout V1 Southport Postal 33.00% PR9 0SH 386 Total Cost per 1891 vote £1.70
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Victoria Methodist In Person 2011 Church Hall 1623 Turnout V2 Sussex Road Postal 30.94% Southport 325 PR8 6DG Total Cost per 1948 vote £2.31
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Canning Road In Person 2011 Combined with Polling Station V4 Evangelical Church Hall 1335 Turnout V3 Canning Road Postal 21.96% Southport 296 PR9 7SS Total Cost per 1631 vote £2.56
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
Canning Road In Person 2011 Combined with Polling Station V3 Evangelical Church Hall 1323 Turnout V4 Canning Road Postal 27.06% Southport 265 PR9 7SS Total Cost per 1588 vote £2.56
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
St. Simon and St. Jude In Person 2011 Combined with Polling Station V6 New Church Hall 1223 Turnout V5 Old Park Lane Postal 32.92% Southport 310 PR9 7BQ Total Cost per 1533 vote £2.48
Polling Polling Station Electorate Comments District
St. Simon and St. Jude In Person 2011 Combined with Polling Station V5 New Church Hall 1243 Turnout V6 Old Park Lane Postal 27.19% Southport 254 PR9 7BQ Total Cost per 1454 vote £2.48
General Comments
Comments & Proposals received
None