The Democratic and Electoral Services Manager introduced the report and outlined the changes to boundaries following the polling district and polling place review and public consultation, as set out in the revised polling district table as part of the urgent update. This also included an extra recommendation for officer delegated authority to make further minor changes. The proposals for Thurnham electors were highlighted as the main change arising from the consultation. In addition the creation of smaller, temporary polling districts to accommodate pre-May 2024 register requests was brought to the Committee’s attention.

With the impending deadline of register publication on 1 December, it was highlighted that minor changes, such as small shifts to polling districts or changes to codes might be required and delegation to officers was requested to make sure accurate information could be presented to Council on 29 November 2023.

The Committee were informed that changes to the Parish Election Cycle and minor alignments of Ward boundaries to Parish boundaries from by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) needed to be completed too, the latter might not be in place until March 2024.

In response to questions it was confirmed that there would be an additional polling place in Staplehurst so that three polling stations could be located there.  One place to the West of the main road and one to the East that would host two polling stations as it did currently.

RESOLVED: That

1.  The Council be recommended to agree the outcome of the Polling Districts and Polling Places Review 2023 set out at Amended Appendix 1 to the report; and

2.  The Democratic and Electoral Services Manager be given delegated authority to make minor changes to Polling Districts in Amended Appendix 1 to the report before the Council Meeting on 29 November 2023.