The Democratic and Electoral Services Manager introduced the report and outlined how a Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, Section 53 order would allow alignment of all Parish Council election cycles with the Council’s. It was highlighted that this would be administratively beneficial for the Council, financially beneficial for Parish Councils and an expected change which is in all parties’ interests.

The Committee agreed that Parish Council elections that happened out of cycle were expensive and time consuming and that Parishes would likely be relieved to accept the new system.

RESOLVED:  That Council be recommended to:

1. Agree that all Parish Council election cycles be aligned with Maidstone Borough Council’s election cycle with the first such elections to take place in May 2024; and

2. Give the Director of Strategy Insight and Governance delegated authority to put in place the Order required to give effect to the Council’s resolution.