Whole Council Elections – Factors to be Included

 

·         Consideration of pros and cons (including those summarised from the consultation below)

·         Impact on time and resources for officers and Members, including the interruption to the committee flow

·         Cost analysis

·         Consultation – method and content

 

 

Councillor Consultation - Pros and Cons of Whole Council Elections - Summary

 

Pro

 

Con

Stability - would enable 4 years of strategy, work and building relationships

Wholesale change - could lose many experienced Councillors and impact on continuity

 

Improved voter engagement - reduced voter fatigue and potentially increase turnout

Parishes would need to align or face additional costs.  By-elections less likely to time with elections.

 

Lower cost

 

Local elections can be related to National Politics so could become out of step with feelings.

 

Increased focus on borough-wide issues

Availability of candidates for 55 seats

 

Greater scope for wholesale policy change

 

Reduced focus on Independent candidates and Ward/Street issues.

 

Clearer delineation between Borough and County

Extra work for whole council election on the Elections team (e.g. nominations)

 

Training and induction easier – done as one cohort

Time taken for change - Lack of accountability immediately following an election and less gradual change

 

Reduced time spent campaigning and canvassing, and in ‘purdah’

Canvassing can put Members in touch with their electorate