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
|