Agenda item

The Returning Officer, Catherine Meek advised the Committee of the processes involved in changing the Council’s electoral cycle from election by thirds to whole council elections every four years. At present each Member served a term of four years, producing a four yearly cycle of elections. The consultation process and procedure that would need to be implemented to move to whole council elections was outlined. It was highlighted that a change to the electoral cycle would also impact on Parish Councils. The merits of holding elections by thirds or whole council elections were brought to Members attention.

Councillors Smith and Wright addressed the Committee under Rule 30. It was submitted that whole Council elections would provide the Council with a clear mandate for four years; allowing it to adopt a more strategic long term approach to policy and decision making.

Councillor Plenty also spoke under Rule 30, stating elections by thirds provided for continuity of councillors and therefore avoiding disruption to on-going policies. The Committee were also provided with details of an email that had been submitted by Councillor Swindlehurst, which put forward a number of points in support of elections by thirds.

A number of points were raised in the ensuing discussion which included what the estimated financial savings that were likely to be achieved by implementing a four yearly election cycle. Members were informed that if Borough elections were combined with a national election (General, European, Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC)) the cost of the election was shared. A move to whole council elections would lead to a financial saving for the Council in the three years where there was no Borough election. It was noted that although a saving of up to £100k could be realised over the four year period, this assumed that Parliamentary, European and PCC elections  would be held on the same day – if not any saving would be reduced.

Having considered details of the report and representations submitted by R30 Councillors the Committee decided, on balance, that no changes be recommended to the current electoral cycle.  

Resolved –   That details of the report be noted and the current electoral cycle of election by thirds remain.