Members of the Committee were asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non pecuniary interests in connection with any application on the agenda and state the nature of the interest.

Councillor J McManus declared a non pecuniary interest by virtue of being a Ward Councillor in respect of item 3 on the agenda (minute 14 refers).

To approve the accuracy of the minutes of the meeting held on 20 September 2017.

Resolved – That the minutes of the meeting held on 20 September 2017 be approved.

The Electoral Services Manager introduced a report which provided details of changes required in relation to polling places and polling stations within the Borough and sought Members’ approval of suitable alternatives.

Changes to Polling Station Locations within a Polling Place

New Brighton Ward – Polling District UD

The Electoral Services Manager advised that the current polling station was a temporary unit block in Liscard Primary School, however, the Business Manager of the school had requested that an alternative building within the school complex be considered for use as the polling station in order that the school could remain open.

Members were advised that the alternative building to be considered for use as the polling station was the School Lodge.  Further to inspection by the Electoral Services Manager, this had been considered unsuitable due to it being too small and having no adequate disabled access.

A suggestion had been made to hire a mobile porta cabin, however, there would be logistical and financial implications and this would incur a cost of approximately £1,000.

The Electoral Services Manager therefore recommended that the status quo should continue.

On a motion by Councillor Hodson, seconded by Councillor Mitchell, it was –

Resolved – That the current arrangements remain the most suitable for voting purposes and that the status quo continue.

Bidston & St James Ward – Polling District AE

Councillor J McManus declared a non pecuniary interest in this matter by virtue of being Ward Councillor (minute 12 refers).

The Electoral Services Manager advised that the current polling station was the school hall within Our Lady & St Edwards Primary School, however, the Headteacher had requested that an alternative building within the school complex be considered for use as the polling station in order that the school could remain open.

Members were advised that the alternative building to be considered for use as the polling station was a temporary unit block within the school complex.  Further to inspection by the Electoral Services Manager, this building was considered to be suitable, therefore it was recommended that the venue be relocated.

On a motion by Councillor Hodson, seconded by Councillor Stuart, it was –

Resolved – That the polling station venue be relocated to the temporary unit block for all future elections/referenda.

Birkenhead & Tranmere Ward – Polling District BD

The Electoral Services Manager advised that the current polling station was the Community Hall in Woodlands Primary School, however, the School Office Manager on behalf of the Headteacher had requested that an alternative room within the school complex be considered for use as the polling station due to reconstruction work being carried out on the Community Hall creating two rooms resulting in them being too small to use as a polling station.

Members were advised that the alternative building to be considered for use as the polling station was the nursery block within the school complex.  Further to inspection by the Electoral Services Manager, this building was considered to be suitable, therefore it was recommended that the venue be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.