The Director of Governance and Assurance reported upon planned reforms to improve the annual canvass of electors undertaken each year by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) across Great Britain.

The Electoral Services Manager advised Members that Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) in Great Britain were required to conduct an annual canvass of all residential properties in the area for which they have responsibility in order to identify everyone who should be on the electoral register.

Members of the Committee were informed that alternative models for conducting the annual canvass had been piloted and after evaluation, the Cabinet Office intended to amend the legislation that governs the annual canvass with the aim for this reform to start in 2020.  The Cabinet Office Statement of Policy provided a full overview of the Canvass Reform and was attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

On a motion by Councillor D Mitchell and seconded by Councillor A Hodson it was -

Resolved – That the report be noted.