Agenda and draft minutes

RESOLVED that Councillor Simon Carter be elected as Chair.

None.

To note the terms of the reference of the Working Group.

RESOLVED that the Working Group noted the Terms of Reference.

To note the timetable.

RESOLVED that the Working Group noted the timetable.

The Working Group received a report on Harlow Council Electoral Cycles.

The Working Group considered the pros and cons of elections by thirds and all out elections as detailed in the report. The Working Group also considered the costs of elections and the estimated costs of carrying out consultation with the public.

The Working Group noted that consultation with the public on changing to all-out elections could be carried out at any stage in the future. 

RESOLVED that the Working Group recommend that the Council does not proceed with public consultation on opting for all out elections at this time for the following reasons:-

a)  The time constraints of making a decision following a consultation by the end of March;

b)  The Covid-19 pandemic is still ongoing;

c)  Given the results of the survey on turnout in local elections there were concerns that there wouldn’t be enough public appetite for a meaningful result;

d)  A consultation would not be appropriate at the current time; and

e)  There is no current budget for the consultation.

The Working Group noted that there would be a further meeting on 16 December 2021 to consider a report on council size. Following the meeting, any proposals on changes to council size would need to be formally agreed by a meeting of the Special Council in February 2022 ready for submission to the Local Government Boundary Commission (LGBCE) by March 2022.