Agenda item

Individual Electoral Registration - Progress Report

Minutes:

The Committee received a report from the Electoral Services Manager presenting Members with an update on a number of key work streams being undertaken by the Electoral Services Team in relation to the Register of Electors and Annual Canvass.

 

It was reported that the final response to the ‘Household Enquiry Form’ was 118,017 (85.70%) properties, which was slightly up on the past two years. A full breakdown by return method in comparison to 2015 and 2016 was attached at Appendix A of the report.

 

Members were advised that a proactive approach was required throughout the year and not just during the canvass period in order to maintain an accurate and complete register, ensuring as far as possible that all eligible persons were on the register and that all non-eligible persons were removed. Details of the initiatives being currently undertaken were presented within paragraph 6 of the report.

 

It was noted that as of the 1st March 2018, the full electorate was 222,937 and a full breakdown by ward was attached at Appendix B of the report.

 

Members wished to offer their thanks to the Elections Team for their professionalism and the impressive return rate.

 

With regard to houses on new developments, it was asked whether the team sent out registration packs. It was reported that’s electoral services identified  new homes but more often than not the houses were nowhere near completed or occupied. However, developers of new sites when contacted were willing to advise electoral services when houses become occupied. It was also noted that liaison with Planning and Council Tax continued to take place which had improved registration.

 

Discussion took place in relation to the pilot of additional photo identification for electors when attending the polling stations. Members were advised that a small number of Councils had agreed to pilot this at their May’s elections. It was highlighted that there were so many unknowns and questions around procedures. It was also noted that it was envisaged that there would be additional costs in relation to the supply of ID cards. Members noted that this proposal was a long way off national introduction. However further discussion on this matter could be set aside at a future meeting of the Committee if required.

 

A query was made in relation to the electorate within Armthorpe being lower than that being reported within the By-election report. It was advised that a number of these had now been removed but at the time of the By-election, it was agreed that these remain on the register to ensure they were able to vote.

 

In response to a query regarding listed properties, it was advised that the number had risen by more than 2,000 since 2016. In relation to absentee landlords, if any member had been made aware of landlords that should not be listed on the register at a property, then they could forward the information to the elections team who would investigate the matter.

 

A question was raised with regard to applications made via the website and how the person knows when the application has been accepted. Members were advised email notification was given supplying the person with a reference number. It was highlighted that the reference number wasn’t matching and a change to the system now facilitates the team to search for that individual. Once an elector’s details are verified by the Department for Work and Pensions the elections team would confirm by letter that the application had been successful.

 

The Chair and Members wished to express their thanks and congratulate the Elections Team on the hard work carried out to date.

 

            RESOLVED that the report be noted.

 

 

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