Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Tatler (Vice-Chair) and Councillor Knight with Councillor Nerva attending as a substitute for Councillor Knight.

Members are invited to declare at this stage of the meeting, the nature and existence of any relevant disclosable pecuniary or personal interests in the items on this agenda and to specify the item(s) to which they relate.

There were no formal declarations of interest made during the meeting.

To hear any deputations requested by members of the public in accordance with Standing Order 67.

There were no deputations received.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 11 December 2023 as a correct record.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 11 December 2023 be approved as an accurate record.

To consider any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

There were no matters arising.

To consider a report from the Corporate Director of Governance detailing the results of a Polling District and Place review undertaken prior to the London Mayoral and GLA elections in May 2024.

Amira Nassr, Head of the Chief Executive and Member Services introduced the report from the Corporate Director of Governance detailing the review of the local authority polling districts and polling places undertaken in accordance with the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013.  Members were advised that the proposals detailed within the report in relation to the polling districts and polling places identified within Alperton, Kingsbury, Queensbury, Sudbury, Wembley Central, Wembley Hill and Willesden Green wards reflected comments received as part of the consultation undertaken as part of the review process with representations sought from a wide range of stakeholders including all elected councillors and groups represented through the Brent Disability Forum.

In considering the detailed proposals outlined within Section 3 of the report and the comments detailed in the accompanying Appendix 3, members noted:

1.     In relation to the proposals within Alperton Ward:

·             Whilst recognising the rationale for adding another polling station to enable polling districts AL3 and AL4 to be served by two different polling places in order to avoid the significant congestion and queues experienced at the last election at the Grand Union Hub, concerns were raised in relation to the distance that residents from the Abbey Estate would still need to travel in order to vote.  In order to address these concerns it was felt further consideration should be given to alternative arrangements within the AL3 polling district, including the potential use of portacabins as an alternative polling place option within AL3.  Members were advised that this had been explored as an option with the Neighbourhoods Team but had not been assessed as a viable given access issues involving trees and overhead cables that would prevent a portacabin being installed in the location identified within the proximity of the Abbey Estate.

·             As it had not been possible to identify any other adequate polling station locations in that area the alternative remained used of the Grand Union Hub, although looking forward it was hoped that the Abbey Estate Community Centre could be used for future elections, once any refurbishment had been completed although this would not be in time for the GLA and London Mayoral elections in May 2024.  Recognising the issues raised, members were keen to ensure that as much as possible was done to find the best alternative viable solution looking forward.

2.     In relation to Kingsbury ward, following feedback about the suitability of Village School as a polling station, given its status as a Special Educational Needs school and the impact on parents and pupils, an alternative polling station had been identified at Kingsbury Service Club.  Members were satisfied with the proposed alternative venue which had also been supported by ward councillors.

3.     In relation to Queensbury ward, following representations made in support of moving the polling station from portacabins in polling district QY1 to Queensbury Methodist Church it had been proposed, recognising the need to manage the number of electors within each district and polling place, to split the ward with electors in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

No membership changes have been identified in advance of the agenda publication for consideration by the Committee.

There were no appointments to be considered in relation to any of the General Purposes Sub Committees.

No items have been identified in advance of the meeting that will require the exclusion of the press or public.

There were no items that required the exclusion of the press or public from the meeting.

Notice of items to be raised under this heading must be given in writing to the Head of the Chief Executive and Member Services or her representative before the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 60.

None.