northlincs.gov.uk

PRESENT: –  Councillor Evison in the chair.

Councillors Davison (Vice-Chair), England, T Foster and Oldfield.

Councillors L Foster and Whiteley attended the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rule 1.37 (b).

The panel met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.

456  DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS AND PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and personal or personal and prejudicial interests –

No whip was declared.

457  PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK – There were no requests received.

458  PREPARATION FOR THE GENERAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS – 7 MAY 2015 – The Chairman welcomed Simon Driver, the council’s Chief Executive and Returning Officer, Mel Holmes, the council’s Head of Democratic Services and Anthia Taylor, the council’s Electoral Services Manager to the meeting to discuss the preparations for the general and local elections on 7 May 2015.

The Returning Officer briefed members on the following –

Lessons learnt from Scrutiny Review
Preparation leading up to the election
Training of staff – Presiding Officers, Poll Clerks, Count Staff
Opening of Postal Votes
Polling Day – Two General Elections and a Local Election
Location of Count Facilities
Verification and Count – Thursday night and/or Friday
Clean Up

Following the Returning Officers update, the Chairman facilitated a discussion between panel members and the Returning Officer, Head of Democratic Services and Electoral Services Manager.

Resolved – (a) That the Returning Officer, Head of Democratic Services and Electoral Services Manager be thanked for their attendance and for answering members questions, and (b) that the panel reflect on the general and local elections held on 7 May 2015 early in the Municipal Year 2015-16.

459  ADDED ITEM – There was no added item for consideration at the meeting.