Issue - meetings

Question from the public (Mr Taylor) but by committee manager.  During the last election I attended the Guildhall to view a nomination form. I was informed by the officer who showed me the form that it would be an offence to photograph it and if I took a photograph of it the returning officer would call the police. I thought this was inappropriate and intimidating and an attempt to deter or obstruct scrutiny and reporting. I suggest councillors stress the importance of public scrutiny of elections and consider attitudes to transparency when appointing officers to positions which means they are likely to be appointed as returning officers.

Vicky Breading the Council’s Electoral Services Manager replied stating that she could not recall the detail of the event as expressed – but she apologised if she appeared intimidating.  She advised the committee that the rights to inspect nomination papers varied by election.  She was concerned to get across the point that when taking a copy, the individual became responsible for that data and subsequent misuse of it could be reported.

After the incident, she had sought clarification from the Electoral Commission (post elections) that where it is allowed in law to take a copy, they advised taking of a photograph would also be permitted.

The committee received a progress report from the Electoral Services Manager regarding the 2016 Review of Elections.

Members of the committee congratulated the Returning Officer and elections team on running both May combined elections and June Referendum successfully.

There were a number of contributions on the location of the Count Venue for future elections one covering preference to be at the Guildhall as it is central, extra costs associated with more staff and an external venue.  The Chief Executive advised the committee that she would take into account the views expressed.  As Returning Officer it was her decision rather than one for Members or the Committee.  In her view if an external venue meant a quicker count with better facilities for participants, including approved observers, then that would be preferable to the Guildhall.

Resolved (unanimously) to:

          i.             Note the report