Doncaster Metripolitan Council
Councillors:
56
Wards:
22
Committees:
25
Meetings (2025):
88
Meetings (2024):
113
Meeting
Elections and Democratic Structures Committee - Doncaster
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Tuesday, 16th July 2024
10:00 AM
Tuesday, 16th July 2024
10:00 AM
End:
Tuesday, 16th July 2024
2:00 PM
Tuesday, 16th July 2024
2:00 PM
Actual Time
Started:
Tuesday, 16th July 2024
12:00 AM
Tuesday, 16th July 2024
12:00 AM
Finished:
Tuesday, 16th July 2024
12:00 AM
Tuesday, 16th July 2024
12:00 AM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
16 Jul 2024
16 Jul 2024
Location:
Council Chamber, Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BU
Council Chamber, Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BU
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Public Health
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Adults, Wellbeing and Culture
Chair
Councillor Emma Muddiman-Rawlins
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Duncan Anderson
Absent
Committee Member
Councillor Susan Durant
Absent
Committee Member
Councillor Debbie Hutchinson
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Thomas Noon
Apologies
Committee Member
Councillor Rob Reid
Absent
Agenda
0
A. Reports where the public and press may not be excluded.
1
Apologies for absence.
2
To consider the extent, if any, to which the public and press are to be excluded from the meeting.
3
Declarations of Interest, if any.
Minutes
There were no declarations made at the meeting.
4
Minutes of the Elections and Democratic Structures Committee Meeting held on 28th February 2024
Attachments:
- Document 280224 FINAL mins 08 Jul 2024
Minutes
RESOLVED that the minutes of the Elections and Democratic Structure Committee held on 28 February 2024 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
5
Elections Update
Attachments:
- Document EDSC Elections Update 08 Jul 2024
Minutes
The Committee received a detailed update on the election results for the following elections:-
· South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority – 2 May 2024
· Hatfield Town Council – Dunscroft Way By-Election – 23 May 2024
· Town Ward By-Election – 4 July 2024
· UK Parliamentary General Election – 4 July 2024
Following the update, a number of comments and questions were raised as follows:-
Firstly, members thanked Trina, her team and all those who worked on all aspects of the elections to ensure it was a success.
Councillor Gemma Cobby thanked the team for the response to the concerns raised by some electors at a polling station in the town ward where alcohol was present, and they were not comfortable voting at the station. It was asked how members and officers can work together to find alternative suitable venues for polling stations. In response, it was reported that in terms of restrictions, there were none in terms of premises that sell alcohol however, if there are concerns, the team were happy to work with members to look at whether there were any suitable alternative venues
In addition, the Committee were advised that there would be a review of polling stations undertaken, where there would be consultation with the Councillors and the public. If Councillors were aware of any suitable venues for polling stations, then they should get in contact with the team so these could be covered by the review.
In response to a question raised as to why there were no results from Rotherham listed within the report, it was advised that officers do not have access to the breakdown of the results as Doncaster was not the returning officer for this count. However, a link to their website was provided in the report.
In terms of the number of people turned away because incorrect ID had been provided, it was asked whether this created more work for polling staff. Regarding voter ID, it was advised that a lot of work had gone into providing information to the public regarding ID. It was suggested that this information be circulated to those members who were new to the Committee.
Committee were advised that extra training was provided to staff and staff know what signs to look out for. It was noted that it takes time to record the information provided on the forms. In terms of the free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC), it was advised that this could only be used for so many elections and will not be supplied continuously. There are also several issues that occur with postal votes. However, clear instructions are provided.
Further comments were made in regard to the polling station review and when this would be undertaken and when officers intend to liaise with Councillors. Committee were advised that staff were currently gathering information, that information would be evaluated, it would be at that point when officers would seek Councillors engagement on any areas, they feel need looking at. However, Councillors can get in touch by email at any time if they have any suggestions to put forward.
In conclusion, the Chair wished to place on record, her and the Committee’s thanks to the Election Team and everyone who worked on all aspects of the elections.
· South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority – 2 May 2024
· Hatfield Town Council – Dunscroft Way By-Election – 23 May 2024
· Town Ward By-Election – 4 July 2024
· UK Parliamentary General Election – 4 July 2024
Following the update, a number of comments and questions were raised as follows:-
Firstly, members thanked Trina, her team and all those who worked on all aspects of the elections to ensure it was a success.
Councillor Gemma Cobby thanked the team for the response to the concerns raised by some electors at a polling station in the town ward where alcohol was present, and they were not comfortable voting at the station. It was asked how members and officers can work together to find alternative suitable venues for polling stations. In response, it was reported that in terms of restrictions, there were none in terms of premises that sell alcohol however, if there are concerns, the team were happy to work with members to look at whether there were any suitable alternative venues
In addition, the Committee were advised that there would be a review of polling stations undertaken, where there would be consultation with the Councillors and the public. If Councillors were aware of any suitable venues for polling stations, then they should get in contact with the team so these could be covered by the review.
In response to a question raised as to why there were no results from Rotherham listed within the report, it was advised that officers do not have access to the breakdown of the results as Doncaster was not the returning officer for this count. However, a link to their website was provided in the report.
In terms of the number of people turned away because incorrect ID had been provided, it was asked whether this created more work for polling staff. Regarding voter ID, it was advised that a lot of work had gone into providing information to the public regarding ID. It was suggested that this information be circulated to those members who were new to the Committee.
Committee were advised that extra training was provided to staff and staff know what signs to look out for. It was noted that it takes time to record the information provided on the forms. In terms of the free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC), it was advised that this could only be used for so many elections and will not be supplied continuously. There are also several issues that occur with postal votes. However, clear instructions are provided.
Further comments were made in regard to the polling station review and when this would be undertaken and when officers intend to liaise with Councillors. Committee were advised that staff were currently gathering information, that information would be evaluated, it would be at that point when officers would seek Councillors engagement on any areas, they feel need looking at. However, Councillors can get in touch by email at any time if they have any suggestions to put forward.
In conclusion, the Chair wished to place on record, her and the Committee’s thanks to the Election Team and everyone who worked on all aspects of the elections.
Previous Meetings
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