Issue - meetings

That the proposed response to the consultation paper be made.

The Chief Executive introduced the report on the Welsh Government Consultation Paper Electoral Reform in Local Government in Wales.

                        He commented on the areas covered in the consultation paper on:

·         The voting franchise;

·         Registration;

·         The voting system;

·         The voting process;

·         Standing for election; and

·         Returning Officers

Councillor Hilary McGuill commented on the proposal to remove the address of candidates.  The Chief Executive said Members could disclose what ward they live in as opposed to their address if the proposal was enacted, and that he would suggest that this was applied to the statutory imprint for published materials if the candidate were self-promoting themselves without a separate promoter.

Councillor Mike Peers asked for clarification on page 344, Single Transferable Vote, and it being a preferential electoral system and asked if this could be substantiated.  The Chief Officer (Governance) said that this meant first and second preference was to be indicated. The Council was being advised to object to the devolution of choice on the voting system to individual councils, and not the principle of the voting system.

            On being put to the vote, the recommendation was carried.  The Chief Executive confirmed that once the response had been finalised a copy would be made available.

            RESOLVED:

            That the proposed response to the consultation paper be made.