The report of the Chief Executive, including an update on proposed re-designation of polling stations is enclosed.

The Chief Executive submitted a report for the purpose of proposing changes to the Council’s current scheme of polling places for the following wards:

Blackley and Broughton Constituency -

Crumpsall (polling district 1CRG), Cheetham (polling district 1CTD)

Harpurhey (polling districts 1HAA,1HAG)

Higher Blackley (polling district 1HBC).

Manchester Central Constituency -

Piccadilly (polling districts 2PYC/2PYE)

Manchester Gorton Constituency -

Fallowfield (polling district 3FAD, 3FAE)

Rusholme (polling district 3RUG).

Wythenshawe and Sale East Constituency -

Sharston (5SHB)

Woodhouse Park (polling district 5WPA).

Update on proposed polling place re-designations

The Committee also received an update on proposed polling place re-designations that provided an update since the report was published, relating to the following polling districts and places: Crumpsall (polling districts 1CRF and 1CRG) and Piccadilly (polling districts 2PYC/2PYE). The update also provided an overview of expected future polling place re-designations outstanding and to propose that these are re-designated ahead of 5 May Local Elections (and any others where it becomes necessary) using the Chief Executive’s delegated powers.

Blackley and Broughton Constituency

Crumpsall Ward 1CRF and 1 CRG – update

Voters in 1CRF & 1CRG both currently vote at Cravenwood Primary Academy

It is proposed that voters in 1CRF, will vote at St Anne’s Church on Crescent Road located in the neighbouring PD of 1CRE. St Anne’s is already the polling place for that PD and is big enough to accommodate another station.

It is proposed that voters in 1CRG vote at Cheetham Hill Sport Club, Catherine Road, which is well located and has good access.

It is anticipated that once the building work at Cravenwood Primary Academy has been completed electors in 1CRF would return to vote at Cravenwood Primary Academy and electors in 1CRG electors will continue to vote at Cheetham Hill Sports Club.

Manchester Central Constituency

Piccadilly Ward 2PYC and 2PYE – update

It is proposed that voters in 2PYC and 2PYE who currently vote at Central Hall, will now vote at Hampton by Hilton, Manchester Northern Quarter, Rochdale Road. This is well located and has good access.

Outstanding polling place re-designations

The following polling places need to be re-designated ahead of May’s Local Elections. Ongoing discussions with local ward members are currently taking place regarding the most suitable alternatives.

Future Re-designations

Once proposals have been developed, it is proposed that these are re-designated by the Chief Executive under delegated powers that allows, where necessary, alternations to the designation of any polling place in consultation with ward members, group leaders and the Chair of the Constitutional and Nomination Committee. It is proposed the same approach applies to any polling place premises which becomes unexpectedly unavailable ahead of May’s Local Elections.

The Committee took the opportunity to thank Elections office staff for their hard work in finding suitable polling stations venues to ensure the democratic process continues within the city during the Covid pandemic.   

Decisions

The Committee:

1. Approved the proposed changes to the current polling place scheme, as set out in Sections 4 to 8 of the report submitted.

2. Considered the update on the current position regarding outstanding re-designations for polling places referred to in the report and approved the proposed changes to the polling place scheme, as set out in the update.

3. Agreed that any remaining or subsequent polling place re-designations required ahead of 5 May 2022 elections, that are not reported to the Committee on 2 February 2022, shall be made by the Chief Executive, under the delegated

authority that allows the Chief Executive to make, where necessary, alterations to the designation of any polling place prior to the next full review in consultation with ward councillors, group leaders and the Chair of Constitutional and Nomination Committee.