The report reminded Members of the Council’s power to change its electoral scheme to whole council elections.  Brentwood Borough Council operated an election scheme by thirds, holding a Borough election three years out of four.

Members were advised that the typical cost to the Council of a shared election was £69,000 and the cost of a sole Borough Council election was £95,000. Whole council elections offered a potential saving of between £138,000 and £195,000 over a four year cycle. The Council could change its electoral cycle should it resolve to do so.

In order to resolve to change its electoral cycle, the Council must:

a)  Have taken reasonable steps to consult such persons as it thinks appropriate on the proposed change;

b)   Convene an extraordinary meeting of Council to consider the proposed change;

c)   Have at least two-thirds of those voting at the extraordinary meeting of Council vote in favour of the proposed change; and

d)   Ensure that the year for the first ordinary whole council election was specified in the resolution. This could not be the same year(s) as County Council elections.

The report before Members facilitated steps b), c) and d) above. Step a) was initiated by Ordinary Council on 22 October 2014.

Cllr Lloyd MOVED and Cllr Le-Surf SECONDED that Brentwood Borough Council should change its scheme of elections to whole council elections with effect from 2015.  Following a full discussion a vote was taken on a show of hands and the Motion was LOST. 

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