The report before Members advised 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 noted 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 therefore 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 and in order to do this must:

a)               Have taken reasonable steps to consult such persons as was considered 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 whole council elections for the County Council.

The report before Members initiated step a) above and facilitated step b).

Following a discussion, Cllr Lloyd MOVED and Cllr Chilvers SECONDED the recommendation in the report and it was RESOLVED that:

1.  The Council resolves to consult interested parties on whole council elections for Brentwood Borough Council;

2.  An extraordinary meeting of Council be convened on 10 December 2014, at the rising of Ordinary Council.

In response to a request from Cllr Mrs McKinlay, Cllr Lloyd agreed that the format of the consultation form (shown as Appendix B to the agenda) would be considered by Group leaders