The report advised the Committee of the Council’s power to change its electoral scheme to whole council elections.  Brentwood Borough Council operates an election scheme by thirds, holding a Borough election three years out of four. The typical cost to the Council of a combined election is £60,000; the cost of a single Borough Council election is £90,000. Whole council elections offer a potential saving of between £138,000 and £180,000 over a four year cycle, however the Local Authority may not realise all of this. A whole council election scheme would provide a four year mandate, allowing the Council to adopt a strategic approach to policy and decision making in line with its medium term financial plan. The Council can 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)         If an Ordinary Council is not available then 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 is specified in the resolution. This cannot be the same year(s) as whole council elections for the County Council. The Localism Act 2011 states:

‘a district (Borough)  election for which there is a county council  may not  hold an election in a county-council elections year’

The report sought Members views.

An additional motion to was MOVED by Cllr Tumbridge and SECONDED by Cllr Mrs Hones to state:

2.        A detailed paper with financial consequences of a four year election cycle and the steps required to move from 1/3 to all out elections to be brought to the next Policy, Resource & Economic Development Meeting in September.

A vote was taken by a show of hands and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY.

1.         The Committee considers the content of this report (and any next steps).

2.         A detailed paper with financial consequences of a four year election cycle and the steps required to move from 1/3 to all out elections to be brought to the next Policy, Resource & Economic Development Meeting in September.

Reason for Recommendation

That the Council considers whole council elections for Brentwood Borough Council.