Agenda item

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Committee considered a report of the Town Clerk outlining options around the possible postponement of the City-wide elections in March 2021.

The Chair highlighted that, notwithstanding the fact that this report was being presented for decision now, given the importance of the issue it was felt that it might be premature to make a decision at this juncture and before clarity was available in respect of any prospective easing of restrictions on movement. Members agreed that a final decision on a date for the election should be deferred until a later meeting. However, the Committee expressed the strong view that the election should not take place on the same date as the Greater London Authority (GLA) elections.

A Member also suggested that the elections be deferred for a full year and for new electors to then be elected on a three-year term.

It was suggested that there should be cognisance of the likely reduction in office occupancy levels extending for a protracted period, possibly until the time when a vaccine was in place, with the consequential effect on the electorate and canvassing activity borne in mind. It was also suggested that now could be an opportune time to look at exploring electronic voting and potentially leading the way in this regard. 

RESOLVED: That:-

1.      Consideration of the timing of the 2021 City elections be deferred until a future meeting.

2.      It be agreed that the City elections should be held on a separate date to the London Mayor and GLA elections.