Dan Peters 29 April 2022

EXCLUSIVE: Whitehall risk warning over election reforms

EXCLUSIVE: Whitehall risk warning over election reforms image
Image: Daniel Heighton / Shutterstock.com

Whitehall officials have privately admitted councils could be overwhelmed by one of the largest sets of electoral reforms ever seen by local authorities, The MJ understands.

The Act will introduce first-past-the-post for mayoral and police and crime commissioner elections, require councils to provide disabled voters with specialist equipment to support them to vote if needed, and deliver on a manifesto commitment to introduce a requirement to show photographic identification when voting in person at polling stations – from May 2023.

Conservative former minister Lord Willetts had attempted to get the Government to expand the list of accepted identification to include non-photo documents such as birth certificates, bank statements, council tax demands and library cards, but ministers rejected his bid last month.

Elections spokesperson for senior officers’ group Solace, Louise Round, said: ‘We do have a concern that this risks disenfranchising a significant number of people.’

Visit The MJ (£) for more on this story.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Worker

Wakefield Council
£32,061.00 to £34,434.00, Grade 7.
We are looking for a Full-Time Children's Residential Worker to join our team at Clarence Children's Home in Wakefield Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Community Development Officer

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£32,962 - £36,791 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Community Development Officer to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire / Multiple
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Telecare Responder

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 to £31,022 per annum
Could you respond to emergency calls, gain access and administer first aid if necessary? Could you assist in the provision of an equitable Countywide Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, Mid Team

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, Mid TeamPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Service Manager

Wakefield Council
£69,037.00, Grade 15, 37 hours, Permanent
Do you have the experience, skills, and ambition to strengthen the education offer. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner