Decision details
Approval for suspension of the by-elections and neighbourhood planning referendums listed below and all future requests for by-elections and neighbourhood planning referendums until further notice with immediate effect
Decision Maker: Terence Herbert (Chief Executive)
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Decision:
To approve the suspension of the by-elections
and neighbourhood planning referendums listed and all future
requests for by-elections and neighbourhood planning referendums
until further notice with immediate effect
Reasons for the decision:
In accordance with the Local Elections
(Principal Areas) (England and Wales) Rules 2006, Local Elections
(Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) Rules 2006 and the
Neighbourhood Planning (Referendums) Regulations 2012 the following
by-elections and neighbourhood planning referendums were scheduled
as listed:
Seagry Neighbourhood Planning Referendum - Thursday 26 March
2020
By Brook Unitary Division By-election - Thursday 2 April 2020
Bratton Parish Council By-election - Thursday 2 April 2020
Melksham Without Parish Council By-election - Thursday 23 April
2020
Chippenham Town Council (Hardenhuish Ward) - Thursday 23 April
2020
Clyffe Pypard Parish Council - Thursday 23 April 2020
Malmesbury Town Council - Thursday 23 April 2020
Tockenham Neighbourhood Planning Referendum - Tuesday 2 June
2020
However due to the current situation regarding the Covid-19 virus,
I have taken regard of the following advice:
• Government advice regarding the Covid-19 virus on
self-isolation and social distancing,
• Local Resilience Forum declaring the situation as a major
incident,
• Electoral Commission guidance to the Government on the
postponement of the 7 May 2020 Polls
• Recent Cabinet Office advice; and
• Advice from Wiltshire Council’s Director of Public
Heath
In the interests of staff and public safety having regard to the
above guidance and advice I have therefore decided that the
scheduled elections and neighbourhood planning referendums as
listed above and any subsequent requests for by-elections and
referendums are suspended immediately until further notice. This
will be kept under review as the situation develops and I will
determine how these matters will proceed in the light of relevant
legislation and guidance at the appropriate time.
Alternative options considered:
The only other option would be to continue
with the by-elections and neighbourhood planning referendums as
scheduled. However, the strong and overriding advice provided by
Government and Wiltshire Council’s Director of Public Health
makes this option untenable because of the significant implications
for staff and public safety.
Conflict of Interest: Not applicable
Background: As the Returning Officer and Counting Officer, I am responsible for any matters relating to elections, by-elections, neighbourhood planning referendums, parish polls and council tax referendums in the County of Wiltshire on behalf of Wiltshire Council. The power to make a decision in respect of this rests with me as Returning Officer/Counting Officer.
Contact: Terence Herbert, Chief Executive (ERO/RO/Head of Paid Service) , (Returning Officer and Counting Officer) Email: terence.herbert@wiltshire.gov.uk Tel: 01225 713790.
Publication date: 18/05/2020
Date of decision: 20/03/2020
Accompanying Documents:
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