Responding to the Government announcement that the local
elections will take place on May 6, Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman
of the Local Government Association, said:
“Local elections play a crucial role in our nation’s democracy.
This year’s will see everyone in England having a ballot of some
kind, with many places having multiple ballots taking place at
once – this is unprecedented. Councils have been working hard to
put preparations in place to deliver these with their usual
efficiency.
“It is good that the Government has set out this action plan to
help guide local planning for these elections. We are pleased the
Government will provide some extra funding to councils to ensure
COVID-19 secure measures can be implemented for voters, council
election teams and the army of volunteers in polling stations and
count venues.
“The scale and cost of these vital extra measures to ensure
everyone’s safe involvement in the elections and the counting of
votes are now being assessed by councils. The level of extra
government financial support will need to be kept under review as
the real-world costs and implications are calculated.
“Councillors make a huge difference to the quality of life of
local people and how local issues are dealt with. It is vital
that candidates have the ability to run campaigns so residents
can make informed decisions about who they want to represent
them. We look forward to seeing further details from government
on this. We also want to explore with the Government how all
candidates can best set out their case for election to voters as
national restrictions are lifted.”
Notes to Editors
The LGA, which represents councils across England and Wales, is
also calling for the Government to:
- Ensure there is clear specific public health guidance for
elections to guide decision-making and support officers to make
decisions in this difficult context, for example by providing
indemnity for returning officers.
- Core election staff to be added to the priority list for the
next phase of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and extend testing to
core electoral staff in the run up to the elections.
- Recognise that the counting of votes will take considerably
longer than normal and clarify how counting agents will be able
to undertake their duties in a safe way given social distancing
rules. Relaxing the deadline for newly elected councillors to
take up office to allow the count to be conducted safely. Clarity
is also needed on the use of schools as polling stations.
