The Licensing and General Purposes Committee of Barnet Council met on Thursday 08 February 2024, approving revised policies for licensing and street trading, and noting an update on electoral services. The committee also discussed the implications of the Elections Act 2022 and reviewed the council's health and safety performance.

Annual Electoral Services Overview Report

The committee received an overview of the Electoral Services team's activities throughout 2023. Julie Carter, Electoral Services Manager, highlighted that the Mayor of London and Greater London Authority (GLA) elections are scheduled for 2 May 2024, which will involve a manual count and the implementation of changes from the Elections Act 2022. A UK Parliamentary General Election is also anticipated in 2024, potentially coinciding with the GLA elections.

Members inquired about government guidance on holding a General Election during school holidays and the impact of Voter ID requirements on voter turnout. Ms. Carter stated there was no indication from the government on election timelines. She referenced an Electoral Commission report indicating no significant impact on voter turnout or a substantial number of voters being turned away due to Voter ID at elections outside London in 2023. The committee was informed that an extensive communication campaign would be launched to promote voter registration and the necessity of Voter ID, targeting hard-to-reach groups.

The committee also discussed efforts to engage young people in schools and colleges regarding Voter ID and the registration process. Ms. Carter confirmed that 204 new applications from overseas electors had been received since the Overseas Elector Registration portal went live on 16 October 2023, with expectations that this number would double ahead of a General Election, significantly increasing the workload for the Electoral Services team.

The committee resolved to consider and comment on the Electoral Services report and to note the implications and new burdens brought by the Elections Act 2022 on the Returning Officer, Electoral Registration Officer, and the wider council.

Revised Licensing Policy

Ash Shah, Group Manager of Regulatory Services, presented the report on the revised Licensing Policy, which is required every five years under the Licensing Act 2003¹. The committee was asked to approve the policy for public consultation, which was scheduled to commence on 12 February 2024.

The committee resolved to approve the draft Licensing Policy for consultation and instructed officers to report the outcome of the consultation to the November 2024 meeting for recommendation to the full Council.

Revised Street Trading Policy

Ash Shah also presented the report on the revised Street Trading Policy, which incorporates legislative changes related to pavement licensing. The committee was recommended to approve the proposed changes for a six-week public consultation, with the findings to be reported back to a future committee meeting.

The committee resolved to note and comment on the proposed revised Street Trading Policy, which is intended to take effect from 1 November 2024, and to commence a six-week consultation period.

Committee Forward Work Programme

Clair Green, Executive Director of Assurance, updated the committee on the forward work programme. It was noted that the next meeting had been rescheduled to 8 July. Officers agreed to consider whether a review of the May 2024 elections could be included in the next committee meeting, depending on the timing of any unplanned elections.

The committee resolved to note the forward work programme.