Parish council stands firm against elections costs (From Warrington Guardian)

Poulton with Fearnhead Parish council oppose election costs

9:53am Friday 13th April 2012 in News

Clr Dougie Ashbrook

POULTON with Fearnhead Parish Council is continuing to oppose funding its own elections despite the proposals being approved.

Warrington Borough Council has approved a change in policy which will see the parish council fund the process.

A compromise was made after ‘considerable complaints’ with the borough council offering to split costs.

But the parish council says it is not yet clear who will be paying for what.

Clr Dougie Ashbrook chairman said: “We are going down the right road, we just need to finalise exactly what we are paying for.”

The new policy will see borough council money cover charges such as the delivery of poll cards and control room staff, while the parish council will pay for administration costs.

Debts incurred by the parish council can be paid back over four years.

During the election period some facilities can be used for both the parish and ward elections.

Clr Ashbrook is concerned that parish funds will be used to pay for resources that are then used for the ward campaign.

The parish council chairman added: “We want a breakdown of what we are going to be paying. If they are saying we are paying for paperwork then how much paperwork? We are not paying for the ward council elections, that’s not our problem.

“We don’t want to be paying for polling stations that will be open any way for ward elections.

“That money should come from Warrington Borough Council.”

Earlier this month a Town Hall meeting of the full council decided that parish councils will now pay for elections. Seven councillors voted against the proposal.

This year’s parish council elections take place on Thursday, May 3.