the local government boundary commission, and the london...

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From: Knag, DanielSent: 09 January 2012 15:45To:Subject: FOI Response

Dear , FOI Ref: 18/11

Thank you for your request for information, dated 08 December 2011, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) in which you requested:

I request under the freedom of information act, that you send me, all correspondence, between the Local Government Boundary Commission, and the London Borough of Hackney, regarding this boundary review. from before the triggering of the review, until this very day

The Commission does hold specific information relevant to your request. Therefore, please find attached a record of all written and email correspondence between the Local Government Boundary Commission for England and the London Borough of Hackney.

Here is a table of the documents held and a merged PDF of all the documents:

Here are PDFs of all the attachments to the emails:

If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact me, quoting the reference number above in any correspondence.

If you wish to request a review of our decision, you should write to:

Daniel Knag Freedom of Information Officer Local Government Boundary Commission for England Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG

If you are not content with the outcome of your complaint or review, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision; details of this procedure can be found on the ICO website: http://www.ico.gov.uk.

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Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted the complaints procedure provided by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England. Regards, Daniel Knag Implementation Officer Local Government Boundary Commission for England Implementation Team Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG Tel: 020 7664 8521 Fax: 020 7296 6227 www.lgbce.org.uk Please consider the environment before printing this email.

FOI 18/11 FOI Request – Hackney electoral review correspondence

Information Date Released/Withheld/ Reasons

Correspondence 1. Email from Head of Electoral Services to Review Officer

19/07/11 Released

2. Email from Head of Electoral Services to Review Officer

09/08/11 Released


08/09/11 Released


20/10/11 Released

5. Email from Assistant Chief Executive to Review Manager

21/10/11 Released

6. Email from Assistant Chief Executive to Review Officer

30/11/11 Released

7. Email from Assistant Chief Executive to Review Officer

02/12/11 Released

8. Email from Review Officer to Head of Electoral Services

18/07/11 Released


19/07/11 Released


08/08/11 Released

11. Email from Review Officer to Deputy Head of Member Services and Head of Mayor’s Office

12/08/11 Released

12. Email from Review Officer to Head of Mayor’s Office

08/09/11 Released

13. Email from Review Officer to Head of Electoral Services (1 attachment)

14/09/11 Released

14. Email from Review Officer to Head of Mayor’s Office

14/09/11 Released

15. Email from Review Officer to Head of Mayor’s Office and Deputy Head of Member Services (2 attachments)

15/09/11 Released


19/10/11 Released


20/10/11 Released

18. Email from Review Officer to Assistant Chief Executive and Head of Electoral Services (2 attachments)

21/10/11 Released

19. Email from Review Manager to Assistant Chief Executive

20/11/11 Released

20. Email from Head of Mayor’s Office to Review Officer

11/08/11 Released


07/09/11 Released


12/10/11 Released


25/10/11 Released


02/11/11 Released

25. Letter from Director of Reviews to Chief Executive

04/04/11 Released

26. Letter from Letter from Director of Reviews to Chief Executive

20/05/11 Released

27. Letter from Chief Executive to Director of Reviews

12/05/11 Released

Knag, Daniel

From: Michael SummervilleSent: 19 July 2011 11:55To: Edwards, DanielSubject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review

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Dear Daniel Thank you for your email and invitation to discuss the review. I can offer a choice of 2 dates/times which please confirm asap as diary management is getting increasingly difficult:

1. Thursday 4 August: 4 – 5.30pm (Chief Executives Office, Hackney Town Hall) 2. Friday 5 August: 3 to 4.00pm (Chief Executives Office, Hackney Town Hall)

In attendance: myself, Tim Shields Chief Executive and Gifty Edila, Corporate Director, Legal, Hr & Regulatory Services. Kind regards Michael Summerville AEA (Cert). Head of Electoral & Member Services Legal, HR and Regulatory Services

Website: www.hackney.gov.uk

-----Original Message----- From: Edwards, Daniel [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 18 July 2011 15:52 To: Michael Summerville Cc: Ben Bradley Subject: Hackney Electoral Review Hi Michael, As per our discussion, I can confirm that we would like to arrange the following meetings in the months leading up to the electoral review of Hackney: An initial meeting at senior officer level, including your Chief Executive if available, to discuss the details of the forthcoming review, with a detailed discussion on the Council’s thinking on future council size. A briefing by LGBCE Commissioners to the Mayor and group leaders. In addition to providing an overview of the review, we would hope to obtain a feel for council size from local politicians. The size of any council size change will influence the scale and scope of the review and follow up meetings with both officers and the Mayor and group leaders may be desirable once the review gets under way in the New Year. A briefing by the Commissioners to whole Council. This can take place in the

New Year during the preliminary period of the review. Noting that the preliminary period for the review doesn’t commence until January 2012, the Commission are keen to engage Councils undergoing an electoral review a good 4-6 months prior to the official start date so officers and politicians have ample time to properly consider council size arguments and arrive at an informed decision. As such it would be helpful if we could schedule the initial meetings between officers and the Mayor and group leaders through August and September atthe latest. In terms of the officers meeting, it would be helpful if you could forward me two or three dates in early August when your Chief Executive and other key personnel are available so I can co-ordinate diaries this end. In terms of a meeting with the Mayor and group leaders, we are unfortunately restricted by Commissioner availability and I’m currently in the process of obtaining availability for the lead Commissioner for Hackney, Colin Sinclair. Once I have some dates I’ll forward them to the Mayor’s Office and yourself. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact me in you require any additional information. Looking forward to working with you. Kind regards, Danny. Danny Edwards Review Officer Local Government Boundary Commission for England 3rd Floor, Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG Tel: 020 7664 8536 Fax: 020 7296 6277 Email: [email protected] http://www.lgbce.org.uk Please consider the environment before printing this email.

Hackney Council may exercise its right to intercept any communication, the only exception to this would be confidential survey data, with any employee or agent of the Council using its telephony or data networks. By using these networks you give your consent to Hackney Council monitoring and recording your communication. If you have received this e-mail in error please delete it immediately and contact the sender. For further information about Hackney Council policies please contact Hackney Service Centre on: 020 8356 3000.

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Knag, Daniel

From: Edwards, DanielSent: 12 August 2011 10:25To: Ben Bradley; Suezanne AwotwiSubject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review

Ben / Suezanne,

9am on the 15th is confirmed in Max's diary.

Our lead commissioner, Colin Sinclair, is unlikely to attend. As such it would be helpful; if he could meet the Mayor and group leaders prior to the presentation to full council. Ben, I know you gave me some possible dates - do you think it would be possible to arrange for the November meeting?

Thanks

Danny.

-----Original Message-----From: Ben BradleySent: 11 August 2011 22:35To: Edwards, DanielCc: Suezanne AwotwiSubject: FW: Hackney Electoral Review

Hi Danny As discussed earlier today, both the Mayor and Group leaders are able to make the morning of 15th September - the Mayor at 9am, followed by Group leaders at 11am. The Mayor has confirmed this afternoon that he can make this time/date. Did you get a chance to re-confirm Max's availability? Please let me know, and hopefully we can then confirm in all diaries. Thanks Ben

________________________________

From: Suezanne AwotwiSent: Wed 10/08/2011 16:47To: Ben BradleySubject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review

Hi Ben,

Just to let you know that Cllrs Sharer and Levy will be happy to meet with the Commissioner on 15th September at 11am. Can you please let Daniel know and to provide me with all details so I can confirm with the two lead members.

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Thanks

Kind Regards

Suezanne

____________________________________

Suezanne Awotwi | Deputy Head of Member Services |

Legal, HR and Regulatory Services Directorate| |

fax: 020 8356 4052 | IYHackney www.hackney.gov.uk

<http://www.hackney.gov.uk/>

Hackney Council may exercise its right to intercept any communication, the only exception to this would be confidential survey data, with any employee or agent of the Council using its telephony or data networks. By using these networks you give your consent to Hackney Council monitoring and recording your communication.If you have received this e-mail in error please delete it immediately and contact the sender.For further information about Hackney Council policies please contact Hackney Service Centre on: 020 8356 3000

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Knag, Daniel

From: Edwards, DanielSent: 08 September 2011 10:13To: Ben BradleyCc: Suezanne Awotwi; Buck, RichardSubject: FW: Hackney Electoral Review

Hi Ben,

That’s fine. Note that we would like the opportunity do presentation to full council during the early stages of the review but I appreciate it’s a little early just yet.

We can discuss next week.

Regards,

Danny.

-----Original Message-----From: Ben Bradley Sent: 07 September 2011 23:02To: Edwards, Daniel; Suezanne AwotwiSubject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review

Hi Danny Apologies for not coming back sooner about the all member meeting in November - as discussed a few weeks ago, I have not been able to speak to the Mayor about this until this week. I've now discussed this with our Chief Exec and the Mayor, and their initial view is that they'd rather not arrange a presentation at Full Council at this point. As Max is seeing the Mayor next Thursday, he may want to discuss this with him then and agree appropriate meetings and engagement with members over the period of the review. Re the meeting next Thursday, I also wanted to re-confirm that the meeting with the Mayor will take place at 9am, and the meeting with other Group leaders at 11am. Thanks Ben

________________________________

From: Edwards, Daniel [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Fri 12/08/2011 10:24To: Ben Bradley; Suezanne AwotwiSubject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review

Ben / Suezanne,


2


Thanks

Danny.

-----Original Message-----From: Ben BradleySent: 11 August 2011 22:35To: Edwards, DanielCc: Suezanne AwotwiSubject: FW: Hackney Electoral Review

Hi Danny As discussed earlier today, both the Mayor and Group leaders are able to make the morning of 15th September - the Mayor at 9am, followed by Group leaders at 11am. The Mayor has confirmed this afternoon that he can make this time/date. Did you get a chance to re-confirm Max's availability? Please let me know, and hopefully we can then confirm in all diaries.

Thanks Ben

________________________________


Hi Ben,


Thanks

Kind Regards

Suezanne

____________________________________



3



Hackney Council may exercise its right to intercept any communication, the only exception to this would be confidential survey data, with any employee or agent of the Council using its telephony or data networks.

By using these networks you give your consent to Hackney Council monitoring and recording your communication. If you have received this e-mail in error please delete it immediately and contact the sender. For further information about Hackney Council policies please contact Hackney Service Centre on: 020 8356 3000

Knag, Daniel

From: Edwards, DanielSent: 14 September 2011 09:49To: Michael SummervilleSubject: RE: Electoral Review SeminarAttachments: Hackney-Presentation-Officers-2011-08-04.ppt

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09/01/2012

Hi Michael, We already have you down as a +1 for the seminar. Note that if you want to bring more people along then please feel free. As this is a London focused seminar we have plenty of space. Let me know in advance so we can ensure adequate catering. Apologies I thought I had already sent the presentation. See attached – I’ve taken the map out to reduce the size of the file. Regards Danny.

From: Michael Summerville Sent: 08 September 2011 13:42 To: Edwards, Daniel Cc: Joanna Sumner Subject: RE: Electoral Review Seminar Hi Danny Would it be possible please for an additional person to attend this meeting with me? Joanna Sumner is going to assist us with the review as a project officer and would like to attend the seminar. Also you were going to send me a copy of the briefing for Hackney presented to us last month – please could I have a copy for distribution? Many thanks Michael Michael Summerville AEA (Cert). Head of Electoral & Member Services Legal, HR and Regulatory Services


-----Original Message----- From: Edwards, Daniel [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 08 August 2011 14:42 To: Michael Summerville Subject: Electoral Review Seminar Hi Michael, Following our meeting last week, I can confirm that the date for the seminar for London Boroughs is Tuesday 18th October here at our offices in Layden House.

The seminar will cover the review process in its entirety and include discussions on making effective submissions and devising effective warding patterns. We aim to start at around 11am (tbc) and end no later than 4pm (also tbc). My colleague Joan D’souza will be in contact nearer the time, Regards Danny. Danny Edwards Review Officer Local Government Boundary Commission for England 3rd Floor, Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG Tel: 020 7664 8536 Fax: 020 7296 6277 Email: [email protected] http://www.lgbce.org.uk Please consider the environment before printing this email.


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Knag, Daniel

From: Edwards, DanielSent: 14 September 2011 10:12To: Ben BradleySubject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review

Hi Ben,

Just to let you know, Dr Colin Sinclair, Lead Commissioner for Hackney, will also be joining us tomorrow.

A request from Max, if the group leaders are around tomorrow would it be possible to bring that meeting forward slightly - to 10:30 or 10:45 - so that Max can get away to a follow up meeting. If it causes any problems then please don't worry we will stick to the current schedule.

Thanks

Danny

-----Original Message-----From: Ben Bradley Sent: 07 September 2011 23:02To: Edwards, Daniel; Suezanne AwotwiSubject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review


________________________________


Ben / Suezanne,

2



Thanks

Danny.

-----Original Message-----From: Ben Bradley Sent: 11 August 2011 22:35To: Edwards, DanielCc: Suezanne AwotwiSubject: FW: Hackney Electoral Review

Hi Danny As discussed earlier today, both the Mayor and Group leaders are able to make the morning of 15th September - the Mayor at 9am, followed by Group leaders at 11am. The Mayor has confirmed this afternoon that he can make this time/date. Did you get a chance to re-confirm Max's availability? Please let me know, and hopefully we can then confirm in all diaries.

Thanks Ben

________________________________


Hi Ben,


Thanks

Kind Regards

Suezanne

____________________________________


Legal, HR and Regulatory Services Directorate| | t

3





Knag, Daniel

From: Edwards, DanielSent: 15 September 2011 14:59To: Ben Bradley; Suezanne AwotwiSubject: Hackney Electoral Review - PresentationAttachments: Hackney-Presentation-2011-09-15.ppt; Hackney Variances.jpg

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09/01/2012

Ben / Suezanne, Many thanks for arranging the two meetings this morning with the Mayor and Group Leaders. Attached are copies of the presentation and a map of variances in Hackney. The Mayor was quite keen that I email this over today. Ben, a presentation to full council was discussed and the Mayor appeared quite relaxed about a session being arranged for November. We had previously discussed being on or before the agenda at the full council meeting scheduled for that month. Would this still be possible? Our lead commissioner, Dr Colin Sinclair has the date in his diary. If not let me know because I will need to seek his availability for any alternative dates. Many thanks Danny. Danny Edwards Review Officer Local Government Boundary Commission for England 3rd Floor, Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG Tel: 020 7664 8536 Fax: 020 7296 6277 Email: [email protected] http://www.lgbce.org.uk Please consider the environment before printing this email.

Knag, Daniel

From: Edwards, DanielSent: 19 October 2011 14:51To: Michael SummervilleSubject: Hackney Electoral Review

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09/01/2012

Hi Michael, I hope you found the seminar helpful yesterday. Sorry I missed you. Richard mentioned that you have a set route for Hackney tours. I f I could have sight of this that would be very helpful. Regards Danny Danny Edwards Review Officer Local Government Boundary Commission for England 3rd Floor, Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG Tel: 020 7664 8536 Fax: 020 7296 6277 Email: [email protected] http://www.lgbce.org.uk Please consider the environment before printing this email.

Knag, Daniel

From: Edwards, DanielSent: 20 October 2011 16:12To: Michael SummervilleSubject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review

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09/01/2012

Thanks Michael that’s really helpful. We aim to keep the tour low key, just to provide the lead Commissioner with a feel for the area. We don’t plan to meet any representative from the Council at this stage although there will definitely be future tours once we get into ward scheming. How did you find the seminar? Hope it was useful. Danny.

From: Michael Summerville Sent: 20 October 2011 16:07 To: Edwards, Daniel Cc: Joanna Sumner Subject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review Hi Danny The Speaker’s chauffeur has kindly planned a route on main roads around Hackney and I have posted this to you today in hard copy. The route starts and concludes at Hackney Town Hall. I understand you are visiting on 7 November? I will not be around on that date – do you need to see anyone here on the day in question? Kind regards Michael Michael Summerville AEA (Cert). Head of Electoral & Member Services Legal, HR and Regulatory Services


-----Original Message----- From: Edwards, Daniel [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 19 October 2011 14:51 To: Michael Summerville Subject: Hackney Electoral Review Hi Michael, I hope you found the seminar helpful yesterday. Sorry I missed you. Richard mentioned that you have a set route for Hackney tours. I f I could have sight of this that would be very helpful. Regards

Danny Danny Edwards Review Officer Local Government Boundary Commission for England 3rd Floor, Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG Tel: 020 7664 8536 Fax: 020 7296 6277 Email: [email protected] http://www.lgbce.org.uk Please consider the environment before printing this email.


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Knag, Daniel

From: Edwards, DanielSent: 21 October 2011 11:50To: Joanna Sumner; Michael SummervilleCc: Buck, RichardSubject: Hackney Electoral ReviewAttachments: Council Size KLOE.doc; Electorate proforma including parish.xls

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09/01/2012

Hi Joanna / Michael, As per Richards email below, please see attached KLOE on council size. Following the seminar this week, I thought it would be helpful to summarise our information requirements in the period leading up to the official start of the review: Completed electoral spreadsheet (attached) showing current and projected

electorate for 2018 (ignore parish info requirements). Details of forecasting methodology. Electronic copy of most recent electoral register. If you plan to do a canvas between

now and the start of the review then this most up-to-date version would be preferred. Elector names should be blanked out for data protection purposes.

GIS mapping data for polling districts across Hackney. Contact details for residents associations and community groups for consultation

purposes. Local press and media contacts. I hope this is ok. Please let me know if you have any problems or if there is anything else I can do to assist. Regards Danny. Danny Edwards Review Officer Local Government Boundary Commission for England 3rd Floor, Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG Tel: 020 7664 8536 Fax: 020 7296 6277 Email: [email protected] http://www.lgbce.org.uk Please consider the environment before printing this email.

From: Buck, Richard Sent: 20 October 2011 17:12 To: Joanna Sumner Cc: Edwards, Daniel Subject: RE: Hackney's review Dear Joanna, Thank you for attending the presentation on Tuesday. I hope you found it useful. I think this would be a very good idea and we would be more than happy to attend a workshop format briefing for elected members. I think the best format would be to go through a number of our key lines of enquiry on council size and get the responses of your members which we can record. I hope this will also help them in developing their thinking on council size. It is important that we brief members on the review process as a whole as well. I assume we could also cover this and council size on the day we have already scheduled for the Council briefing of 5th December? This would also ensure that the lead Commissioner for the review, Dr Colin Sinclair would be able to attend. In the meantime, my colleague Danny Edwards (who is the lead review officer on my team for Hackney) will forward the council size lines of enquiry to you and Michael tomorrow. Please don’t hesitate to get back to me if you have any further questions on the review. Many Thanks, Richard. Richard Buck Review Manager The Local Government Boundary Commission for England Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG Tel: 020 7664 8511 www.lgbce.org.uk

From: Joanna Sumner Sent: 18 October 2011 17:49 To: Buck, Richard Subject: Hackney's review Dear Richard, Thanks for the seminar today and apologies again that I had to leave early. I’ve just been talking to our elected Mayor, Jules Pipe, about the review. He’s briefing members of the Labour Group on the review tonight. He wants to offer all members the opportunity to discuss the questions about the appropriate council size in a workshop format, and I wondered whether that’s something you could attend and/or facilitate discussion at? I know that you were planning to come and make a presentation to members,

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but perhaps we could run something that’s more like a workshop instead? We’re probably going to do this anyway, but I think it would work much better with your participation. What do you think? Regards, Joanna Joanna Sumner Assistant Chief Executive (Performance, Projects and Delivery) Chief Executive's Directorate London Borough of Hackney

www.hackney.gov.uk


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Knag, Daniel

From: Buck, RichardSent: 20 October 2011 17:12To: Joanna SumnerCc: Edwards, DanielSubject: RE: Hackney's review

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09/01/2012

Dear Joanna, Thank you for attending the presentation on Tuesday. I hope you found it useful. I think this would be a very good idea and we would be more than happy to attend a workshop format briefing for elected members. I think the best format would be to go through a number of our key lines of enquiry on council size and get the responses of your members which we can record. I hope this will also help them in developing their thinking on council size. It is important that we brief members on the review process as a whole as well. I assume we could also cover this and council size on the day we have already scheduled for the Council briefing of 5th December? This would also ensure that the lead Commissioner for the review, Dr Colin Sinclair would be able to attend. In the meantime, my colleague Danny Edwards (who is the lead review officer on my team for Hackney) will forward the council size lines of enquiry to you and Michael tomorrow. Please don’t hesitate to get back to me if you have any further questions on the review. Many Thanks, Richard. Richard Buck Review Manager The Local Government Boundary Commission for England Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG Tel: 020 7664 8511 www.lgbce.org.uk

From: Joanna Sumner Sent: 18 October 2011 17:49 To: Buck, Richard Subject: Hackney's review Dear Richard, Thanks for the seminar today and apologies again that I had to leave early. I’ve just been talking to our elected Mayor, Jules Pipe, about the review. He’s briefing members of the Labour Group on the review tonight. He wants to offer all members the opportunity to discuss the questions about the appropriate council size in a workshop format, and I wondered whether that’s something you could attend and/or facilitate discussion at? I know that you were planning to come and

make a presentation to members, but perhaps we could run something that’s more like a workshop instead? We’re probably going to do this anyway, but I think it would work much better with your participation. What do you think? Regards, Joanna Joanna Sumner Assistant Chief Executive (Performance, Projects and Delivery) Chief Executive's Directorate London Borough of Hackney

www.hackney.gov.uk


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Knag, Daniel

From: Ben Bradley [[email protected]]Sent: 11 August 2011 22:35To: Edwards, DanielCc: Suezanne AwotwiSubject: FW: Hackney Electoral Review

Hi Danny As discussed earlier today, both the Mayor and Group leaders are able to make the morning of 15th September - the Mayor at 9am, followed by Group leaders at 11am. The Mayor has confirmed this afternoon that he can make this time/date. Did you get a chance to re-confirm Max's availability? Please let me know, and hopefully we can then confirm in all diaries. Thanks Ben

________________________________


Hi Ben,


Thanks

Kind Regards

Suezanne

____________________________________



fax: 020 8356 4052 | mail:

2

IYHackney www.hackney.gov.uk <http://www.hackney.gov.uk/>

Hackney Council may exercise its right to intercept any communication, the only exception to this would be confidential survey data, with any employee or agent of the Council using its telephony or data networks. By using these networks you give your consent to Hackney Council monitoring and recording your communication.If you have received this e-mail in error please delete it immediately and contact the sender.For further information about Hackney Council policies please contact Hackney Service Centre on: 020 8356 3000

Knag, Daniel

From: Michael SummervilleSent: 09 August 2011 10:34To: Edwards, DanielSubject: RE: Electoral Review Seminar

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09/01/2012

Thanks Danny – I have put in my diary and will attend, possibly with one other Officer but will confirm nearer the time. Please note that I will be away after tomorrow until the 30 August. Kind regards Michael Summerville AEA (Cert). Head of Electoral & Member Services Legal, HR and Regulatory Services


-----Original Message----- From: Edwards, Daniel [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 08 August 2011 14:42 To: Michael Summerville Subject: Electoral Review Seminar Hi Michael, Following our meeting last week, I can confirm that the date for the seminar for London Boroughs is Tuesday 18th October here at our offices in Layden House. The seminar will cover the review process in its entirety and include discussions on making effective submissions and devising effective warding patterns. We aim to start at around 11am (tbc) and end no later than 4pm (also tbc). My colleague Joan D’souza will be in contact nearer the time, Regards Danny. Danny Edwards Review Officer Local Government Boundary Commission for England 3rd Floor, Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG Tel: 020 7664 8536 Fax: 020 7296 6277 Email: [email protected] http://www.lgbce.org.uk

Please consider the environment before printing this email.


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Knag, Daniel

From: Ben BradleySent: 07 September 2011 23:02To: Edwards, Daniel; Suezanne AwotwiSubject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review


________________________________


Ben / Suezanne,



Thanks

Danny.

-----Original Message-----From: Ben Bradley [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: 11 August 2011 22:35To: Edwards, DanielCc: Suezanne AwotwiSubject: FW: Hackney Electoral Review

Hi Danny

2

As discussed earlier today, both the Mayor and Group leaders are able to make the morning of 15th September - the Mayor at 9am, followed by Group leaders at 11am. The Mayor has confirmed this afternoon that he can make this time/date. Did you get a chance to re-confirm Max's availability? Please let me know, and hopefully we can then confirm in all diaries.

Thanks Ben

________________________________


Hi Ben,


Thanks

Kind Regards

Suezanne

____________________________________



fax: 020 8356 4052 | mail: IYHackney www.hackney.gov.uk




Knag, Daniel

From: Ben Bradley Sent: 12 October 2011 18:59To: Edwards, DanielSubject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review

Page 1 of 2Message

09/01/2012

Hi Daniel Sincere apologies for the delay in coming back to you on this - whilst the Full Council dates are agreed at the beginning of the municipal year, the November meeting has actually been under review for the last few weeks and it's still unclear at this stage whether it will go ahead. As it currently stands, the meeting will definitely not take place on 30th November, and will instead either be cancelled completely or be moved to 5th December - this should be confirmed in the next few days. From discussion with the Mayor, he has suggested that the presentation on the electoral review be scheduled separately to the Council meeting, and either be arranged for (a) 6pm on 5th December (immediately before the possible Council meeting on that date), or (b) 7pm on 21st November, immediately after a Cabinet meeting. Please could you let me know if either of these dates would work your end? Thanks Ben

Ben Bradley

Head of Mayor's Office

London Borough of Hackney

www.hackney.gov.uk

-----Original Message----- From: Edwards, Daniel [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 03 October 2011 11:12 To: Ben Bradley Subject: Hackney Electoral Review Hi Ben, Further to my discussion with Nick last week, has any progress been made with regards to scheduling a presentation on the Hackney Electoral Review to full council? I’d to get a date in our lead commissioner’s diary as soon as possible as it can prove problematic to diarise. Many thanks Danny Danny Edwards Review Officer Local Government Boundary Commission for England 3rd Floor, Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street

London EC1M 5LG Tel: 020 7664 8536 Fax: 020 7296 6277 Email: [email protected] http://www.lgbce.org.uk Please consider the environment before printing this email. Hackney Council may exercise its right to intercept any communication, the only exception to this would be confidential survey data, with any employee or agent of the Council using its telephony or data networks. By using these networks you give your consent to Hackney Council monitoring and recording your communication. If you have received this e-mail in error please delete it immediately and contact the sender. For further information about Hackney Council policies please contact Hackney Service Centre on: 020 8356 3000.

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09/01/2012

Knag, Daniel

From: Ben Bradley [Sent: 25 October 2011 19:29To: Edwards, DanielSubject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review

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09/01/2012

Hi Danny Just to update you - we are still waiting for a final decision from Group Leaders on whether they wish to proceed with a Full Council meeting on 5th December, and are also now consulting them on whether they want the boundary review meeting to take place on this date or some other time. My expectation is that they will want the boundary review meeting to take place at 6pm on 5th December as we discussed, but I won't be able to confirm this for a few more days. I understand that Joanna Sumner has also fed back the idea that the session could be used as a member workshop, as well as a straight presentation/briefing. Thanks Ben

Ben Bradley



www.hackney.gov.uk

-----Original Message----- From: Edwards, Daniel [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 17 October 2011 08:51 To: Ben Bradley Subject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review Hi Ben, Colin can make this date so can we confirm a full council presentation for 6pm on Monday 5th December. Many thanks Danny.

From: Ben Bradley Sent: 13 October 2011 16:54 To: Edwards, Daniel Subject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review Okay - thanks Danny - I'll wait to hear back. Ben

Ben Bradley



www.hackney.gov.uk

-----Original Message----- From: Edwards, Daniel [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 13 October 2011 14:40 To: Ben Bradley Subject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review Thanks Ben. I’m hoping that the 5th December will be ok. Unfortunately Colin Sinclair, the lead commissioner for Hackney, is now on holiday until Friday week. I’ll confirm for sure as soon as I can. Regards Danny.

From: Ben Bradley Sent: 12 October 2011 18:59 To: Edwards, Daniel Subject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review Hi Daniel Sincere apologies for the delay in coming back to you on this - whilst the Full Council dates are agreed at the beginning of the municipal year, the November meeting has actually been under review for the last few weeks and it's still unclear at this stage whether it will go ahead. As it currently stands, the meeting will definitely not take place on 30th November, and will instead either be cancelled completely or be moved to 5th December - this should be confirmed in the next few days. From discussion with the Mayor, he has suggested that the presentation on the electoral review be scheduled separately to the Council meeting, and either be arranged for (a) 6pm on 5th December (immediately before the possible Council meeting on that date), or (b) 7pm on 21st November, immediately after a Cabinet meeting. Please could you let me know if either of these dates would work your end? Thanks Ben

Ben Bradley



www.hackney.gov.uk

-----Original Message----- From: Edwards, Daniel [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 03 October 2011 11:12 To: Ben Bradley Subject: Hackney Electoral Review Hi Ben, Further to my discussion with Nick last week, has any progress

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been made with regards to scheduling a presentation on the Hackney Electoral Review to full council? I’d to get a date in our lead commissioner’s diary as soon as possible as it can prove problematic to diarise. Many thanks Danny Danny Edwards Review Officer Local Government Boundary Commission for England 3rd Floor, Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG Tel: 020 7664 8536 Fax: 020 7296 6277 Email: [email protected] http://www.lgbce.org.uk Please consider the environment before printing this email.


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Knag, Daniel

From: Ben Bradley Sent: 02 November 2011 10:21To: Edwards, DanielSubject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review

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Hi Danny Just to confirm that 5th December at 6pm has now been agreed with all Groups for the boundary review presentation/workshop. Given the level of interest in the review, I would anticipate a good turnout. Either myself or a colleague will give you a call in the next few days to discuss arrangements for the session. Thanks Ben

Ben Bradley



www.hackney.gov.uk

-----Original Message----- From: Edwards, Daniel [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 26 October 2011 09:43 To: Ben Bradley Subject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review Thanks Ben – appreciate the update.

From: Ben Bradley Sent: 25 October 2011 19:29 To: Edwards, Daniel Subject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review Hi Danny Just to update you - we are still waiting for a final decision from Group Leaders on whether they wish to proceed with a Full Council meeting on 5th December, and are also now consulting them on whether they want the boundary review meeting to take place on this date or some other time. My expectation is that they will want the boundary review meeting to take place at 6pm on 5th December as we discussed, but I won't be able to confirm this for a few more days. I understand that Joanna Sumner has also fed back the idea that the session could be used as a member workshop, as well as a straight presentation/briefing. Thanks Ben

Ben Bradley



www.hackney.gov.uk

-----Original Message----- From: Edwards, Daniel [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 17 October 2011 08:51 To: Ben Bradley Subject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review Hi Ben, Colin can make this date so can we confirm a full council presentation for 6pm on Monday 5th December. Many thanks Danny.

From: Ben Bradley Sent: 13 October 2011 16:54 To: Edwards, Daniel Subject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review Okay - thanks Danny - I'll wait to hear back. Ben

Ben Bradley



www.hackney.gov.uk

-----Original Message----- From: Edwards, Daniel [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 13 October 2011 14:40 To: Ben Bradley Subject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review Thanks Ben. I’m hoping that the 5th December will be ok. Unfortunately Colin Sinclair, the lead commissioner for Hackney, is now on holiday until Friday week. I’ll confirm for sure as soon as I can. Regards Danny.

size=2 width="100%" align=center tabIndex=-1> From: Ben Bradley Sent: 12 October 2011 18:59 To: Edwards, Daniel Subject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review Hi Daniel Sincere apologies for the delay in coming back to you on this - whilst the Full Council dates are agreed at the beginning of the municipal year, the November meeting has actually been under review for the last few weeks

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and it's still unclear at this stage whether it will go ahead. As it currently stands, the meeting will definitely not take place on 30th November, and will instead either be cancelled completely or be moved to 5th December - this should be confirmed in the next few days. From discussion with the Mayor, he has suggested that the presentation on the electoral review be scheduled separately to the Council meeting, and either be arranged for (a) 6pm on 5th December (immediately before the possible Council meeting on that date), or (b) 7pm on 21st November, immediately after a Cabinet meeting. Please could you let me know if either of these dates would work your end? Thanks Ben

Ben Bradley



www.hackney.gov.uk

-----Original Message----- From: Edwards, Daniel [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 03 October 2011 11:12 To: Ben Bradley Subject: Hackney Electoral Review Hi Ben, Further to my discussion with Nick last week, has any progress been made with regards to scheduling a presentation on the Hackney Electoral Review to full council? I’d to get a date in our lead commissioner’s diary as soon as possible as it can prove problematic to diarise. Many thanks Danny Danny Edwards Review Officer Local Government Boundary Commission for England 3rd Floor, Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG Tel: 020 7664 8536 Fax: 020 7296 6277 Email: [email protected] http://www.lgbce.org.uk Please consider the environment before printing this email.

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Knag, Daniel

From: Michael SummervilleSent: 08 September 2011 13:42To: Edwards, DanielCc: Joanna SumnerSubject: RE: Electoral Review Seminar

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Hi Danny Would it be possible please for an additional person to attend this meeting with me? Joanna Sumner is going to assist us with the review as a project officer and would like to attend the seminar. Also you were going to send me a copy of the briefing for Hackney presented to us last month – please could I have a copy for distribution? Many thanks Michael Michael Summerville AEA (Cert). Head of Electoral & Member Services Legal, HR and Regulatory Services


-----Original Message----- From: Edwards, Daniel [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 08 August 2011 14:42 To: Michael Summerville Subject: Electoral Review Seminar Hi Michael, Following our meeting last week, I can confirm that the date for the seminar for London Boroughs is Tuesday 18th October here at our offices in Layden House. The seminar will cover the review process in its entirety and include discussions on making effective submissions and devising effective warding patterns. We aim to start at around 11am (tbc) and end no later than 4pm (also tbc). My colleague Joan D’souza will be in contact nearer the time, Regards Danny. Danny Edwards Review Officer Local Government Boundary Commission for England 3rd Floor, Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG

Tel: 020 7664 8536 Fax: 020 7296 6277 Email: [email protected] http://www.lgbce.org.uk Please consider the environment before printing this email.


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Knag, Daniel

From: Michael SummervilleSent: 20 October 2011 16:07To: Edwards, DanielCc: Joanna SumnerSubject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review

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Hi Danny The Speaker’s chauffeur has kindly planned a route on main roads around Hackney and I have posted this to you today in hard copy. The route starts and concludes at Hackney Town Hall. I understand you are visiting on 7 November? I will not be around on that date – do you need to see anyone here on the day in question? Kind regards Michael Michael Summerville AEA (Cert). Head of Electoral & Member Services Legal, HR and Regulatory Services


-----Original Message----- From: Edwards, Daniel [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 19 October 2011 14:51 To: Michael Summerville Subject: Hackney Electoral Review Hi Michael, I hope you found the seminar helpful yesterday. Sorry I missed you. Richard mentioned that you have a set route for Hackney tours. I f I could have sight of this that would be very helpful. Regards Danny Danny Edwards Review Officer Local Government Boundary Commission for England 3rd Floor, Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG Tel: 020 7664 8536 Fax: 020 7296 6277 Email: [email protected]

http://www.lgbce.org.uk Please consider the environment before printing this email.


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Knag, Daniel

From: Joanna Sumner Sent: 21 October 2011 15:24To: Buck, Richard; Michael SummervilleCc: Edwards, DanielSubject: RE: Hackney's review

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Thanks – yes, I think we’re just confirming that 5th December will work for as many members as possible. How long you need to run through the briefing on the review process as a whole? Joanna

-----Original Message----- From: Buck, Richard [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 20 October 2011 17:12 To: Joanna Sumner Cc: Edwards, Daniel Subject: RE: Hackney's review Dear Joanna, Thank you for attending the presentation on Tuesday. I hope you found it useful. I think this would be a very good idea and we would be more than happy to attend a workshop format briefing for elected members. I think the best format would be to go through a number of our key lines of enquiry on council size and get the responses of your members which we can record. I hope this will also help them in developing their thinking on council size. It is important that we brief members on the review process as a whole as well. I assume we could also cover this and council size on the day we have already scheduled for the Council briefing of 5th December? This would also ensure that the lead Commissioner for the review, Dr Colin Sinclair would be able to attend. In the meantime, my colleague Danny Edwards (who is the lead review officer on my team for Hackney) will forward the council size lines of enquiry to you and Michael tomorrow. Please don’t hesitate to get back to me if you have any further questions on the review. Many Thanks, Richard. Richard Buck Review Manager The Local Government Boundary Commission for England Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG Tel: 020 7664 8511 www.lgbce.org.uk

From: Joanna Sumner Sent: 18 October 2011 17:49 To: Buck, Richard Subject: Hackney's review Dear Richard, Thanks for the seminar today and apologies again that I had to leave early. I’ve just been talking to our elected Mayor, Jules Pipe, about the review. He’s briefing members of the Labour Group on the review tonight. He wants to offer all members the opportunity to discuss the questions about the appropriate council size in a workshop format, and I wondered whether that’s something you could attend and/or facilitate discussion at? I know that you were planning to come and make a presentation to members, but perhaps we could run something that’s more like a workshop instead? We’re probably going to do this anyway, but I think it would work much better with your participation. What do you think? Regards, Joanna Joanna Sumner Assistant Chief Executive (Performance, Projects and Delivery) Chief Executive's Directorate London Borough of Hackney

www.hackney.gov.uk


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Knag, Daniel

From: Joanna SumnerSent: 02 December 2011 10:38To: Edwards, DanielCc: Buck, RichardSubject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review timetable

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Yes that sounds fine. The draft council proposal would need to be finished by January 12th anyway for circulation in advance so I could send it to you at the same time. See you on Monday Regards, Joanna

-----Original Message----- From: Edwards, Daniel [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 02 December 2011 10:32 To: Joanna Sumner Cc: Buck, Richard Subject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review timetable Hi Joanna, As the Commission deliberates in early Feb, we do have a little flexibility. It would be really helpful is if I could have an advance copy of the draft council proposal by mid-January so we know in which direction the council is headed with its council size submission. We would then be in a position to agree a formal submission date by close of play on Thursday 26th January, which would give you time to make any last minute changes and giving me just enough time to prepare for the Commission meeting. Does that sound agreeable with you? See attached presentation that we will give to full council on Monday. Colin, Richard and I will aim to arrive between half five and quarter to six. Let me know if you need anything else in advance of the meeting. Regards Danny Danny Edwards Review Officer Local Government Boundary Commission for England 3rd Floor, Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG Tel: 020 7664 8536 Fax: 020 7296 6277 Email: [email protected] http://www.lgbce.org.uk

Please consider the environment before printing this email.

From: Joanna Sumner Sent: 30 November 2011 13:48 To: Edwards, Daniel Cc: Buck, Richard Subject: Hackney Electoral Review timetable Dear both, According to the timetable for both Hackney and Tower Hamlets, we are due to make a submission to you on council size by January 9th. Members would like our submission to be considered at a meeting of the full council, however there is no meeting in December, and the January meeting is not until January 25th. Is there any flexibility with this date? We would be able to send you the report that goes to council as soon is it is ready, but it may of course be subject to changes at the meeting itself. Also, do let me know if there’s anything you need from us before the briefing session on Monday. Regards, Joanna Joanna Sumner Assistant Chief Executive Chief Executive's Directorate London Borough of Hackney

www.hackney.gov.uk


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Knag, Daniel

From: Joanna Sumner Sent: 30 November 2011 13:48To: Edwards, DanielCc: Buck, RichardSubject: Hackney Electoral Review timetable

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Dear both, According to the timetable for both Hackney and Tower Hamlets, we are due to make a submission to you on council size by January 9th. Members would like our submission to be considered at a meeting of the full council, however there is no meeting in December, and the January meeting is not until January 25th. Is there any flexibility with this date? We would be able to send you the report that goes to council as soon is it is ready, but it may of course be subject to changes at the meeting itself. Also, do let me know if there’s anything you need from us before the briefing session on Monday. Regards, Joanna Joanna Sumner Assistant Chief Executive Chief Executive's Directorate London Borough of Hackney

www.hackney.gov.uk


Knag, Daniel

From: Edwards, DanielSent: 18 July 2011 15:52To: Michael SummervilleCc: Subject: Hackney Electoral Review

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Hi Michael, As per our discussion, I can confirm that we would like to arrange the following meetings in the months leading up to the electoral review of Hackney: An initial meeting at senior officer level, including your Chief Executive if available,

to discuss the details of the forthcoming review, with a detailed discussion on the Council’s thinking on future council size.

A briefing by LGBCE Commissioners to the Mayor and group leaders. In addition to

providing an overview of the review, we would hope to obtain a feel for council size from local politicians. The size of any council size change will influence the scale and scope of the review and follow up meetings with both officers and the Mayor and group leaders may be desirable once the review gets under way in the New Year.

A briefing by the Commissioners to whole Council. This can take place in the New

Year during the preliminary period of the review. Noting that the preliminary period for the review doesn’t commence until January 2012, the Commission are keen to engage Councils undergoing an electoral review a good 4-6 months prior to the official start date so officers and politicians have ample time to properly consider council size arguments and arrive at an informed decision. As such it would be helpful if we could schedule the initial meetings between officers and the Mayor and group leaders through August and September at the latest. In terms of the officers meeting, it would be helpful if you could forward me two or three dates in early August when your Chief Executive and other key personnel are available so I can co-ordinate diaries this end. In terms of a meeting with the Mayor and group leaders, we are unfortunately restricted by Commissioner availability and I’m currently in the process of obtaining availability for the lead Commissioner for Hackney, Colin Sinclair. Once I have some dates I’ll forward them to the Mayor’s Office and yourself. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact me in you require any additional information. Looking forward to working with you. Kind regards, Danny. Danny Edwards Review Officer Local Government Boundary Commission for England

3rd Floor, Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG Tel: 020 7664 8536 Fax: 020 7296 6277 Email: [email protected] http://www.lgbce.org.uk Please consider the environment before printing this email.

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Knag, Daniel

From: Edwards, DanielSent: 19 July 2011 12:06To: 'Michael Summerville'Subject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review

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Hi Michael, Thanks for getting back to me so promptly. Can we confirm for Thursday 4th August at 4pm. In attendance from the LGBCE will be: Archie Gall, Director of Reviews Richard Buck, Review Manager Myself. Regards Danny.

From: Michael Summerville Sent: 19 July 2011 11:55 To: Edwards, Daniel Subject: RE: Hackney Electoral Review Dear Daniel Thank you for your email and invitation to discuss the review. I can offer a choice of 2 dates/times which please confirm asap as diary management is getting increasingly difficult:

1. Thursday 4 August: 4 – 5.30pm (Chief Executives Office, Hackney Town Hall) 2. Friday 5 August: 3 to 4.00pm (Chief Executives Office, Hackney Town Hall)

In attendance: myself, Tim Shields Chief Executive and Gifty Edila, Corporate Director, Legal, Hr & Regulatory Services. Kind regards Michael Summerville AEA (Cert). Head of Electoral & Member Services Legal, HR and Regulatory Services


-----Original Message----- From: Edwards, Daniel [mailto:[email protected]]

Sent: 18 July 2011 15:52 To: Michael Summerville Cc: Ben Bradley Subject: Hackney Electoral Review Hi Michael, As per our discussion, I can confirm that we would like to arrange the following meetings in the months leading up to the electoral review of Hackney: An initial meeting at senior officer level, including your Chief Executive if available, to discuss the details of the forthcoming review, with a detailed discussion on the Council’s thinking on future council size. A briefing by LGBCE Commissioners to the Mayor and group leaders. In addition to providing an overview of the review, we would hope to obtain a feel for council size from local politicians. The size of any council size change will influence the scale and scope of the review and follow up meetings with both officers and the Mayor and group leaders may be desirable once the review gets under way in the New Year. A briefing by the Commissioners to whole Council. This can take place in the New Year during the preliminary period of the review. Noting that the preliminary period for the review doesn’t commence until January 2012, the Commission are keen to engage Councils undergoing an electoral review a good 4-6 months prior to the official start date so officers and politicians have ample time to properly consider council size arguments and arrive at an informed decision. As such it would be helpful if we could schedule the initial meetings between officers and the Mayor and group leaders through August and September atthe latest. In terms of the officers meeting, it would be helpful if you could forward me two or three dates in early August when your Chief Executive and other key personnel are available so I can co-ordinate diaries this end. In terms of a meeting with the Mayor and group leaders, we are unfortunately restricted by Commissioner availability and I’m currently in the process of obtaining availability for the lead Commissioner for Hackney, Colin Sinclair. Once I have some dates I’ll forward them to the Mayor’s Office and yourself. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact me in you require any additional information. Looking forward to working with you. Kind regards, Danny. Danny Edwards Review Officer Local Government Boundary Commission for England 3rd Floor, Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London

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EC1M 5LG Tel: 020 7664 8536 Fax: 020 7296 6277 Email: [email protected] http://www.lgbce.org.uk Please consider the environment before printing this email.


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Knag, Daniel

From: Edwards, DanielSent: 08 August 2011 14:42To: Michael SummervilleSubject: Electoral Review Seminar

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Hi Michael, Following our meeting last week, I can confirm that the date for the seminar for London Boroughs is Tuesday 18th October here at our offices in Layden House. The seminar will cover the review process in its entirety and include discussions on making effective submissions and devising effective warding patterns. We aim to start at around 11am (tbc) and end no later than 4pm (also tbc). My colleague Joan D’souza will be in contact nearer the time, Regards Danny. Danny Edwards Review Officer Local Government Boundary Commission for England 3rd Floor, Layden House 76-86 Turnmill Street London EC1M 5LG Tel: 020 7664 8536 Fax: 020 7296 6277 Email: [email protected] http://www.lgbce.org.uk Please consider the environment before printing this email.

Hackney Council Electoral review briefing

4 August 2011

2

Introductions • Richard Buck – Review Manager

• Danny Edwards – Review Officer

3

• An independent body set up by Parliament in April 2010 by the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009

• We are independent of Government and political parties, and directly accountable to Parliament through the Speaker’s Committee

• We are responsible for reviewing local authority electoral arrangements, administrative boundaries and structure

• Our recommendations for this review will be implemented by Parliament

About us

4

Why are we conducting an electoral review of Hackney?

• In Hackney, 37% of the wards have an electoral variance more than 10% from the average.

• Our criteria for starting an electoral review is where:– 30% of wards have an electoral variance of more

than 10% from the average and / or – one ward has an electoral variance more than 30%

from the average.

Map of wards and electoral variances in Hackney

6

Scope of the review

• Review will decide the pattern of wards for the entire borough – not just wards where there are levels of electoral inequality

• We will decide:– Total number of councillors (council size)– Number of wards– Names of wards– Boundaries of all wards

• Commission will take decisions on the basis of statutory criteria:- To deliver electoral equality for voters- To provide boundaries that reflect natural communities- To promote effective and convenient local government

7

Preliminary stage: 6 – 8 weeks (starts January 2012)

Issues to be determined during this stage:– View taken on council size– Determination of review ‘type’

Review process

8

Issues to consider now on Council size

• Do you have the right council size?

• Appropriate pattern of wards?

• What are the demands of time on elected members? Could the council operate more effectively with a different number?

• Opportunity for council to consider political management and governance structure

• Consideration of members representative role

• Effective representation of constituents

9

Council size: The Commission’s approach

• No view on whether there should be an increase, reduction or no change

• Commission needs a good rationale for what is proposed particularly in those areas where a substantial change is proposed

• Commission will test rationale and underpinning assumptions

• Dialogue and assistance offered to you during the preliminary period

10

Types of Review

Depending on outcomes of preliminary stage, Commission will then determine type of review for Hackney:

• A – No expectation of change in council size: Typical length: 26-30 weeks

• B – Expectation that any change in council size will be small: Typical length: 42-50 weeks

• C – Expectation that a change in council size could be substantial: Typical length: 52-62 weeks

11

Review process

• Six week consultation on council size if preliminary stage proposes significant change.

• Further information gathering (10 weeks)– Invite warding patterns from council, public, resident

associations, everybody who takes an interest– Welcome proposals for whole borough or a certain area– Commission tours area

• Commission publishes draft recommendations – Posters provided to council to publicise review

• Open consultation on draft recommendations (10 – 12 weeks)

• Commission publishes final recommendations• Final recommendations will be implemented by order in

the Houses of Parliament

12

Preliminary Period: What information do we require?

• Existing electoral arrangements

- Current electorate figures by polling district

- GIS mapping of entire warding arrangements for your authority

- ‘Current’ means the 1st of the month during which the review formally starts.

13

• Detailed rationale for council size.

• Accurate electorate figures and robust methodology when forecasting expected growth

• Scheme coming forward which gives good electoral equality while balancing other statutory criteria, has cross-party support, has been consulted on locally

• Highly important to involve as many groups/individuals as possible at as early a stage as possible

• Where cannot secure consensus across a scheme, tell us where there is agreement

• Representations based on evidence, not just assertion

What characterises a good review

14

Contact details

• Review Officer: Danny Edwardsemail: [email protected]: 020 7664 8536

• Review Manager: Richard Buckemail: [email protected]: 020 7664 8511

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Hackney Council Electoral review briefing

15 September 2011

2

Introductions

• Max Caller CBE – Chair

• Dr Colin Sinclair – Lead Commissioner

• Richard Buck – Review Manager

• Danny Edwards – Review Officer

3

• An independent body set up by Parliament in April 2010 by the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009

• We are independent of Government and political parties, and directly accountable to Parliament through the Speaker’s Committee

• We are responsible for reviewing local authority electoral arrangements, administrative boundaries and structure

• Our recommendations for this review will be implemented by Parliament

About us

4

Why are we conducting an electoral review of Hackney?

• Our aim is to try to ensure that each councillor represents approximately the same number of electors

• Our criteria for starting an electoral review is where:– 30% of wards have an electoral variance of more

than 10% from the average and / or – one ward has an electoral variance more than 30%

from the average.

• In Hackney, 37% of the wards have an electoral variance more than 10% from the average.

5

Map of wards and electoral variances in Hackney

6

Scope of the review

• Review will decide the pattern of wards for the entire borough – not just wards where there are levels of electoral inequality

• We will decide:– Total number of councillors (council size)– Number of wards– Names of wards– Boundaries of wards

7

• Electoral equality– optimum number of electors per councillor– Five year forecast– In time for next election

• Community identity– strong boundaries

• Effective and convenient local government– coherent wards with good internal transport links

Statutory criteria

8

• Parliamentary constituency boundaries, which are drawn by the Boundary Commission for England

• Current borough wards

• Local political implications of recommendations

• School catchment areas

• Postcodes or addresses

• Polling districts

What we cannot consider

9

Council size: The Commission’s approach

• No view on whether there should be an increase, reduction or no change

• Commission needs a good rationale for what is proposed particularly in those areas where a substantial change is proposed

• Commission will test rationale and underpinning assumptions

• Dialogue and assistance offered to you during the preliminary period

10

Types of Review

Depending on outcomes of preliminary stage, Commission will then determine the type of review:

• A – No expectation of change in council size: Typical length: 26-30 weeks

• B – Expectation that any change in council size will be small: Typical length: 42-50 weeks

• C – Expectation that a change in council size could be substantial: Typical length: 52-62 weeks

11

• Preliminary stage: 6 – 8 weeks– council size discussion

• Do you have the right council size?• What are the demands of time on elected

members? Could the council operate more effectively with a different number?

• Opportunity for council to consider political management and governance

• Consideration of members representative role• Effective representation of constituents

• Council size consultation (subject to discussion)

Review process

12

Review process

• Further information gathering (10 weeks)– Invite warding patterns from council, public, everybody

who takes an interest– Welcome proposals for whole borough or just

neighbourhoods– Commission tours area

• Commission publishes draft recommendations – Posters provided to stakeholders to publicise review

• Open consultation on draft recommendations (10 – 12 weeks)

• Commission publishes final recommendations• Final recommendations will be implemented by order in

the Houses of Parliament

13

• Detailed rationale for council size.

• Accurate electorate figures and robust methodology when forecasting expected growth

• Scheme coming forward which gives good electoral equality while balancing other statutory criteria, has cross-party support, has been consulted on locally

• Highly important to involve as many groups/individuals as possible at as early a stage as possible

• Where cannot secure consensus across a scheme, tell us where there is agreement

• Representations based on evidence, not just assertion

What characterises a good review

14

Contact details • Review Officer: Danny Edwards

email: [email protected]: 020 7664 8536

• Review Manager: Richard Buckemail: [email protected]: 020 7664 8511

Council Size Managing the business of the Council: To what extent is council size influenced by the council’s decision-making process or, conversely, the decision making structure fitted around the council size?

What is the overall structure of decision making? Do Councillors match the work to fit the time available to them, or stretch/shrink the time they spend according to how much work they want to/ need to do?

Has the Council studied how much time their members spend on Council business?

What assessments have been made of how many members it needs to function effectively, particularly since the introduction of executive arrangements? In a hypothetical scenario where the council size was increased or reduced by 10%, how would you do things differently?

To what extent is the current council size a factor in determining the political management, scrutiny and governance arrangements or is it the other way round?

If you had a free hand, are there any changes you would make to the political management, scrutiny and governance arrangements? If so, how might that impact on the number of councillors required.

How are decisions ‘cascaded’ down the structure? Is the balance between member decisions and officer delegated decisions effective? Is there any duplication of work?

Scrutiny of the Council, outside bodies and Others

What’s the structure? An overview and scrutiny committee, or several scrutiny committees? How do subjects get tackled – in Committee or Task & Finish Groups? How many subjects at any one time? What’s the time-span for a particular study?

Is Scrutiny just the Councillors doing meetings or do they take external evidence?

If the former, what do the members do between meetings? How is the Council handling health scrutiny – who is involved? How

much work do they do? How many twin-hatted members sit on outside bodies and how are

conflicts of interest resolved? Representational Role: Representing Electors to the Council

What sort of engagement is there between front-line councillors with electors? One–to-one when there’s a customer complaint, or gathering views about policy from the whole community? If the latter, how?

What is the structure of local area committees. What are their responsibilities? Is membership limited to councillors? – is it open to district councillors or co-option from the wider community?

Do Councillors fix day-to-day problems by taking them to officers or by representing elector issues as policy views in meetings of the Council?

How does the Councillor engage? Surgery, newsletter, blog, public meetings, or not at all?

What do officers do to facilitate councillor engagement? Representing the Council in the community

Does the councillor go to meetings of community bodies, parish councils? If so, how many? what for? Do councillors feel obliged to go to meetings of each individual parish council in their respective divisions or is it to meetings of “clusters” of parishes? Where the former, is this an effective use of an elected members time?

Does the Council attract candidates and retain members? Are Councillors “go-betweens” between clients/customers/electors

and paid service staff to fix service delivery complaints? What happens when a Councillor is absent? Formal taking on of

responsibility by other elected members, informal contact point for electors, or nothing? (Maybe different in multi-member wards). Do front line councillors take the strain of, for example Executive members whose time maybe limited?

Do Councillors learn and develop on the job or in formal training? Has the Council experienced any statutory or other failures because

there weren’t enough councillors? Are Councillors bored or “inventing” work to do?

Local Government Boundary Commission Review OfficerName:Email:

Telephone:Address:

Council ContactName:Email:

Telephone:Address:

How do I enter my electorate data?

1: Type in all your data, by polling district, in sheet "Electoral data". Use the left-hand table, which is columns B to H.

2: It's important that every polling district is listed separately. Use your polling district code to identify polling districts in column B. If you have another description, or something else that you think would be helpful in order to identify the area, put this is column C.

3: If the polling district is in a parish, fill in the columns for parish (column D) and parish ward (column E). If there are no parish wards in the parish, or the polling district is in an unparished area, leave this blank.

4: Fill in the unitary ward name in column F.

5: Enter the current electorate figures for each polling district. Then enter the figures which are predicted for five years from the end of the review. Although we recognise that you will be using a particular formula or method to work out these projections, make sure that the figures are rounded to a whole number before entering them in the spreadsheet. All polling districts should contain an approximate number of whole electors rather than fractions of electors. We work out the predicted electorate of the parishes, district wards and county divisions by building up from polling districts.

How do I check my data?

1: If you would like to check your data, use the table on the right. Above the right-hand table is a box called "Check my data". This shows you the total number of electors in all the polling districts. If this isn't right then there is a mistake in the left-hand table.

2: Once you have entered all the electoral data in columms B to H, then put in the names of the wards in column J. The spreadsheet will match what you type in column J to what you put in column F. It will add up the electorates of the polling districts in each ward.

3: entered, you will be able to see whether the ward is over-represented or under-represented, and by what percentage. (This will only work when the number of councillors has been filled in for all wards.)

1: It is important that we receive the parish information in the 'Individual Parishes' worksheet. This information is vital for the audit and order-making processes and should be returned to LGBCE as quickly as possible.

Parish information

Electoral dataCheck your data 2011 2017

Number of councillors: 0 0Overall electorate: 0 0

Average electorate per cllr: #DIV/0! #DIV/0!

Scroll left to see the first table

What is the polling district

code?

Is there any other description you use for this area?

Is this polling district contained in a parish? If not, leave this cell

blank.

Is this polling district contained in a parish ward? If not, leave this cell blank.

What unitary ward is this polling district in?

What is the current

electorate?

What is the predicted

electorate?

Fill in the name of each ward once

Fill in the number of councillors per

ward

Polling district Description of area Parish Parish ward Unitary ward Electorate

2011Electorate

2017 Name of unitary ward Number of cllrs per ward

Electorate 2011

Variance 2011

Electorate 2017 Variance 2017

EX1 Example 1 Little Example Example 480 502 0 -100% 0 -100%EX2 Example 2 Even Littler Example Example 67 68 0 -100% 0 -100%EX3 Example 3 Medium Example Example 893 897 0 -100% 0 -100%EX4 Example 4 Big Example Big Example East Example 759 780 0 -100% 0 -100%EX5 Example 5 Big Example Big Example West Example 803 824 0 -100% 0 -100%

0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%0 -100% 0 -100%

Using this sheet:Fill in the cells for each polling district. Please make sure that the names of each parish, parish ward and unitary ward are correct and consistant. Check your data in the cells to the

These cells will show you the electorate and variance. They change depending what you enter in the table to the left.

Scroll right to see the second table

All parish electorates by individual parish

Type in the name of the parish. Make sure it is exactly the same as it appears in the sheet

"Electoral data".Does the parish have a parish council?

Does this parish have wards? Write down

the names

Is this parish part of a group parish council?

How many parish councillors does this

parish, parish ward or group of parishes

have?

In which year was the last election?

In which year is the next election?

Has there been an inaugaral election or a by-election in the parish in the last 4

years?

Are any parish orders available? If so,

please send them to us.

What is the LGBCE deadline for receipt of

this information?

Parish Parish council Parish wards Part of a group? Councillors Last election Next election Elections/by elections

Parish orders available? Receipt deadline

Example Parish A Parish council name 7 2008 2013 Yes Yes 15/05/2011Example Parish B Parish group 1 2 2009 2014 Yes 15/05/2011Example Parish C Parish group 1 1 Yes 15/05/2011Example Parish D Parish group 1 3 Yes 15/05/2011Example Parish E 9

Parish E ward 1 5Parish E ward 2 4

Example Parish F Meeting

Using this sheet:Use this sheet to show the number of parish councillors. Put down all parishes, no matter how big or small.

the local government boundary commission, and the london...

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