Terms of Reference
Terms of Reference for the Interim Polling District Review to be undertaken by Guildford Borough Council
Introduction
Guildford Borough Council is conducting a Polling District & Places Review (PDP) following the electoral review of Surrey County Council by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) (opens new window). New electoral divisions have been created across the Guildford Borough and the new divisions will be used at the County Council elections in May 2025.
The review will have regard to the guidance issued by the Electoral Commission on "Reviews of polling districts, polling places and polling stations". The aim of the review is to ensure that the arrangements for polling districts, polling places and polling stations allow electors to cast their votes as easily and conveniently as is reasonably practicable, taking account of the boundaries of parishes, borough wards, electoral divisions and current parliamentary constituencies.
The review will be conducted in accordance with the terms of reference contained in this document.
Documents referred to, and other useful information, are also available to view in person at the council offices by appointment. Please call electoral services on 01483 444107 to arrange a convenient time to come in.
What will the review consider?
The review will look at:
- the boundary, name and reference of existing polling districts
- the retaining of current polling districts
- the polling places for each polling district
- the suitability of the existing polling place used for each polling district (including its access and suitability for use by disabled electors)
- seeking possible alternative polling places which may be more suitable or more convenient than existing ones.
What issues will not be considered as part of the review?
Parliamentary Constituency, Borough Ward, County Division and Parish boundaries cannot be changed by this review.
Who is carrying out the review?
Guildford Borough Council is statutorily responsible for carrying out the review.
A report will be prepared by the Returning Officer and presented to the Full Council meeting on 24 February 2025, when a formal decision as to the outcome of the review will be taken.
What is the area under review?
The whole of the Guildford Borough is included in the scope of the review.
Why is the council carrying out a Polling District and Polling Places Review?
The council is required to carry out a review of polling districts and polling places at least once every five years.
The last full review of Guildford's polling districts and polling places was carried out in 2023 due to the parliamentary constituency changes.
This interim review is being conducted due to electoral division changes following the LGBCE’s review of Surrey County Council’s electoral divisions (opens new window).
What is the present structure of polling districts?
There are currently 68 polling districts of varying sizes.
Where are the new boundary changes?
Maps showing the new County Council electoral divisions can be viewed on the LGBCE website (opens new window).
What the changes mean for Guildford are shown in the following maps that we have prepared to assist those who wish to examine them:
- New County Divisions over old County Divisions (PDF, 2 MB)
- New County Divisions & Current Polling Districts (PDF, 1 MB)
- Guildford Town (enlarged) New County Divisions, Borough Wards & Polling Districts (PDF, 1 MB)
How will the review work?
The consultation period will run from 9 December to 10 January 2024.
A Notice of Review has been published.
Responses received before the end of the consultation period will be considered as part of the report to the Full Council on 24 February 2025.
Who will we consult?
The council will consult with Borough and County Councillors, political parties, parish councils, disability groups and local Members of Parliament.
The Returning Officer's proposals are now published on the existing and proposed polling places. Outcomes of this review may revise these later following consultation.
Timetable for the review
The Polling Districts & Places Review formally begins when the Notice of Review is published.
The timetable below shows the main stages of the review.
| Review stage | When |
|---|---|
| Publication of Notice and Terms of Reference (official start of review) | 9 December 2024 |
| Publication of Returning Officer's proposals | 9 December 2024 |
| Consultation Period | 9 December 2024 to 10 January 2025 |
| Final proposals to Full Council | 24 February 2025 |
| Register of Electors re-published | 10 March 2025 |
| Inform electors of any changes in their area | March 2025 |
| Surrey County Council Elections | 1 May 2025 |
How to submit your views
You can respond to the consultation by 10 January 2025 in the following ways:
- via our online form (opens new window)
- email: pdpreview@guildford.gov.uk
- post:
Electoral Services
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford, GU7 1HR
If you have any questions about the polling districts & places review, contact the review team at pdpreview@guildford.gov.uk or 01483 444107.