The formal commencement of the review requires the local authority to give notice of the holding of a review.
The notice must:
be displayed at the local authority’s office and in at least one conspicuous place within the authority
be published on the local authority website
Additionally, the authority could display copies in other public buildings and, in particular, those buildings frequented by disabled residents. The authority’s disability officer should be able to give guidance on the most suitable places for reaching disabled residents.
The content of the notice
The content of the notice is not prescribed, but should state:
that the local authority is conducting a review of polling districts and polling places
that the (A)RO will make a comment on proposed polling stations, and an indication of when and where the (A)RO’s representations will be made available
that electors within the authority or within a UK Parliamentary constituency which has any part in the authority may make a representation
that the authority would welcome the views of all residents, particularly disabled residents, on the authority’s proposals, the (A)RO’s representation or any other matters
that the authority would welcome any person or body with expertise in access for persons with any type of disability to comment on the authority’s proposals, the (A)RO’s representation or any other matters
that persons or bodies making representations should, if possible, give alternative places that may be used as polling places
the postal address, e-mail address and website address at which documents can be inspected and representations made
an indication of the timetable of the review and a deadline for representations
The authority should also send a copy of the notice to interested parties such as elected representatives, political parties, disability groups and other stakeholders.
Additionally, the authority could issue a press release and use social media feeds to draw attention to the review and the process.