Tag: democracy

Electoral Commission calls for improvements to voter ID accessibility

‘our research shows that the need for ID discouraged some people from voting‘

Almost everyone who attended a polling station at the July 2024 UK general election was able to vote, according to a new report on the implementation of voter ID from the Electoral Commission.

0.09% of people who tried to vote at a polling station in Scotland, where the requirement was in place nationally for the first time, were unable to do so because they did not present an accepted form of ID.

The data, collected by polling station staff, suggests that around 1,400 people in Scotland were unable to vote in July due to the requirement, equating to about 1 in every 1,100 in-person voters.  

Commission research carried out by YouGov found high levels of awareness, with 90% of people in Scotland aware of the requirement following a widespread public information campaign ahead of the election. This was slightly higher than awareness in Wales (89%), England (87%), and Northern Ireland (89%), where the requirement has been in place since 2003.

However, public opinion research carried out for the Commission found that around 5% of people who did not vote at the general election in Scotland said their decision was related to the voter ID requirement, suggesting that the requirement is putting off some people from voting.

The Commission is therefore recommending changes to make it easier for those who do not already have ID to vote. The UK Government should:

  • Review the list of accepted ID to identify any additional documents that could be added, such as the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card and the 18+ Student Oyster photocard, in addition to the Veterans card.
  • Undertake and publish a review of the Voter Authority Certificate and consider whether it could be issued digitally to encourage greater take up.
  • Enable registered voters who do have accepted ID to make an attestation at their polling station on behalf of someone who does not have accepted ID – known as ‘vouching’.

Andy O’Neill, Head of Electoral Commission Scotland, said: “This was the first time that voters across Scotland were required to show photographic ID to vote at a polling station, and the data shows almost everyone was able to do so successfully. However, our research shows that the need for ID discouraged some people from voting – and we don’t want to see any voters lose their say.

“Public awareness of the need for voter ID is high in Scotland, but there are still groups of voters that are less likely to be aware of the need to show ID or that do not have an accepted form.

“Everyone eligible should have the opportunity to vote, which is why we are recommending changes that will support those who do not currently have ID and improve the accessibility of elections, while maintaining the security of the process.

“The Commission will review how our public campaigns and other work can continue to support the effective implementation of voter ID and minimise the barriers to voting.”

The Commission’s independent analysis, compiling polling station data and public opinion research from across Scotland, found: 

  • 0.24% of people who went to vote at a polling station were initially turned away, but two thirds of these people returned later in the day and were able to vote. The remaining 0.09% did not return and did not vote.
  • 90% of people were aware of the voter ID policy, though awareness was lower amongst young people (83%), and people from ethnic minority communities (79%).
  • 57% of people said they were aware they could apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if they did not have an accepted form of ID.
  • 11,356 people applied for a Voter Authority Certificate between January 2023, when the service first launched, and 26 June 2024, the application deadline for the UK general election. Applications were lower than expected with only 7,716 being submitted between the election being called and the deadline. Around 4,552 certificates were used as a form of ID on 4 July.
  • The evidence suggests that the requirement affected some people more than others. People from lower social grades who did not vote were more likely to say it was because they did not have any accepted ID than those in a higher social grade.

The Commission will continue to monitor which groups are less likely to have access to the required proof of ID and assess how our campaign activity can best reach these groups.

2024 Cllr Awards: One week left to nominate a councillor

Nominations close for the 2024 Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and CCLA Cllr Awards at midnight on Friday 13th September. 

The Cllr Awards will once again shine a light on the achievements of local elected representatives who have made a tangible impact in their communities. 

Every year the LGIU receives hundreds of nominations – each acknowledging a councillor’s exceptional commitment to improving their community and achieving remarkable results over the past year. 

The Cllr Awards are the only national ceremony that celebrate the outstanding contributions of councillors across England, Wales and Scotland and nominations can be made by members of the public, friends and family, colleagues or residents.

Submitting a nomination is free and takes just eight minutes. Applicants must provide details about the nominated councillor, outlining why they deserve recognition and how their initiatives have positively impacted the community. 

The 2024 Cllr Awards has five categories: Community Champion, Leader of the Year, Young Councillor of the Year, Innovator of the Year and Lifetime Legend. Shortlisted candidates will be announced in the autumn. 

Winners in England & Wales will be announced at the Guildhall in London on Wednesday 20 November while winners in Scotland will be revealed at the City Chambers in Edinburgh on Thursday 14 November.

To submit a nomination or for more information, please visit the Cllr Awards website.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU, said: “Now is the time to shine a light on the incredible work of councillors across our communities.

“They are working tirelessly behind the scenes, day in and day out, to make positive contributions that impact our daily lives in so many important ways, from maintaining streets to funding community projects and shaping the character of our towns.

“Now, more than ever before, local communities rely on elected members and their work too often goes unnoticed and unrecognised, making the Cllr Awards essential in highlighting their invaluable work. 

“That is why we are proud to once again host the annual Cllr Awards, paying tribute to our locally elected representatives and sharing examples of the innovation and dedication of our councillors. 

“We anticipate a wave of nominations this year before the 13 September deadline and look forward to hearing the remarkable stories behind them. These awards are made possible through the generous support of our founding partners, CCLA.”

Two more Tory MSPs endorse Tom Tugendhat to be Conservative Leader

  • Two more Scottish MSPs announce they are endorsing Tom Tugendhat’s bid to become the next Leader of the Conservative Party
  • They argue that they’re supporting Tom because he understands the challenges facing Scotland including those around food and energy security, rural communities, and Scotland’s farmers and fishing industries
  • Joining the eight Conservative MSPs who endorsed Tugendhat earlier this week, demonstrating the strength of support he’s building across Scotland

Two more Members of the Scottish Parliament – Brian Whittle MSP and Alexander Stewart MSP – have announced that they are backing Shadow Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat MP to be the next Leader of the Conservative Party, bringing his total MSP support to 10.

Reiterating their colleagues’ comments, the two MSPs said they want to see an end to 17 years of nationalist SNP rule that has led to failing public services and a government distracted by unnecessary constitutional debates. Scotland needs a government that serves the Scottish people and delivers on their priorities. They believe Tom is the only candidate who will help deliver this. 

Celebrating Tom’s passion for Scotland and the wider Union, they said that he is the only candidate who has spent the time needed to understand the challenges facing Scotland, including those surrounding energy security, fisheries, farming and rural communities. Likewise, he is the only candidate who has taken the time to meet with Scottish Conservative Party members, regularly campaign in the country and attend Scottish Conservative Party Conference multiple times. 

The MSPs explained they wanted someone who would not only protect and fight for the Union, but understood that if Scotland fails, everyone across the United Kingdom would feel the consequences. With Tugendhat as Leader, they argue they would always have a champion for the Union – and the priorities of Scotland – at the helm in Westminster.

As a soldier, Tugendhat spent over 10 years keeping the entire United Kingdom safe before entering Parliament. He was one of the first MPs to warn about the threat of Russia and China. As Security Minister, he was responsible for the National Security Act, which resulted in Britain arresting and charging more Russian and Chinese spies in his time as Minister than in the previous decade.

The MSPs said they were supporting Tom as they know he will deliver for the Scottish people, ensuring energy security and economic rejuvenation, and support rural communities, including Scotland’s cherished farming and fishing industries. 

Tom recognises that the Conservative Party has been undermined by infighting and factionalism in Westminster, which led to a failure to deliver and a breakdown in trust with the public. He has made it clear that this leadership election is about choice. A choice between drawing a line under the infighting and a future focused on uniting the Party and rebuilding it around core Conservative values. He argues that people across the United Kingdom deserve better and as Leader of the Conservative Party, he promised to rebuild our party, regain trust and beat Labour at the next election.

The MSPs outlined that they want a leader who will end the infighting in Westminster and return the Party to traditional conservative values, something Tugendhat has always fought for, including when he voted against Covid vaccine passports and did not support the National Insurance rise.

 They also believe the Scottish people rejected the SNP in a sign they want to move on from the independence debate and want their government to focus on delivery. As a man who delivers on his promises and can unite the party, the MSPs argue thatTom will be an electoral asset for the Scottish Conservatives at the next 2026 Holyrood elections. They believe Scotland deserves better and that Tugendhat will take the Scottish Conservatives and Scotland into a new era. 

In a joint statement, Brian Whittle MSP and Alexander Stewart MSP said: “We are proud to join eight of our Conservative MSP colleagues who are endorsing Tom Tugendhat to be the next Leader of the UK Conservative Party. 

“Together with our colleagues, we represent all parts of the Scottish Party and recognise the need to have a Conservative Leader at the helm in Westminster who not only champions our successes, but also recognises that if any part of the Union fails, we all fail. 

“Tom is that Leader. He is a man of principle, service and duty. Someone who says what he will do, then gets it done. Someone who knows that Scottish people deserve more, who will champion our nation and is an asset to the Party in Scotland. He understands the challenges our nation faces and will offer real solutions. 

“The journey ahead of us is immense. But, this is our opportunity to reset our Party under a new leader who can take the fight to the SNP. Under Tom’s leadership, we can win the hearts and minds of the Scottish people at the Holyrood elections in 2026 and local elections the following year.”

Welcoming the MSPs’ support, Tom Tugendhat said: “It is an absolute privilege to have Brian and Alexander backing me to be the next Leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party. 

“I am thrilled to have their support, along with  8 of their Conservative MSP colleagues, who announced their support for me earlier this week.  

“Unionism is indivisible from Conservatism and as the Conservative Leader, I promise to always fight for the Union and deliver on the priorities of the Scottish people.”

Charity regulator praises ‘constructive campaigning’ during General Election

The Charity Commission has published a report of its casework during the 2024 General Election, revealing a significant decline in serious concerns about a charity’s campaigning activity compared with previous elections.

The regulator praises the sector for its conduct during the UK General Election, with its Chair, Orlando Fraser KC, restating the sector’s right to campaign and reminding all that this right is enshrined in charity law.   

The report found a rise in proactive efforts by charities to seek advice from the Commission and a 60% decline in high-risk cases compared to the 2019 election. It features illustrative case studies relating to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Big Help Out run by The Together Initiative, the Trussell Trust, Age Concern Wolverhampton and British Alevi Federation. 

The law is clear about the right of charities to campaign provided it is in support of their purposes and that they take a neutral stance on party politics. This is something that the Commission has made clear in its published guidance which helps charities campaign within the law and continued to reiterate as the General Election approached.  

The report reveals that out of more than 170,000 registered charities, the regulator opened just 34 new compliance cases to assess concerns and responded to 35 advice requests, between 22 May 2024 and 4 July 2024.

This figure relates specifically to activities around general election campaigns. Only 14 of these were high-risk cases, less than half the number seen during the 2019 election, which the regulator has said represents a positive and significant decline. 

The cases opened came from a variety of sources such as complaints to the Commission, charities proactively reporting incidents via the Commission’s Serious Incident Report process, and proactive monitoring by the regulator. 

The report carries reflections from the Charity Commission on how charities can speak up for causes they serve whilst engaging in debate lawfully in line with the regulator’s guidance on campaigning and political activity. It goes on to thank the sector for engaging with its guidance.  

The regulator identified three key themes in its engagement with charities during this period: 

  • charity leaders expressing support for a political party or candidates 
  • visits to charities by prospective candidates 
  • charities’ use of social media in campaigning. 

The Commission took a proactive approach ahead of the election to help charities to get things right. The regulator promoted its guidance on campaigning and political activity, including specific guidance when operating during an election and its ‘5-minute guide’ on campaigning for those in need of a quick refresh of their knowledge.  

Orlando Fraser KC, Chair of the Charity Commission, said:  ““A General Election is a critical moment for charities which provide vital insight on how to address issues facing our society.

“From the outset, we’ve highlighted the valuable role of charities. I have also set out our expectation that they take the lead in encouraging debates that are held with respect, tolerance and consideration of others at a time when, sadly, this is not always the case in public discourse. 

“This election has seen some of our lowest case numbers which is true testament to the constructive and lawful way the sector has engaged with debates on the issues they champion.

“Many charities have effectively used their voices with confidence while following electoral and charity law – supported by our published advice and guidance. We will continue to use our voice to explain charities’ right to campaign lawfully.” 

The Commission’s guidance can be found here: Campaigning and political activity guidance for charities – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Westminster: Election of select committee Chairs

The Speaker of the House, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, has set out the timetable for the election of chairs of select committees following the General Election on 4 July 2024.

Since 2010, most committee chairs have been elected by the whole House by secret ballot using the alternative vote system, under which MPs rank candidates in order of preference. 

The period of nominations will run until 4pm on Monday 9 September, with the ballot scheduled for Wednesday 11 September.

How do Chair elections work?

The Speaker’s announcement follows the allocation of particular committee chairs to political parties, agreed by the House on 30 July. The number of chairs allotted to each party relates to their strength in the House of Commons. The chairs of the Committee of Public Accounts and the Committee on Standards are required to be from the Official Opposition.

The rules for the election of chairs of select committees are set out in Standing Order No. 122B. The Chair of the Backbench Business Committee will also be elected at this time although this takes place under a different Standing Order, No. 122D.  The chair of the Backbench Business Committee must be elected from a party which is not represented in the Government.

Which committees are electing a Chair?

Select committees appointed under Standing Order No. 152 (Select committees related to government departments) and their allocation: 

  • Business and Trade (Labour)
  • Culture, Media and Sport (Conservative)
  • Defence (Labour)
  • Education (Labour)
  • Energy Security and Net Zero (Labour)
  • Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Liberal Democrat)
  • Foreign Affairs (Labour)
  • Health and Social Care (Liberal Democrat)
  • Home Affairs (Conservative)
  • Housing, Communities and Local Government (Labour)
  • International Development (Labour)
  • Justice (Labour)
  • Northern Ireland Affairs (Labour)
  • Science, Innovation and Technology (Labour)
  • Scottish Affairs (Labour)
  • Transport (Labour)
  • Treasury (Labour)
  • Welsh Affairs (Labour)
  • Women and Equalities (Labour)
  • Work and Pensions (Labour)

Other specified select committees:

  • Environmental Audit (Labour)
  • Petitions (Liberal Democrat)
  • Procedure (Labour)
  • Public Accounts (Conservative)
  • Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs (Conservative)
  • Standards (Conservative)

Further information  

They Work For Us: Unlock Democracy calls for an end to MPs’ second jobs

Far too many MPs juggle multiple jobs alongside what should be their main job of representing their constituents and scrutinising legislation.

UNLOCK DEMOCRACY have written to the Modernisation of the House of Commons Committee with some recommendations:

240723+Letter+Modernisation+Commitee+Second+jobsDownload

https://unlockdemocracy.org.uk/our-letter-second-jobs

Council initiates emergency facility for lost and delayed postal votes

The City of Edinburgh Council is taking urgent steps to ensure all residents can cast their vote in next Thursday’s UK Parliament General Election.

From today, (28 June), and over the weekend, voters who have yet to receive their postal votes, and will not be at home next week, can go to the City Chambers and have their voting pack re-issued. A polling booth will be set up for those wishing to cast their vote there and then in privacy.

The facility will be open until 5pm today and then from 9am to 5pm tomorrow and Sunday. Voters should come to the City Chambers on the High Street, with photo ID, and a replacement pack can be issued. 

The distribution of postal votes nationally has been hit by delays, but the Royal Mail has confirmed that all packs should be delivered today or tomorrow.

We’re prioritising those who will not be at home next week. If you will be at home next week, please be wait for delivery and only contact us early next week if you are still without your pack.

Please contact elections@edinburgh.gov.uk in the first instance or call the helpline on 0131 200 2315. As above we will be open for re-issues Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm and into next week if necessary. 

We’ll be putting extra resources into our Customer Team over the weekend to deal with these enquiries.

We’re encouraging everyone else to make their way on foot or by public transport, but Blue Badge holders will be able to park in the City Chambers quadrangle this weekend.

Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: “I appreciate the concerns of voters on this issue and my absolute priority is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote in this General Election.

“That’s why we’ve taken the decision to put in extra resources and open the City Chambers this weekend. Please only attend if you haven’t received your postal vote and you’re going on holiday or won’t be at home next week.

“I’d encourage anyone who has already received their postal vote to return it as soon as possible, through Royal Mail.

“The timing of this election has been challenging as have other circumstances beyond our control, but our teams are working hard to ensure it passes off as smoothly and successfully as possible.”

Improving the planning and regulation of processions

Action to ensure safe and peaceful assembly  

New proposals to improve the planning and regulation of public processions and marches are to be introduced to uphold the rights of safe and peaceful assembly. 

An Action Group, set up to consider how to better facilitate processions, has set out six recommendations in a newly published report, which have been accepted by the Scottish Government, the local authority group COSLA, and Police Scotland. 

The recommendations include: 

  • extending a pilot programme – following successful evaluation in April 2024 – to train stewards and marshalls to build their capacity to plan, prepare and manage processions and other forms of public gathering in a safe way 
  • developing a minimum standard for information provided on the notification process for processions
  • providing consistent information on local authority websites that ensures transparency and confidentiality
  • statutory organisations, including local authorities, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government, to work together so information they provide relating to marches is clear and easy to understand
  • developing or improving training packages for local authority officials and elected members to enable the sharing of good practice to facilitate peaceful public processions and on how to protect human rights
  • consideration of an annual review mechanism that contributes to the sharing of best practice and learning of the management of processions. 

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “The Scottish Government established the Action Group to ensure that processions are conducted safely and peacefully across the country.

“I am grateful to the members of the group for these carefully considered recommendations, which represent the culmination of extensive work by partners. 

“The freedom of peaceful assembly is a cornerstone of a democratic society and it is vital that the right training, planning and regulations are in place so processions run smoothly, while ensuring those attending and surrounding communities are kept safe. 

 “In accepting the recommendations of the Action Group’s report in full, what is clear is that achieving success must be a joint endeavour. We will work with Police Scotland, COSLA and members of the Group to implement the recommendations as quickly as possible.” 

A COSLA spokesperson said: “COSLA has worked collaboratively with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland through the Action Group on Processions, to work through the conclusions and recommendations of the Report for the Short Life Working Group on Facilitating Peaceful Assembles. 

“In April, the COSLA Community Wellbeing Board endorsed the recommendations of the Action Group, and COSLA Officers will continue to work with partners of the group to deliver these actions.” 

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “Police Scotland is a rights based organisation.

“We welcome this report as we continue to work with our communities and partners to continually improve our practices and the awareness and visibility of the rights of those who wish to take part in processions.” 

The Poverty Alliance launches #VoteYourValues campaign

This election could be the most unequal in 60 years, with people on low incomes being shut out of our democracy.

The #VoteYourValues campaign gives our members access to tools that can help people in their communities get vote-ready.

In a democracy, everyone’s voice matters equally.

So it’s completely unjust that so many people on lower incomes get shut out from using their vote. This General Election looks set to be the most unequal for more than six decades, due to a ballooning turnout gap at elections and the growing role of money in British politics, according to a recent report from IPPR.

We can help change this.

In the run-up to July 4, we will be working with Citizens UK’s Voter Registration Champions scheme to raise awareness about how people can register to vote.

Poverty Alliance members can download PDF posters to put up in their centres, and an infographic that they can share on their social media networks.