"It is vital that the Government works with councils to ensure that the introduction of significant changes is fair, secure and properly resourced."
Responding to the Government’s launch of the Elections Strategy Paper, Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, which represents councils, said:
“It is encouraging to see efforts both to improve registration rates and lower the barriers to voting that some people experience, so that all eligible voters are supported to engage in this fundamental democratic process.
“As with recent reforms to electoral registration and delivery, it is vital that the Government works with councils to ensure that the introduction of significant changes is fair, secure and properly resourced.
“We believe that the best way to secure electoral delivery in the future is to consolidate reforms under one legislative framework, in order to avoid further complexity in electoral law.
“We are pleased to see recognition of the impact that abuse and intimidation can have on candidates and the democratic process.
“However, councils need further support to combat this threat to democracy, including more consistent policing and a review of harassment offences against candidates and elected members”.