Publicising new voter ID requirements is expected to cost North Tyneside Council between £41,000 and £58,000.
In April this year, MPs voted to introduce new regulations requiring voters to show a photographic ID before being issued a ballot. The new voter ID laws apply to local, parliamentary, Police and Crime Commissioner elections and referendums.
The motion proved controversial with many claiming it was an attempt to disenfranchise voters. However, according to the Government, the measures are in place to prevent the potential theft of votes and voter fraud.
Read More: Cullercoats pub saved from bulldozer as homes plan refused after public outcry
North Tyneside Council passed a motion on November 24 to inform residents about the changes. Councillor officers were asked at a later finance meeting what the financial impact of the new ID changes would be.
Jon Ritchie, director of resources at North Tyneside Council, said: “The introduction of Voter ID requirements will place an additional financial burden on all local authorities in various ways, including, for example, the time administrative staff will need to process applications for Voter Authority Certificates, additional equipment that may be required for some offices or polling stations, or additional poll clerks that may need to be hired for polling day. We’re unable to confirm the exact expected costs, however, the Department of Levelling up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has previously advised that all prescribed aspects of the Voter ID requirements will be funded either through a direct grant or via a Justification Led Bid process under their New Burdens Initiative.
“One area that is not covered by the DLUHC funding is around a letter from councils to all residents."
At a council meeting on November 24, it was agreed that the Returning Officer would write to all households in North Tyneside to inform them of the changes. The expected cost of this is in the range of £41,000 to £58,000 depending on the distribution method.
Read More:
