The Electoral Commission has accepted an appeal lodged by Clifton Community Council against the decision by Westmorland and Furness Council to relocate the polling place for Clifton voters to Lowther Parish Hall in Hackthorpe.
The appeal follows the conclusion of Westmorland and Furness Council’s statutory review of polling places on 23rd January 2025, which was formally approved at a meeting of the full council in Kendal on 23rd February.
As part of the review, the polling place for voters in the Clifton polling district, which encompasses the entire parish of Clifton, was moved from Clifton itself to Lowther Parish Hall, approximately 2.3 miles away in Hackthorpe. The move drew criticism from local representatives who argue that the relocation significantly undermines local participation in democratic processes.
Clifton Community Council submitted representations to Westmorland and Furness Council before the council approved the changes at a meeting in February on the same day a By election was called for Eamont and Shap ward the Clifton is part of. CliftON Community Council cited serious concerns about accessibility with the new polling place requiring voters to travel along the busy A6, up a steep hill, with no public footpaths and limited public transport options — meaning most residents would need to drive to vote.
In their submission, the Community Council emphasised that this change would disenfranchise many residents, particularly those without access to private transport, and further exacerbate national concerns around declining voter turnout. The issue is of heightened importance as Clifton prepares to hold future referendums related to its emerging Neighbourhood Plan and Community Right to Build initiatives.
The Council also pointed out that Clifton is a clearly defined parish and polling district, and under electoral law, polling places should be situated within the polling district unless exceptional circumstances apply. The Electoral Commission’s own guidance states that local authorities must ensure polling stations are "within easy reach of all electors from across the polling district."
Following the approval of the review despite local objections, Clifton Community Council formally resolved to appeal the decision at its meeting on 13th February 2025. The appeal argues that the relocation fails to meet the "reasonable requirements of the electors" and significantly compromises accessibility for residents, in contravention of both legislation and Electoral Commission guidance.
The Electoral Commission has confirmed that the appeal is valid under the Representation of the People Act 1983 and has now launch a formal appeal case to review the changes made by Westmorland and Furness Council. In doing so, it will gather evidence from Westmorland and Furness Council, the local Returning Officer, and other relevant stakeholders. The Commission may also carry out site visits, consult disability access specialists, and seek wider community input where appropriate.
In assessing the appeal, the Commission will prioritise whether the polling place meets the reasonable needs of voters and whether issues of accessibility — particularly for disabled and disadvantaged residents — have been adequately addressed.
Should the Commission uphold the appeal, it may direct the local authority to amend the polling place arrangements. If the authority fails to act within two months, the Commission has the power to implement the changes itself.
A spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness Council said “We are aware that the Electoral Commission is reviewing an appeal made by Clifton Community Council. Westmorland and Furness Council will cooperate fully with the Electoral Commission to ensure a swift and successful conclusion to the appeals process.”
The outcome of the Commission’s review could set a precedent for how future polling place reviews are conducted and how polling stations are designated in rural areas.
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