PROPOSED changes to the way elections are run in Stroud would make Stroud District Council more diverse and representative of the local community, enable councillors to job share and give votes to 16-year olds.

The council last night agreed by 15 votes to 13 against (with 11 abstentions) to ask the government to allow the introduction of a fairer voting system for District Council elections.

This would be coupled with allowing councillors to job share, to enable more younger people with childcare responsibilities to stand as councillors.

The motion incorporated the existing policy of the Council to call for votes at 16.

Proposing the motion, Green Party leader Councillor Martin Whiteside said the current First Past the Post voting system is unfair. “In some multi-member wards in Stroud District 100% of councillors are from one party even though less than 45% of people voted for them”.

The motion was seconded by Liberal Democrat Councillor, George James.

Cllr Whiteside argued for proportional representation (PR), where votes cast for parties translate more fairly into seats won.

Such a system is already used in local elections in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and has increased voter turnout and people’s satisfaction with the way they are governed.

The motion put forward by Cllr Whiteside at Thursday’s full council meeting [October 22] included asking Government to lower the voting age for elections in the district to sixteen.

The motion also asked government to allow councillors to job share, which could attract younger people, people working inflexible hours and people with caring commitments to stand for election.

“In age, gender, race and other protected characteristics, our councillors do not adequately reflect the demographic of our residents,” said Cllr Whiteside. “More than two-thirds of councillors on Stroud District Council are men, mostly retired and over 60.”

Deputy Green Leader Councillor Catherine Braun quotes the Local Government Association that: “A Local Council can only be as effective, relevant and vibrant as the people elected to run it, so we need councillors who are capable, energetic and engaged – from all backgrounds and experiences to reflect their communities. It is not only about representation, it is about better decision making.”