Government wants to move local elections

The Government wishes to move the date of next year's local elections from 7 May to 4 June. 

If successful, the change will not affect Rochdale's voters as next year is a lay year for Rochdale Council.

Local Government Minister John Healey today announced that the Government will seek Parliament's approval to move the 2009 local elections in England to the same date as the European elections.

The decision follows consultation over the summer which showed overwhelming support for the change, including from the Electoral Commission, the Association of Electoral Administrators and the Local Government Association.

Next year's local elections are currently scheduled for 7 May, with the European elections due to take place four weeks later on 4 June. Over three quarters of consultation respondents, including Electoral Administrators and local government felt that this change to the local government election date should be made and that the move had clear benefits.

By avoiding votes on two separate occasions in a month, the 2009 local elections will be more convenient for voters, less costly for the taxpayer and more efficient for administrators.

Local Government Minister John Healey said: "We want to see a modern, efficient and secure electoral system which is as straightforward for the voter as possible.

"Like in 2004, holding local elections alongside the European elections in 2009 could help boost voter turnout and improve the democratic process. And avoiding two separate elections within a month will be more convenient for voters, less costly for the taxpayer and more efficient for electoral administrators."