Redbridge is set to replace a portakabin with a church as a polling place in Goodmayes Ward for the upcoming 2026 local elections. The council reviewed polling places across 16 wards, and the proposal outlines changes to 30 polling places to be used in the upcoming Local Elections in May 2026.
The decision was made as part of a broader review of polling places across the borough, aiming to improve accessibility and voter convenience. Key concerns raised during a public consultation highlighted dissatisfaction with portakabins, citing concerns about lack of space, privacy and secrecy when casting their vote. Consultation feedback, as well as feedback throughout the year from schools, is to try to move away from the use of schools where possible. The General Purposes Committee approved the changes at a meeting on Wednesday 23 July 2025, following a public consultation and feedback from polling staff.
The review, conducted in accordance with the Representation of the People Act 1983 and the Electoral Administration Act 2006, sought to ensure that all polling places in Redbridge are accessible, suitable, and fit for purpose. The council conducted a public consultation from 29 July 2024 to 23 September 2024, receiving eighteen responses. Feedback was also gathered from presiding officers and polling station inspectors from the 2024 elections and three by-elections held in 2024 and 2025.
In Goodmayes Ward, the Goodmayes Baptist Church on Goodmayes Road is recommended as a polling place to replace the portakabin in Seven Kings Car Park.
The aims of the review were to ensure that:
- Polling places are accessible to all electors, including those with disabilities.
- Polling places fall within the polling district, wherever possible.
- Premises are suitable, considering size and facilities.
- Feedback from electors and polling staff is addressed.
The report also addressed fairness implications, including equality and diversity, in line with the Equalities Act 2010, ensuring that the proposed polling places have been carefully assessed for accessibility requirements as set out in the Elections Act 2022.
The costs of Local Government elections are funded by the local authority, and a reserve is maintained for this purpose. Any additional costs of local elections resulting from the recommendations in this report will be met from the accumulated electoral reserves.
The committee agreed to delegate to the Chief Executive the designation of alternative polling places if any polling place is unavailable or a more suitable provision is identified, following consultation with the Group Chief Whips and respective ward councillors.
The changes are detailed in the Polling Place Review Report - 2025. The agenda and public reports pack for the meeting are available online.