City spending less at polls

Canterbury City Council is the most cost-efficient authority in Kent at holding elections.

Figures released this week reveal it will likely receive less government money than any other in the county to cover its spending on next month’s national poll.

Across the county’s 17 parliamentary constituencies in Kent, a total of £2.9 million has been earmarked to cover the costs. But just £116,289 will go to Canterbury, more than £30,000 less than the second lowest, North Thanet.

Faversham and Mid Kent has been allocated the most at £187,403.

The bill covers the costs to councils of organising the election, including arranging for polling stations to be set up and paying for ‘tellers’ to count votes. It also covers sending out postal votes and distributing candidates’ mailings.

Council spokesman Rob Davies said: “Like all councils, we submit our election costs to the Cabinet Office who, following an audit, pay back what we actually spend.

“We know the Cabinet Office has published an early estimated figure, which is based on the costs from previous elections. It is lower than most other councils in Kent, but this is because we administer elections very efficiently and often return some of the cheapest costs, despite having one of the highest electorates in the county.”