CHANGES TO GENERAL ELECTION POLLING PLACES AND HOURS

That this House notes with concern reports that the new Ministry of Justice and Treasury action plan proposes to drastically cut voter information, voting hours and the number of polling places around the country; further notes that turnout in the previous General Election was a worryingly low 61 per cent.; recognises that low voter turnout is detrimental to democracy in both the short and long-terms; is particularly concerned that a reduction in the number of polling places available will effectively disenfranchise many rural, infirm and elderly voters; does not believe the integrity and participatory nature of the UK's democracy should be sacrificed to achieve comparatively small savings; and therefore calls on the Government to ensure that any future election is fully funded and provides adequate resources not just to allow citizens to vote but to make it reasonable, feasible and convenient for them to do so.