BY JAMES TOURGOUT WITH FILE PICS NEW elections may be in store for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council under a shake-up of the system.

Under the current system, councillors are elected in thirds which means that elections are held each year for three years out of four. Now the borough council wants to hear people’s views on its plans to change its electoral cycle to ‘all out’ elections starting from May 2015 to save £90,000.

Residents are being asked whether they would prefer the different system which would see the whole council elected at the same time, once every four years.

Councillors agreed in principle to the change at a meeting of the full council on February 21 but they must consult with the public before any changes can be made. Director of resources Jason Vaughan said: “The results of the recent budget consultation showed that a high proportion of local people and businesses are in favour changing to the ‘all out’ system, which could help the council to save £90,000 over four years.

“However, we need to make sure that residents are aware of the political impact of making this change, as well as the financial benefits. “When people take part in this survey the differences between the two systems will be clearly explained so they can make an informed choice.”

The council says that some of the reasons for changing to all out elections include having a more stable council, increased vote awareness and participation and to save money.

The council says that the change would also be fairer as people would be able to vote at the same time. An online survey and further information about the different electoral cycles is now available at Dorsetforyou.com/all-out-elections Paper copies of the survey form are available on request at the council’s North Quay reception or by calling 01305 838000.

The survey closing date is Friday May 24.

The earliest opportunity that the ‘all out’ electoral system can be adopted is May 2015. There are no borough council elections in 2013. However candidates standing for election in 2014 would be made aware that, should they wish to retain their position on the council, they would need to stand for election again in 2015. Weymouth and Portland’s residents and business owners were asked to give their views about changing to ‘all out’ elections as part of the borough council budget 2013/14 consultation which closed on January 20.

The budget consultation found that 87 per cent of residents and 94 per cent of business respondents agreed with the proposal to change the election cycle so that all councillors are elected in the same year. Seven per cent of residents and three per cent of business respondents disagreed with the proposal.

For more information about the 2013/14 budget go to Dorsetforyou.com/weymouthandportlandbudget