Media attendance at Hounslow Council’s election counts
We’ve reviewed our approach to media accreditation for entry to election count venues. Our aim is to strike an appropriate balance between
- transparency and accountability, supporting open access to local democracy
- operational integrity and the safe and disruption free delivery of election counts
Legal and democratic principles
While media access is customary and supports the principle of open democracy, it is not a statutory requirement. Returning Officers retain full authority to manage access to ensure
- integrity of the count
- privacy of ballot papers
- security and safety of staff and attendees
- compliance with data protection requirements
Media at Hounslow’s election counts
Spaces are limited and all news media must register by submitting our application form, by 23:59 on Monday, 27 April.
We expect a named individual to represent media organisations and photo ID will be required on the day.
When reviewing applications, we will look at reporters with UK Press Cards and recognised community ‘news creators’, for example, hyperlocal: news websites, e-newsletters, social media groups and radio. We will take a case-by-case approach against criteria, such as
- length of time established
- audience and reach
- previous behaviour
- type and tone of published content.
