Representation of the People Act 1983

Use of schools and public rooms

22 (1) The returning officer may use, free of charge, for the purpose of taking the poll—

(a) a room in a school to which this rule applies ;

(b) a room the expense of maintaining which is payable out of any rate.

This rule applies—

(i) in England and Wales, to a school maintained or assisted by a local education authority or a school in respect of which grants are made out of moneys provided by Parliament to the person or body of persons responsible for the management of the school;

(ii) in Scotland, to a school other than an independent school within die meaning of the [1980 c. 44.] Education (Scotland) Act 1980;

(iii) in Northern Ireland, to a school in receipt of a grant out of moneys appropriated by Measure of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

(2) The returning officer shall make good any damage done to, and defray any expense incurred by the persons having control over, any such room as mentioned above by reason of its being used for the purpose of taking the poll.

(3) The use of a room in an unoccupied house for that purpose does not render a person liable to be rated or to pay any rate for the house.

(4) In Northern Ireland this rule does not apply to any school adjoining or adjacent to any church or other place of worship nor to any school connected with a nunnery or other religious establishment.