Petitions
We welcome petitions and recognise that they are one way in which you can let us know your concerns.
In general, a petition should include a brief title and a short statement covering the subject matter of the petition. The petition should clearly state what action the petitioner wishes the council to take. The petition will be returned to you for further clarification if the petition is unclear.
How to present a petition
Petitions can be presented to council meetings and you can ask your councillor to present a petition on your behalf.
If you’d like to present a petition to the council you’ll need to ensure that the petition meets the requirements of the Statutory Petition Scheme (PDF File, 116kb)
If your petition falls under the statutory scheme criteria and has received 1000 signatures or more, it will be scheduled for a council debate. We will let you know when this will happen and you can attend the meeting as a member of the public
e-petitions
What is an e-petition?
E-petitions allow you to have your petition on the internet, rather than just on paper. E-petitions allow supporters to add their name and address, postcode, and a valid email address online.
What does an e-petition need to contain?
To set up an e-petition, you’ll be asked to give your:
- name
- address
- postcode
- valid email address
- the title and text of your petition.
You will be able to specify a start and finish date for your petition
The information contained in a petition must be submitted in good faith and be decent, honest and respectful. If factual inaccuracies are found in your e-petition, we will contact you to point these out and give you an opportunity to reconsider the wording of your petition.
Why might an e-petition be refused?
E-petitions will be rejected if they are:
- defamatory
- frivolous
- offensive
- factually inaccurate
Any e-petition that is rejected will be published on this website, along with the reason(s) why it was rejected.
What happens when the e-petition closes?
Our response to a petition will depend on what a petition asks for and how many people have signed it, but may include one or more of the following:
- taking the action requested in the petition
- considering the petition at a Council meeting
- holding an inquiry into the matter
- undertaking research into the matter
- holding a public meeting
- holding a consultation
- holding a meeting with petitioners
- writing to the petition organiser setting out our views about the request in the petition
If an e-petition receives 1000 signatures or more from people who live, study or work in the district, this will trigger a debate at full council. For an e-petition, signatures are made by giving your name, address and postcode and a valid email address.
How do I create an e-petition?
Complete the create an e-Petition online form. We’ll contact you if we require any further information.
How do I sign an e-petition?
Please complete the sign an e-Petition online form. You will be asked to select the e-Petition you wish to sign.