Web based petition scheme for local residents
Ealing Council has introduced an online petition scheme in line with the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009.
The new e-petitions website allows people to start an online petition, helping to potentially reach a much wider audience and gather more support than traditional paper petitions. People can also support existing petitions on the website by adding their name and address.
The website supports three different types of petition – ordinary petitions, petitions for debate and petitions to hold an officer to account.
Petitions for debate must have at least 1,500 signatures, or 750 signatures where it is an issue that affects no more than two local wards. These will be automatically reported to and debated at a full Council meeting.
Petitions to hold an officer to account must have at least 750 signatures, or 300 where it is an issue that affects no more than two local wards. These will be considered at a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The appropriate council officer will be required to answer questions.
To start a petition, go to www.ealing.gov.uk/petitions and follow the link at the bottom of the page. Submissions should include a short statement introducing the subject of the petition, the name and contact details of the petition organiser.
The petition must relate to an issue that the council has either responsibility for or influence over. All petitions submitted to the website will be monitored on a regular basis and made available to councillors.
Councillor Julian Bell, Leader of Ealing Council, said: “The council is committed to using modern technology where we can to make it easier for residents to get involved in local democracy and the new e-petition website is a safe, easy and accessible way for people to have their say.”
“People can also get involved in local democracy by attending council meetings, taking part in consultations and voting in elections.”
The online petition site is not for consultation being undertaken by the council, for example on planning and licensing applications, or that being taken under specific legislation such as calling for an elected mayor.
For more information, go to www.ealing.gov.uk/petitions
10 January 2011
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