One of the easiest and most popular ways of engaging in the democratic process is to sign a petition. Petitions are welcomed by the Council as one way in which people can indicate their views, highlight problems or suggest changes to the way that services are delivered and request that action be taken. The Government has recognised the importance of petitions by placing a duty on local authorities to respond to any petition it receives, in the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009.

A petition or an e-petition is a quick and easy way to bring issues to the attention of our Councillors and influence local decision making.

• view active e-petitions

A petition can be submitted by a person of any age who lives, works or studies in the Wakefield Metropolitan District. You can:

• create an e-petition
• send us a paper petition
  Paper petitions should be sent to the Service Director, Legal and Democratic Services / Monitoring Officer, Wakefield Council, County Hall, Wakefield WF1 2HQ.

What needs to be in a petition

We treat as a petition any communication which is signed by or sent to us on behalf of at least 20 signatories. Petitions submitted to the Council must include:

• A clear and concise statement covering the subject of the petition. It should state what action the petitioners wish the Council to take
• The subject matter of the petition must relate to a function of the Council, (or its partner authorities if the petition relates to an improvement in the economic, social or environmental well being of the District which a partner authority could contribute to). Petitions may also relate to matters which are sub-regional and cross-authority
• The name, address and signature of at least 20 people who either are resident, work or study in the Wakefield Metropolitan District.
• Clear contact details for the person who has organised the petition so that they can be contacted and sent a detailed response to the issue the petition has raised.

Contact the Committee and Members Services Team on (01924) 305014 or email committeeservices@wakefield.gov.uk if you need any further information.

Related Content

You may also find the following information useful:

• Create an e-petition
  
• Wakefield Council’s Petitions Scheme - gives more details of how to submit petitions and what the Council will do with them - please see 'Downloads'
  
• How will my petition be dealt with? – Work flow diagrams for the three types of petitions as set out in the Petitions Scheme - please see 'Downloads'
  
• Petitions received by Wakefield Council - please see 'Downloads'