Online petitions in pipeline
Councils are being asked to set out clear guidelines for handling petitions from local people. Under a new Act, they need to set out appropriate responses, as well as offering e-petitions on their websites.
If the petition is large enough, it could trigger an inquiry or a debate by the full council.
Under the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, all local authorities need to introduce a scheme to deal with petitions, including e-petitions. They’re being given Government funding to help fund set up online petitions on their websites.
To be accepted, local people will have to live, work or study in Norwich and have to outline in a concise statement what action they want the council to take.
Included in the guidelines will be how councils respond to any petition. Petitions with a significant level of support could trigger a number of responses from a debate, a public meeting or an inquiry.
Councillors will discuss how Norwich City Council draws up its guidelines at a full council meeting on Tuesday 30th November 2010.
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