Signing a petition is one way for people in Calderdale to express their concerns and priorities to us. We have an online scheme to make it easier for you to do this.
- E-Petitions are part of our ongoing commitment to listen to and act on your views.
- Anyone who lives, works or studies in the area can submit or sign an e-Petition.
If you have a concern about your local area, contact:
- Your local Calderdale Councillor.
- or see: Ward forums.
If you wish to comment on any of our services, please see: Complaints and compliments.
The Petitions Scheme
This sets out how to submit a petition and how we will deal with it when we get it.
For a summary of the scheme, please read:
Note: It is recommended that you read the full document before starting a petition.
Start a petition
Before you do this, check current and completed petitions that we have received in the last 12 months. This is to make sure that yours does not duplicate or is very similar to a recent one.
A petition can be organised or signed by anyone who lives or works in the Calderdale area.
It must include:
- A clear and concise statement on the subject of the petition. Also, what action the petitioners would like the Council to take.
- Contact details, which must include the address of the petition organiser. (This is the person we will contact about our response and if there are any media enquiries).
Note: We will only use the name of the organiser on the website. Details of people supporting the petition will not be published on the website.
We advise you to include this on each page of your petition that will contain signatures:
A petition template is available for you to download and use:
Submit a petition
- It can be delivered to us by:
- post or email (see: contact us);
- or by hand at any Council office.
- Submit an e-Petition.
- Your local Councillor can also present the petition, on your behalf, at an ordinary meeting of the full Council.
Please note: We will not accept petitions that are:
- Considered to be abusive, vexatious, libellous or some other manner that is not appropriate.
- About planning or licensing applications. These are outside the scheme and will be passed on to the correct service. They will then be looked at as part of the application.
How we will respond
We will acknowledge all petitions within 10 working days of receipt. We will explain what we plan to do with the petition. This depends on what the petition asks for and how many people have signed it:
- 2,000 or more will trigger a debate by the full Council at the next ordinary Council meeting. All Councillors can attend the meeting and ensure that they have adequate time to prepare for the debate;
- 500 or more, but less than 2,000 will be referred to the correct Scrutiny Panel to consider. (Scrutiny Panels are an important and specialist role for all Councillors who are not part of the Cabinet arrangements. They can review and challenge decisions, policies and services. They can also inform decision making and recommend others for Cabinet/agencies to consider.)
- 499 or less are referred to the correct Council Service. They will look at what action can be taken, given current policies and budget provision.
We will advise you of the final response to the petition and the reasons for it. This will normally outline the steps we have taken to consider the issue, including the involvement of Councillors. It also explains how the petition organiser can ask for a review. If, they feel that the petition has not been dealt with properly.
We publish details of petitions received and the final response or outcome on our website.
Contact us
Democratic Support:
- Address: Town Hall, Crossley Street, Halifax. HX1 1UJ.
- Email: democratic.support@calderdale.gov.uk.