Matters excluded from the Petitions Scheme
A petition cannot be dealt with through this scheme if it addresses or includes:
- a planning or licensing application for which other arrangements are in place
- matters subject to prescribed statutory requirements, e.g. an elected mayor
- matters where there is already an existing right of appeal, such as council tax banding and non-domestic rates, where other procedures apply
- repetitive or vexatious correspondence
- potentially libellous, false or defamatory statements
- material which is commercially sensitive
- material generated by local political parties
- he names of individuals in relation to criminal accusations or information which easily identifies an individual
- statements which contravene equalities and antidiscrimination legislation
- matters subject to appeal processes or legal actions, e.g. enforcement action, investigation by a public body, court cases or tribunals
- refers to an official of a public body
- material which is vexatious, abusive or is deemed otherwise inappropriate by the Monitoring Officer. A petition will be deemed to be vexatious where it is manifestly unjustified, inappropriate or an improper use of a formal procedure.
Where a petition raises issues of possible competence or misconduct by an officer, the petition will be considered under the Council's complaints and/or disciplinary procedures, and not under this petitions scheme.
If the petition contains any of the above the lead petitioner will be informed of the reason for not accepting the petition in writing.
If the petition is about a matter over which the Council has no direct control your petition will be forwarded to the relevant organisation. However, if the petition relates to a partner organisation the Council will consider making representations on behalf of the community to the relevant body. The Council works with a large number of local partners and where possible will work with these partners to respond to your petition. The lead petitioner will be informed of any action the Council has taken to progress the petition.