Cllr Oxley

Local residents will be able to continue putting their views through e-petitions following a decision to make the current pilot scheme permanent.

E-petitions were introduced in November last year and since then the council has received 12 petitions on subjects ranging from late night noise an parking to free complementary therapy on the NHS to an ice rink for Sussex.

The most popular petition was on the Brighton History Centre, with 1259 "signatures", and resulted in the centre being retained in its current location at Brighton Museum.

Councillor Brian Oxley, chairman of the Governance Committee that made the decision, said:
"We want to encourage residents to get more involved in local democracy and this is a very easy and convenient way of making your views known to the decision-makers on the council. In a very short time the ability to 'e-petition on line' has created a lively demand for the facility."

Guidance on the use of e-petitions was also been amended to improve the vetting of petitions and to enable those who live, work, or study in the city or who use the council's services can take part.

It is hoped that new legislation under the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 will also strengthen petitions.

Under the new legislation the council will be required to consider the most appropriate response to a petition, including commissioning research, holding a public meeting or forwarding the issue to scrutiny or an inquiry. The petition organiser will have the right of appeal if they consider the council's response is insufficient and petitions with a significant level of support will trigger a debate at full council.

For more information about Brighton and Hove Council view:
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk