Political Signs & Advertisement Consent - Liverpool

Elections and Campaign Finance England 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of England

In Liverpool, England, political signs and other advertisements on private and public land are regulated through planning controls and local enforcement. This guide explains when advertisement consent is needed, which department enforces the rules, how to apply or report unauthorised signs, and typical enforcement outcomes. It summarises official Liverpool City Council guidance and enforcement routes and points to the council pages you should consult before installing campaign signs or banners.

Legal framework

Advertisements in Liverpool are controlled under planning legislation and the council’s local planning guidance on signs and adverts. Always check the council’s advertisement guidance and application requirements before erecting temporary or permanent political signage to determine if advertisement consent or planning permission is needed.[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

The council’s Planning Enforcement team investigates unauthorised advertisements and may require removal, issue enforcement notices or take prosecution where appropriate. Specific fine amounts and statutory penalty figures are not specified on the cited page; see the enforcement contact for case procedures and outcomes.[2]

  • Enforcement notices and statutory directions may order removal or alteration of signs.
  • Monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Prosecution in the courts is possible for failures to comply with notices; specific fines and ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Seizure or removal of dangerous or highway-obstructing signs may be undertaken by the council or highways authority.
  • Appeals and reviews: timescales for appeals of enforcement action are not specified on the cited page; contact Planning Enforcement for review procedures.
Contact the Planning Enforcement team promptly if you receive a notice.

Applications & Forms

The council’s advertisement guidance describes how to apply for Advertisement Consent and where to submit applications; specific form numbers, fees and submission portals may be listed on the application pages. If a fee or form number is not shown on the council guidance page, it is not specified on the cited page and you should use the planning application portal or contact the planning team for current fees and the correct form.[1]

  • Application type: Advertisement Consent (see council guidance for online submission).
  • Fee: not specified on the cited page.
  • Deadlines: there is no single national deadline; check the council page for application processing times.
  • Submission method: online planning portal or the council’s planning application service as directed by the council guidance.
Always keep photographic records of proposed sign locations and dimensions when you apply.

Common violations

  • Erecting signs without advertisement consent where consent is required.
  • Placing signs on the highway that obstruct sightlines or create safety risks.
  • Illuminated or large hoardings installed without planning permission.
  • Non-compliance with a removal notice issued by the council.

Action steps

  • Before erecting political signage, check the council advertisement guidance and apply for Advertisement Consent if required.[1]
  • If you receive an enforcement notice, contact Planning Enforcement immediately to discuss compliance and appeal options.[2]
  • Keep evidence of permissions or communications with the council to support defences such as valid consent or reasonable excuse.

FAQ

Do political posters require Advertisement Consent?
Political posters can fall under advertisement controls; some temporary posters may be exempt depending on size, location and duration, so check the council guidance and apply if required.[1]
Who enforces unauthorised signs in Liverpool?
The Planning Enforcement team investigates unauthorised advertisements and can issue notices or pursue prosecution where necessary.[2]
How do I report an illegal or dangerous sign?
Report it to Liverpool City Council’s Planning Enforcement or highways team via the council contact pages listed below.

How-To

  1. Check the council advertisement guidance and determine whether Advertisement Consent is required.[1]
  2. Prepare a clear application: include plans, photos, dimensions and a site location plan; use the council or national planning portal method as directed.[1]
  3. Submit the application and pay any fee; note the council’s processing times and respond promptly to any requests for further information.
  4. If you find an unauthorised or hazardous sign, report it to Planning Enforcement; provide photos, location and contact details.

Key Takeaways

  • Check Liverpool City Council guidance before installing political signage.
  • Apply for Advertisement Consent where required and keep records of permissions.
  • Contact Planning Enforcement promptly if you receive a notice or to report unauthorised signs.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Liverpool City Council - Advertisements and signs
  2. [2] Liverpool City Council - Planning Enforcement

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