Submit a Petition or Public Question - Liverpool

In Liverpool, England, residents can submit petitions or ask public questions at council meetings to raise local issues, request action or hold decision-makers to account. This guide explains the council procedures, who handles submissions, typical timelines and how to present petitions or questions clearly so they will be accepted for consideration.

How petitions and public questions work

Liverpool City Council publishes a Petitions scheme and guidance for public questions that set out eligibility, scope and how submissions are processed. For official requirements and the online petition process, see the council guidance pages referenced below.^[1][2]

• Who may submit - any Liverpool resident or organisation with a local connection.
• Deadlines - follow the notice periods listed on the relevant meetings page; if a deadline is not shown the council will advise on receipt.
• Content limits - petitions and questions should be lawful, respectful and about council functions.

Submitting a petition

To submit a petition start by preparing a clear title, a short statement of the request or action sought, and contact details for the lead petitioner. You can submit an electronic petition where available or deliver a paper petition to Democratic Services; the council page lists any online form or submission email.^[1]

• Required information - petition title, petition text (concise), lead petitioner contact details.
• Signatures - include the names and addresses required by the council guidance if submitting a paper petition.
• Submission method - use the online petition system if offered or email/hand in to Democratic Services as directed.

Submitting a public question

Public questions are usually taken at council or committee meetings; rules cover who may ask, time limits and notification deadlines. Notice must be given in line with the council's public question procedure and the question should be concise and relevant to the meeting's powers.^[2]

• Notice period - submit the question by the deadline stated for the meeting you wish to attend.
• Speaking time - the council sets a time limit for reading and any follow-up.
• Where to send questions - Democratic Services or via the online form specified on the meetings page.

Penalties & Enforcement

The official petitions and public question pages do not specify monetary fines or civil penalties for submitting petitions or questions; enforcement is focused on procedure, admissibility and removing abusive or vexatious content. Where specific sanctions or offences are applicable the council will refer to statutory provisions or its meeting standing orders; monetary amounts are not stated on the cited pages.^[1]

• Enforcer - Democratic Services and the Monitoring Officer administer admissibility and procedural compliance.
• Non-monetary sanctions - exclusion from speaking, refusal to accept a submission, referral to committee, or reporting to the chair for disorder.
• Escalation - repeated or persistent breaches are handled under meeting standing orders or conduct rules; specific escalation steps are not specified on the cited pages.
• Appeals/review - decisions on admissibility can be challenged via the council's complaints procedure or by contacting the Monitoring Officer; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.
• Defences/discretion - the council may accept reasonable excuses and will apply discretion under standing orders; no statutory defence list is published on the cited pages.

Applications & Forms

The council publishes any required e-petition form or public question notice on its web pages; if no form is visible the council accepts emailed or posted submissions to Democratic Services and will advise on format and content.^[1]

Action steps

• Draft your petition or question clearly and include lead contact details.
• Check the council petitions and public questions pages for any online forms.^[1]
• Submit before the published meeting deadline and keep proof of submission.
• If refused, ask for the reasons in writing and use the council complaints route or contact the Monitoring Officer.

FAQ

Who can submit a petition or question?

Any Liverpool resident, organisation or person with a demonstrable local interest can submit, subject to the council's eligibility rules.

Is there a fee?

No fee is indicated on the council pages for submitting petitions or public questions.

What if my submission is refused?

Request written reasons and follow the council complaints procedure or contact the Monitoring Officer for review.

How-To

1. Prepare a concise statement of the issue and what you want the council to do.
2. Gather signatures if required and list lead petitioner contact details.
3. Check the Liverpool City Council petitions and meetings pages for the correct form or notice period.^[1]
4. Submit online, by email or by post to Democratic Services before the meeting deadline.
5. If accepted, attend the meeting or request the council publish a written response.
6. If refused, seek written reasons and use the complaints procedure or contact the Monitoring Officer.

Key Takeaways

• Prepare concise, lawful submissions with clear contact details.
• Observe meeting notice periods and follow the council's online process where available.

Help and Support / Resources

• Contacting Democratic Services - Liverpool City Council
• Council meetings and agendas - Liverpool City Council
• Planning & building information - Liverpool City Council

1. [1] Liverpool City Council Petitions guidance
2. [2] Liverpool City Council public questions guidance