Cardiff Council: Submit a Petition or Public Question

Utilities and Infrastructure Wales 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 12, 2026 Flag of Wales

Cardiff, Wales residents may raise issues at council meetings by submitting petitions or asking public questions under the Council's public participation arrangements. This guide summarises who can apply, how to submit an e-petition or public question, typical timeframes and the office that handles requests. For the Council's formal guidance and any online submission forms, consult the Council's petitions and public questions page. Official guidance[1]

Overview of Petitions and Public Questions

Petitions and public questions let individuals, community groups or organisations bring matters to the attention of councillors at full council or committee meetings. Typical elements of the process include eligibility, required information, signature thresholds for formal petitions, and deadlines for submission ahead of a meeting. The Council sets detailed procedural rules in its constitution and meeting procedure documents. Council procedure rules[2]

How to Prepare and Submit

  • Confirm eligibility and meeting type you want to address (full council or a committee).
  • Check submission deadlines - most items must be lodged several working days before the meeting; exact times are set by the Council rules and by meeting type.
  • Prepare a concise petition or question containing names, contact details and the specific request or question to councillors.
  • Submit using the Council's published method (online e-petition system or Democratic Services contact) as shown on the official guidance page. Do not include defamatory or abusive content.
Petitions that reach the published signature threshold may require a formal response or a council debate.

Penalties & Enforcement

Procedural breaches for petitions or public questions are generally administrative rather than criminal. Specific fines or monetary penalties for incorrect submissions are not provided on the cited Council pages and are therefore not specified on the cited page. Council procedure rules[2]

  • Escalation: where presenters breach conduct rules, the Mayor or meeting chair may stop a question or withdraw speaking rights; monetary escalation is not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: exclusions from speaking, orders to withdraw statements, or referral to Monitoring Officer for conduct investigations are set out in meeting conduct provisions; exact remedies may vary.
  • Enforcer: Democratic Services and the meeting chair (Mayor or committee chair) administer the procedure; complaints about procedure are handled via Democratic Services or the Council's complaints process.
  • Appeals and review: internal review routes or complaints are available, but specific statutory appeal time limits are not specified on the cited page.
If your submission is refused or curtailed, ask Democratic Services in writing for the reason and how to request a review.

Applications & Forms

The Council publishes online guidance and any e-petition submission form on its petitions and public questions page; the cited guidance page explains how to submit and whether a specific form is required. See official guidance[1] Fees are not indicated on the cited page and are therefore not specified on the cited page.

Action Steps

  • Check the meeting date and publication of the agenda to find the submission deadline.
  • Complete the online petition or draft your question with clear requests or outcomes sought.
  • Send your submission to Democratic Services by the method stated on the official page and retain confirmation of receipt.
  • If refused, request a written explanation and follow the complaints or review route provided by the Council.

FAQ

Who can submit a petition or public question?
Individuals, community groups and organisations can normally submit petitions or questions; eligibility details and any local residence requirements are on the Council's guidance page.
Are there fees to submit a petition?
No fees are shown on the Council's public guidance page; fees are not specified on the cited page.
What happens if my question is out of time or deemed inappropriate?
The chair may refuse to accept or may limit a question; you should seek a written reason from Democratic Services and follow the Council's complaints route if needed.
Keep submissions factual, polite and within the scope of council responsibilities to avoid refusal.

How-To

  1. Check the Council's petitions and public questions guidance and identify the correct meeting to address.
  2. Prepare a concise petition or written question with required contact details and any supporting signatures.
  3. Submit using the online e-petition form or Democratic Services contact method shown on the Council page before the stated deadline.
  4. Attend the meeting if invited to speak, or await the written response or outcome recorded in meeting minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Cardiff residents may use petitions and public questions to raise local issues at council meetings.
  • Observe published deadlines and prepare concise, non-defamatory material for best chance of acceptance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Cardiff - Submit a petition or ask a public question
  2. [2] City of Cardiff - Council procedure rules and constitution documents

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