Petition Scheme
Barnet Council updated its petition scheme in March 2026, as Lewisham considered accepting Change.org petitions.
Barnet Council unanimously approved updates to its formal process for handling public petitions in March 2026, as part of broader constitutional changes. This decision, made on March 5, 2026, included amendments to the council's Petition Scheme. Separately, Lewisham Council considered modernising its petition process in July 2025.
Lewisham Council's Governance Committee discussed amending its Petition Scheme to accept e-petitions submitted via Change.org, alongside its existing council website platform. This move, considered on July 8, 2025, was prompted by a significant "divestment petition" and would require petitioners to use their real name and a valid postcode for validity.
No upcoming meetings are currently scheduled to discuss further changes to petition schemes at these councils. The petition scheme outlines the requirements for validity and debate of public petitions, ensuring a formal process for their submission and handling.
Key facts
- Barnet Council unanimously approved updates to its petition scheme in March 2026. Source
- Lewisham Council considered amending its Petition Scheme to accept Change.org petitions in July 2025. Source
- Lewisham's proposed changes would require Change.org petitioners to use their real name and a valid postcode. Source
- Barnet Council's approval of petition scheme updates occurred on March 5, 2026. Source
- Lewisham Council's Governance Committee discussed petition scheme amendments on July 8, 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.