Ealing Council doubles number of signatures needed for petition to be heard

Trying to “shut people up”, opposition says

Ealing Council has introduced a new rule that a petition must be signed by one percent of Ealing’s population if it is to trigger a debate by the council.

This more than doubles the current number required, meaning that a petition must receive 3,671 signatures to be debated, whereas previously it was 1,500.

Liberal Democrat councillor Gary Malcolm, who represents Southfield ward in Chiswick, said: “They are only bringing this in to shut people up.”

All the Labour councillors present at the meeting where the new rule was decided voted in favour of the amendment, with all Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors voting against. Of those present, 51 voted in favour, eight opposed, and one abstained.

“Trying to rig the system”, campaigners say

Campaigners from the Save Ealing’s Children’s Centres Campaign were protesting outside the council building before the meeting on Tuesday 15 July.

Campaigner Craig Smith said: “They (Ealing Council) are trying to rig the system against public engagement with local democracy.”

Cllr Gareth Shaw who introduced the motion, tried to reassure those on the opposition. He said:

“Over the last 10 years or so we have had relatively little debates from petitions.

“We have had two in the last year, which is fine, and both of those would have qualified under the changes outlined in this scheme as well.

“Smaller petitions will also be possible, as we’ve already had this evening, at the meeting. And of course, residents can ask questions at any council meeting as well.”

Data released by the council shows that 30 petitions were created on its website in the 2024/25 council year, with only two reaching debate stage.

Other councils’ approach

Ealing Council’s decision differs from Hounslow Council, who has a much lower requirement to trigger debate.

According to its website, the council will recognise petitions that have “ten or more signatories.”

However, Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s Petition Scheme states that an issue must attract “a minimum of 5,000 valid signatures” to warrant debate at a Full Council meeting.