Wealden Council Announces Annual Petition Verification Number
Wealden District Council has officially published its annual verification number for local government petitions, setting a threshold of 6,540 electors for the upcoming petition year. This figure was confirmed through a statutory notice on the Public Notice Portal and also appeared in the Kent & Sussex Courier.
Calculation and Legal Basis
The verification number is calculated as 5% of the registered local government electors on the revised electoral register, which takes effect from February 15, 2026. This process is mandated by the Local Authority (Referendums) (Petitions) (England) Regulations 2011, which govern how petitions can trigger local referendums on specific governance arrangements.
By establishing this number annually, the council aims to provide clarity and transparency for residents, community groups, and campaign organizers planning activities in the year ahead.
Application Period and Potential Changes
The threshold of 6,540 applies to petitions presented between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027. However, there is a possibility for adjustment. The Electoral Registration Officer, Trevor Scott, has stated that the verification number for 2027 will be published within 14 days of February 15, 2027.
If this subsequently published figure is lower than 6,540, the reduced number will be used for verification purposes from its publication date until March 31, 2027.
Practical Implications for Residents
This announcement has significant practical impacts for those considering organizing a petition. Key points include:
- The verification number serves as the minimum number of valid signatures required for a petition to be deemed valid under the statutory framework.
- It applies uniformly across the Wealden local authority area in East Sussex.
- Residents are advised to consult the statutory framework to ensure their submissions meet all legal requirements regarding form, content, and eligible signatories.
For further details, the full statutory notice is available on the Public Notice Portal and in print via the Kent & Sussex Courier. Those with concerns or questions are encouraged to contact Wealden District Council's electoral services at Council Offices, Vicarage Lane, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 2AX.
