The role of councillors, employees, and how decisions are made
Changes to Council structure
The Local Authorities (Referendums) (Petitions) (England) Regulations 2011
Publication of Verification Number
In accordance with Regulation 4(1) of the above regulations, the Proper Officer must publish the number of signatures needed on a petition for a referendum on whether the Borough should change to a different form of governance.
The number is equal to 5% of the number of local government electors shown in the revised register of electors having effect on the 15th February each year. The number for 2024 is:
5658
A new number will be published in February 2025. If this new number is less than 5658, then that lower number will be used between 15 February 2025 and 31 March 2025.
Background Information
The Local Government Act 2000 requires authorities to adopt one of four models of decision-making as follows:
- Leader with cabinet;
- Elected mayor with cabinet;
- A Committee system; or
- Arrangements prescribed by the Secretary of State
Â鶹ÊÓƵ has adopted the Leader with cabinet system.
There are statutory requirements for a local authority to hold a referendum on the form of arrangements to be adopted, where it has received a valid petition to do so.
Nicola Robason
Director of Governance and Corporate Affairs and Proper Officer
Town Hall & Civic Offices
Westoe Road
South Shields
NE33 2RL