Huntingdonshire District Council has launched an electronic system to enable petitions to be submitted online via the internet.

Local residents, charities and campaign groups can use the online petition service to set up, and sign petitions about the issues that matter to them most – and have them automatically sent to the council.

The initiative was first proposed by the council’s overview and scrutiny panel (service support) which undertook a review of the electronic means of communication with the council. Councillor Andrew Gilbert who led the review said: “It became apparent from our investigations that in other authorities online petitions have enhanced public engagement in the democratic process and influenced decision making. It is hoped that the introduction of the scheme in Huntingdonshire will encourage local people to engage with the council over issues which concern their lives.”

Councillor Mike Simpson, executive councillor for information technology said: The main advantage of the system is its simplicity and convenience - petitioners will now be able to reach greater numbers than ever before, connecting people across the web and allowing them to sign up.”

Any individual wishing to submit an electronic petition should visit the Council’s website using the link on the right.