New Petitions System launched

The National Assembly is introducing a new petitions system. For the first time, members of the public will not only be able to petition the National Assembly and ask for action to be taken in those areas of policy for which the Assembly is responsible, but the Assembly will be required to act on the petition, if it is within the powers of the Assembly. There is no age limit on who can submit petitions - but the policy area must be within the responsibilities of the National Assembly. An open consultation to invite you to give your ideas about how this new system can work best has been launched. Ideas are being sought on how petitions can be submitted, and what information and advice would be needed by those submitting a petition. Ideas can be e-mailed to: petition@wales.gsi.gov.uk or sent to: The Table Office,
The National Assembly for Wales,
Cardiff Bay,
CF99 1NA The Presiding Officer, Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas said: “I find the idea of the public petitioning the Assembly very exciting and I am keen for the system to be as open, responsive, effective and efficient as possible. I welcome all views on how the system can work and how we should proceed and I look forward to receiving the petitions.”