Call for E-Petitions System

In December, I received enquiries from various people who are concerned about their lack of ability to submit e-petitions to Glasgow City Council. I have been made aware that the City of Edinburgh has implemented an e-petitions system and this is seen as very successful.

Currently, there is a system in Glasgow which requires a paper copy being circulated to collect signatures and this is viewed as a barrier to participation by many. A paper based petitions system is time consuming for residents to organise and viewed as out of date.

I hope that Glasgow City Council can take forward plans for e-petitions, by learning from the experience of Edinburgh, and other E-petitions systems operated by the Scottish Parliament and Westminster Government.

There will be a review of the petitions process by Glasgow City Council in 2014 and I understand that officials will report back to councillors on the how the system in Edinburgh operates and the cost implications.