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 15 February each year.
The number for 2025 is:
5703
A new number will be published in February 2026. If this new number is less than 5703, then that lower number will be used between 15 February 2026 and 31 March 2026.
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
South Tyneside Council 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 and Civic Offices,
Westoe Road,
South Shields,
NE33 2RL