An electronic petition is being collected in support of a return to annual elections for the York Council. It can be found here http://tinyurl.com/Annual-elections-petition

In support of the petition the organisers point out that until 1995, annual Council elections took place in York.

One third of the Council was elected each year.

Each Councillor served for 4 years (County Council elections took place on the fourth year; although that would no longer apply to York as it is now a Unitary – all purpose – Authority).

This system continues in use in many Councils up and down the country.

The advantages of annual elections include:

• The ability of the electorate to hold to account, on a regular basis, those who spend taxpayers money

• Avoiding dramatic changes to the political make up of the Council avoiding periods of indecision as large numbers of new Councillors build up experience

• Acting as a pressure on the Councils leadership to be sensitive to public opinion on an ongoing basis

The Boundary Commission is asking for views on the reintroduction of annual elections as part of its current review of Ward Boundaries in the City which is scheduled to be completed by 14th January 2013.

This petition asks the current York Council to support the reintroduction of annual elections.

Representations on election frequency and ward boundaries can also be made direct to the Boundary Commission by clicking here: http://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/yorkshire-and-humberside/north-yorkshire/city-of-york-fer