Decisions are made on your behalf by local government every day, ranging from what building work is approved in your area and what recreational facilities you have, to national issues like road, transport and education. Similarly, central government controls such issues as defence and the environment.
These decisions are made by people elected to represent you on local councils and in the UK and European Parliaments.
You can apply to have your name included in the Electoral Register, which enables people to vote in elections for their local councillors and members of parliament. Those people whose names are on the Electoral Register are also able to vote in local and national referendums. Not being registered can also affect your ability to obtain a mortgage, bank loan or credit. The credit reference agencies use the electoral register to confirm where you live.
Latest... Elections 2011 Results
Elected Mayor Referendum
The Borough Council is required, by the Local Government Act 2000, to publish the minimum number of signatures which would be needed to support a valid petition requiring the council to hold a referendum on whether or not the Borough should have an Elected Mayor.
You can download the official notice below.
