What is the petitions Committee

The Petitions Committee is a new committee in the National Assembly for Wales which provides a new way for the people of Wales to tell their elected members about the issues they feel need addressing.

There are four members on the Committee, one from each political party and Mike German is the Welsh Liberal Democrat member.

The Committee meets every two weeks when the National Assembly is sitting. It considers new petitions and decides on possible further action regarding ongoing petitions.

The Committee may:

• ask for further information and perhaps make a visit

• refer the matter to a scrutiny committee or a government Minister

• decide no further action can be taken

This may result in an Inquiry from the committee, or the Minister being asked to report back on any deliberations that have been taken.

Apart from highlighting an important issue a petition could result in a change of government policy or even legislation.

However, there are some limitations on the type of petition that can be received. The link below takes you to the guidance on presenting petitions to the Petitions Committee.

Guidance on petitions and the Petitions Committee.

Mike has received a number of petitions since the setting up of the Petitions Committee.

Look at the petitions received.