Verification number

We’re required by law to publish how many signatures of registered voters are required on a petition on whether we should change to a different form of governance.

Electors can petition the council to hold a referendum. The petition must be signed by at least 5% of the registered electors for the district. This figure is known as the verification number. The verification number for 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 is 5,000.

The number is published each year during February.

Publication of verification number

Epping Forest District Council, The Local Authorities (Referendums)(Petitions)(England) Regulations 2000.

In accordance with Regulation 4(1) of the above regulations, the number that is equal to 5% of the number of local government electors shown in the revised register of electors having effect on the 15 February 2025 is:

5,000

This figure will have effect for the purposes of determining the validity of petitions presented from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. The number equal to 5% of the local government electors for 2025 will be published within 14 days of the 15 February 2025.

If this number is less than 5,000, the number to be used for verification purposes in relation to any petition submitted for the period beginning on the date of publication of the lower number until 31 March 2026 shall also be that lower number.

Electoral Registration Officer
Epping Forest District Council
323 Civic Offices
High Street
Epping
CM116 4BZ

Monday 15 February 2025