Publication of verification number (15 February 2026)

We are 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, for example having a mayor.

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 is known as the verification number.

The Local Authorities (Referendums)(Petitions)(England) Regulations 2011

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 2026 is 3,662.

This figure will have effect for the purposes of determining the validity of petitions presented from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.

The number equal to 5% of the local government electors for 2027 will be published within 14 days of 15 February 2027. If this number is less than 3,662, 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 2027, shall also be that lower number.

Sheila Oxtoby
Electoral Registration Officer
Great Yarmouth Borough Council
Town Hall
Great Yarmouth
Norfolk
NR30 2QF

9 February 2026