Local council
Hillingdon Council runs most of the day-to-day services across Greater London. As the council, we are responsible for housing, social services, street cleaning, waste disposal, roads, local planning and many arts and leisure services. We also elect councillors, who debate issues of current interest, consider and approve proposals from the Cabinet, and appoint councillors to sit on the various council committees and outside bodies. They also help constituents with issues related to the council.
Local referenda
The Local Government Act 2000 includes a provision where at least 5% of the Local Government Electors for an area can petition the council to hold a referendum on the question of whether the council should have a directly elected Mayor.
For the year 1 December 2017 to 30 November 2018, the number of local government electors shown in the Register of Electors that is equal to 5% is 10,132.
This is the number that will be used to determine the validity of any petitions presented to the council after 1 December 2017.
UK Parliament
The UK Parliament represents the people of the United Kingdom and has the power to make decisions and pass national laws on a wide range of issues that affect you. It also:
- debates major issues of the day
- scrutinises government policy
- protects the public and safeguards the rights of individuals
- hears legal cases in the House of Lords
The UK Parliament is made up of two chambers or 'Houses' - the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Electors only vote for representatives in the House of Commons. A general election must take place at least every five years, but often an election will be called more often than that.
The Parliament can also call for national referenda.
More information available on the UK Parliament website
Greater London Authority
The Greater London Authority is comprised of the Mayor of London's office and the London Assembly.
The Mayor of London sets an overall vision for London and defines clear strategies on a range of issues (including air quality, spatial development, culture and tourism, economic development, transport and waste). His office oversees Transport for London, the Metropolitan police, and the London Fire Brigade.
The London Assembly examines the decisions and actions of the Mayor and Mayoral advisers, acting as scrutineers. They have the power to veto the Mayor's budget plans (but only with a two-thirds majority).
Electoral Commission
The Electoral Commission is an independent body, not part of government, whose aim is to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity. They also act as a regulator for political parties, provide guidance and information, promote policy, and conduct research.