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There are a number of different referendums that can take
place.
UK-wide, national and regional referendums
The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000
(PPERA) establishes a fixed legal framework for the conduct of any
referendum held across the UK, or a referendum held in Scotland,
Wales, England or Northern Ireland. It also applies to regional
referendums within England. No referendums have yet been held under
this legislation. A recent Act of Parliament, however, has enabled
the holding of referendums on regional assemblies in England. For
more information, go to the
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act
2000 site (this link will open in a new window).
Mayoral referendums
The Local Government Act 2000 set out a major change in the way
local authorities in England and Wales are run. Most local
authorities, except some of the smaller district councils in the
area of a county council, operate 'executive arrangements'. There
are three types of executive arrangement set out in the Act, two of
which involve a directly-elected mayor: mayor and cabinet, and
mayor and council manager. The other involves a leader (who is
elected by councillors) and cabinet.
Local authorities consult on which arrangements local people
want. If there is a proposal to have a mayor, the local authority
must hold a binding referendum. Many councils in England have
already conducted consultations with local people on this issue.
Local residents can also require a mayoral referendum by organising
a petition signed by 5% of local electors or more (10% or more in
Wales). Further information on a mayoral referendum is available on
The Electoral Commission website (this link
will open in a new window).
Other referendums
Referendums are now regularly used by local councils to test
public opinion on local issues. These referendums are not regulated
by law and we have no responsibility for the conduct or other
aspects of such referendums.
The content on this page has been provided by the
LAWS
(Local Authority Websites) National Project (this link will
open in a new window). |