The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 establishes a fixed legal framework for the conduct of any referendum held across the UK. It also applies to regional referendums within England. No referendums have yet been held under this legislation. However, a recent Act of Parliament has enabled the holding of referendums on regional assemblies in England.
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 council areas in the area of a county council, operate 'executive arranegments'. 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.
Further information on a mayoral referendum is available on The Electoral Comission website.
Other referendums
Referendums are now regularly used by local councils to test public opinion on local issues.
Elections - publication of verification number 1 April 2011 - 31 March 2012 Contact Details (LiveLink)
Multiple Contacts:
eMail: elections@wiltshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 456 0112
Out of hours:
Fax: 01249 463481
Postal Address:
Wiltshire Electoral Services
Monkton Park
Chippenham
SN15
1ER
In Person:
DX:
Related information
Last updated: 26 January 2012
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