Blaby District Council

Summary

Information on the different referenda which can take place and legal terms under which they may be carried out (in accordance with the Elections and Referendums Act 2000).

Further information

There are a number of different Referenda that can take place. For information email the address below

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. 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 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 (see link below).

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.

External websites

• The Electoral Commission (external link)

Contact us

Officer / Team	Electoral Services Team
Postal address	Blaby District Council Council Offices Desford Road Narborough Leicester LE19 2EP
E-mail address	electoral@blaby.gov.uk
Telephone	0116 272 7560
Fax	0116 272 7596

If you need this information in other languages or formats (large print, Braille or audio), please let us know when you contact us.

This page was last updated on 30th July 2009