Referenda
A Referendum is a vote of an entire electorate on a
law or proposal and there are different types of Referenda that can
take place.
The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act
2000 (PPERA)
This established a fixed legal framework for the conduct
of any referendum held across Scotland, Wales, England or Northern
Ireland, and regional referendums within England.
Mayoral Referendum
The Local Government Act 2000 changed the way Local
Authorities in England and Wales operated. Most Local Authorities,
except some of the smaller District Councils in the area of a
County Council, operate one of 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.
Other Referenda
Referenda or 'consultations' are regularly used
by Councils to obtain public opinion on local issues.
These are not regulated by law.