About Referendums
A referendum is a direct vote on a particular proposal.
Neighbourhood plan
If you live in an area that wishes to produce a Neighbourhood Plan / Order in relation to the development planning framework, there are a number of steps which have to be followed which end in a referendum for the people who live in the area. The referendum establishes the level of community support for the plan/order.
Go to neighbourhood planning to find more.
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 in the UK. It covers referendums such as that held in the North East for the proposed Regional Assembly.
Other referendums
Local councils can use referendums to test public opinion on local issues. We have never held a referendum of our own held under PPERA, but we could do so if we wished. We have used other methods of consultation, such as the Citizens' Panel.