Referendum

A referendum is a direct vote where the electorate of an area is asked to answer a question on a particular proposal.

Types of referenda

There are several types of referenda:

  • UK referendum
  • national referendum
  • regional referendum.

How a referendum is run

In the run-up to a referendum there is a formal campaigning period. Timetables are produced showing the dates and deadlines during the referendum period. After the poll is closed, the votes are counted locally. The results are then collated and the overall result announced.

Verification figure for referenda on the change of constitution

Every February we are required, by the Local Authorities (Referendums) (Petitions) (England) Regulations 2011, to publish the minimum number of signatures which would be needed to support a valid petition requiring the Council to hold a referendum on whether or not the District should start to operate the leader and cabinet executive (England) or committee system.

The minimum number of signatures (equivalent to 5% of the District's local government electorate) is 4,046.

The above number will apply to any petition submitted to the council between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. However, a new number will be published in February 2025 and if the new number is less than 4,046, then the new number will apply from the date it is published.