Referenda are becoming an increasing feature of U.K. democracy. In 2004 a referendum on an elected Regional Assembly for the North East was held but the proposal was rejected. It is presently unclear if or when further referenda of this type might take place.

 

Under the Local Government Act 2000, provision was made to allow  Local Government  Elections for an area to require a referendum on the election of a directly appointed Mayor to take place. This is to be acheived by means of a petition signed by 5% of the number of Local Government electors for the area.  The qualifying figure (with effect from 1st April 2006) is 5719 electors.

 

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.

 

Referendums are now used by some local councils to test public opinion on local issues. These referendums are not regulated by law.