Part 3, schedule 12, paragraph 18, subparagraphs 4 and 5 of the Local Government Act 1972 entitles local communities in England and Wales to a referendum. The law does not apply to Scotland or Northern Ireland, and also only applies to Civic Parish Councils in England or Community Councils in Wales, which are mainly in rural areas. If you are in doubt, check with your local council.
This is how the law works.
- First choose the issue you want to vote on - obviously one of interest to the local community.
- Then you and five other Parish or Community residents need to contact your Parish or Community Council and arrange a Parish meeting. Advertise it locally. There must be at least ten people at the meeting.
- At the meeting you have to hold a vote in favour of a referendum. At least ten people must vote in favour, or a third of those who are at the meeting.
- Go to your nearest District Council Offices and submit your request for a referendum. Tell them you are invoking your right to do this under Part 3, schedule 12, paragraph 18, subparagraphs 4 and 5 of the Local Government Act 1972 (or if you live in Wales the reference is Part 5, paragraph 34, subparagraphs 4 and 5).
- The council should contact you within a week and the referendum has to take place between 14 and 25 days after you submit your request.
The result of the referendum is not binding, but local councils find it difficult to ignore the direct voice of the community.
Here is a scanned in page of the actual Local Government Law on holding local referendums.
For more information write to:
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