Probably few people know of our rights to initiate community and parish
referendums. Regulations and practice, which apply only in Wales and
England, are outlined below. You have to live in a Civic Parish Council in
England or a Community Council in Wales. These are mainly in rural areas,
but if you are in any doubt then check with your local council.

The following guide is gleaned from several sources. It should help you
to get started but we cannot guarantee its accuracy.

HOW TO ORGANISE A LOCAL REFERENDUM FOR YOUR PARISH OR COMMUNITY

The law which entitles local communities to a referendum is part 3,
schedule 12, paragraph 18, sub-paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Local
Government Act of 1972. In Wales, the reference is part 5, paragraph
34, sub-paragraphs 4 and 5. You  have to live in a Civic Parish Council
in England or a Community Council in Wales. These are mainly in rural
areas, but if you are in any doubt then check with your local council.

Here's what you do... Decide on and draft the question that you want
to put to the people in a referendum. Then, you and at least 5 other parish
or community residents need to contact your parish or community council, arrange a
parish meeting and advertise it locally.

At the meeting you have to call a vote on the proposal to hold a
referendum. At least 10 people, or a third of those who are at the
meeting, must vote in favour. Assuming success, go to your local
district council offices, and submit your demand for a referendum. Tell
them you are invoking your right to do this under part 3, schedule 12,
paragraph 18, sub-paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Local Government Act of
1972, or if you live in Wales, refer to part 5, paragraph 34,
sub-paragraphs 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. You
must publicise the referendum yourselves. The result is not legally
binding on the council but it can have important effects on local
affairs.

Further information about citizens' referendums can be obtained from:

The National Association of Local Councils, 108 Great Russell Street,
London, WC1B 3LD. Tel: 0207 637 1865  <nalc@nalc.gov.uk>

Friends of the Earth

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