UK-Wide, National and Regional referendums
The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 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.
Mayoral Referendums
The Local Government Act 2000 set out a major change in the way local authorities in England and Wales are run. Most local authorities, except some of the smaller district councils in the area of a county council, operate 'executive arrangements'. There are three types of executive arrangement set out in the Act, two of which involve a directly elected mayor: mayor and cabinet, and mayor and council manager. The other involves a leader (who is elected by councillors) and cabinet.
Local residents can require a mayoral referendum by organising a petition signed by 5% of the local electorate.
More information on referendums can be found on the Electoral Commission's website (External link)
