About referendums
Referendums are held to ask people to vote on a proposal put forward by government. For a summary of information on referendums, see our referendums factsheet (PDF). Or to find out about our work on referendums, see our role and responsibilities.
Council tax referendum question
The Government consulted us on the proposed question to be asked at local referendums in England on council tax increases. We have assessed the question and have recommended some changes to the question wording to make it easier for voters to understand and answer. We have also set out what information needs to be made available to the public in advance of polling day, so that people can make an informed choice when they are voting.
- Read our report of our views on the question (pdf)
- Read the report of our research with voters (pdf)
The Government has also asked us for our views on a further revised referendum question, following our assessment of its original question. We wrote to the Government setting out our concerns with the revised question in December 2011.
Questions for referendums on how local councils in England are run
We have responded to the Government's consultation on proposed questions for referendums on how local authorities in England are run.
- Read our report of our views on the questions (pdf)
- Read the report of our research with voters (pdf)
UK-wide referendum on the voting system for electing MPs
A UK-wide referendum on the voting system used to elect MPs to the UK Parliament took place on Thursday 5 May 2011. The result was declared on 7 May 2011, delivering a 'no' to changing the voting system.
Referendum campaigners
We give advice and guidance to people and organisations who want to campaign in referendums. This is available on our guidance for campaigners page.
Past referendums
Since 1973, eleven national, regional and/or UK-wide referendums have been held in the UK.
UK - 5 May 2011
Wales - 3 March 2011
North East (PDF) (England) - 2004
Northern Ireland - 1998
London (England) - 1998
Wales - 1997
Scotland - 1997
Wales - 1979
Scotland - 1979
UK - 1975
Northern Ireland - 1973
Read in Welsh / Darllenwych y Gymraeg >
