We have a significant role in referendums in the UK, which is set out in the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA). We are responsible for:
- commenting on the intelligibility of the referendum question (PDF) proposed by the Government, using our question assessment guidelines (PDF)
- registering organisations or individuals who want to campaign in the referendum (known as ‘permitted participants’)
- monitoring spending on referendum campaigning, in line with the referendum spending limits imposed by PPERA
- considering appointing organisations as the lead campaigners or ‘designated organisations’ for each referendum outcome
- ensuring that designated organisations (if appointed) have access to certain assistance
- reporting on referendum campaign spending
- reporting on the administration of the referendum
Referendums are different to elections, as the Commission is responsible for running any referendum held under the rules of PPERA.
The Chair of the Commission (or someone they appoint) will be the Chief Counting Officer, who will:
- appoint a Counting Officer for each local authority within the referendum area
- ensure the accuracy of the overall result and announce it.
Read more on the Chief Counting Officer page, or visit our referendums page for more information on referendums
Our approach to referendums
At the beginning of 2010 we reviewed our policy positions and approach to referendums, as it has been some time since the last referendum held under the rules of PPERA in 2004. We wanted to learn from that experience in preparing for any future referendums. We have produced a summary of our views and the principles that we will use to make decisions in areas where we have a role in a referendum.
We also recently gave evidence to the Constitution Committee's inquiry into referendums in the House of Lords.
Read in Welsh / Darllenwych y Gymraeg >
