The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 sets out the legal framework for referendums held under that legislation in:
- the whole of the UK
- Scotland
- England
- Wales
- Northern Ireland, or
- one or more regions in England
PPERA does not cover local referendums, including mayoral referendums. These are dealt with by the Local Government Act 2000.
For each referendum further legislation needs to be made that contains the detailed rules. Find out more about upcoming referendums.
You can read more on our legislation page, or find out about the rules for referendum campaigners on our guidance for campaigners page.
