Until the introduction of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA) there was no generic legislation relating to referendums in the UK. Consequently when a referendum was called, new legislation was introduced to create a new set of rules each time. PPERA provides a consistent framework for all future referendums held in:
- the whole of the UK
- Scotland
- England
- Wales
- Northern Ireland, or
- one or more regions in England
It does not relate to local mayoral referendums which are dealt with by the Local Government Act 2000.
