Referendum material

Referendum material is material that wholly or mainly relates to a PPERA referendum, and which is published during the referendum period.

This means that in the rules for organic material, referendum material only relates to a referendum that is being held – unlike in the rules for paid adverts, which can also apply to material concerned with referendums that may not happen.

A PPERA referendum is a referendum held under Part 7 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, including:

  • a UK-wide referendum
  • a referendum held in one or more of England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland (but not including a Senedd referendum)

The rules for organic material do not apply to material relating to any other type of referendum, for example:

  • Senedd referendum
  • local government referendum
  • local authority governance referendum
  • local poll
  • council tax increases referendum
  • parish poll
  • Neighbourhood Planning referendum

Organic digital material that is referendum material and is published by or on behalf of a relevant entity must include an imprint.

Example referndum asset that reads “Yes. Vote YES in the referendum”. There is an imprint in the bottom right-hand corner that reads “Promoted by The Campaign Group, 62 High Street, Engleston, AB12 3CD”.
Last updated: 2 November 2023