Overview

This bill aims to simplify the process for local authorities in England and Wales that have already adopted a mayoral system through a referendum to hold future referendums on related governance changes. It removes a legal hurdle that currently complicates the process.

Description

The Referendums (Local Authority Governance) Bill amends the Local Government Act 2000. Specifically, it removes Section 9NA. This section currently prevents local authorities that have adopted a mayor and cabinet system via referendum from easily holding further referendums under Part 1A of the Act to make subsequent changes to their governance structures. The bill's core function is to streamline the process for these local authorities to hold future referendums on changes to their governance arrangements, such as altering the structure or powers of the mayoral system.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to have a significant direct impact on UK government spending. The main cost implications would be on local authorities themselves in terms of organizing any future referendums that they choose to hold.

Groups Affected

• Local Authorities (England and Wales): Those that have already opted for a mayor and cabinet system will be directly affected, as the bill simplifies the process for holding further referendums on their governance arrangements.
• Taxpayers (England and Wales): May indirectly experience costs associated with any future local referendums held under the amended legislation.
• Residents (England and Wales): Will be given the opportunity to vote in any future referendums on local governance structures if their local authority chooses to hold them.

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