The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision for or in connection with enabling the Secretary of State, in such circumstances as may be prescribed in the regulations, to direct a local authority to hold a referendum on whether it should have a relevant type of governance arrangements specified in the direction.
Regulations under this section may, in particular, include provision—
as to the date on which, or the time by which, a referendum must be held,
as to the action which may, may not or must be taken by a local authority before or in connection with a referendum,
as to the action which may, may not or must be taken by a local authority after a referendum, and
for or in connection with enabling the Secretary of State, in the event of any failure by a local authority to take any action permitted or required by virtue of the regulations, to take that action.
Provision made by virtue of subsection (2) may, in particular, apply or reproduce (with or without modifications) any provisions of, or made under, this Chapter.
This section is subject to section 9NA (effect of order requiring, and giving effect to, referendum on change to mayor and cabinet executive).