The Secretary of State may by order make provision requiring every local authority, or every local authority falling within a description of authority specified in the order, to hold a referendum on whether they should have a relevant type of governance arrangements specified in the order.
An order 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 order, 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).