If a local authority holds a referendum under this Chapter ("Referendum A") it may not hold, or be required to hold, another referendum under this Chapter ("Referendum B") within the period of ten years beginning with the date of Referendum A, unless
This subsection applies if—
This subsection applies if Referendum B is required to be held by virtue of an order made under section 9N.
This subsection applies if Referendum B is held under section 9M to approve a change in governance arrangements—
Where subsection (3A) applies, the local authority may submit a proposal to the Secretary of State for consent to hold Referendum B within the period of 10 years beginning with the date of Referendum A.
A proposal must specify—
The Secretary of State may consent to a proposal only if the Secretary of State considers that the change in governance arrangements is likely to improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of some or all of the people who live or work in the area of the local authority.
If the Secretary of State consents to a proposal, the local authority may hold Referendum B—
The Secretary of State may by regulations make further provision about—
If the result of a referendum held by virtue of regulations, an order or a direction made under any provision of this Chapter is to approve the proposals to which the referendum relates, the local authority concerned must implement those proposals.
If the result of a referendum held by virtue of regulations, an order or a direction made under any provision of this Chapter is to reject the proposals to which the referendum relates, the local authority concerned may not implement those proposals.
Subsections (4) and (5) do not apply to a referendum held by virtue of section 9N (but see section 9N(2)(c)).
See section 9ND (transfer of functions: changes in governance arrangements) for further provision about referendums under section 9MC.