Publicity for Referendums

Planning Advisory Service (PAS)

Open group | Started - July 2012 | Last activity - April

Former Member, modified 8 Years ago.

Publicity for Referendums

Hi - does anyone know of any guidance out there on how much a designating body or indeed any sub-committee responsible for preparing a NDP can actively promote a 'yes' vote at referendum. We have asked the Electoral Commission and CLG, but both refer us to each other. It would appear that residents groups can actively promote a 'no' vote (in this case linked to particular objections in relation to one site) but that those responsible for preparing the plan are in a trickier position in terms of trying to promote a 'yes' vote. Thanks

Jo Witherden, modified 8 Years ago.

RE: Publicity for Referendums

Enthusiast Posts: 33 Join Date: 21/10/11 Recent Posts

Hi Sarah

I know there is a specific issue if the campaign is being run by or potentially funded through the Parish Council, and I think it was to do with the Code of Practice as there is legislation that requires them to consider the Code in coming to any decision on publicity - see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/recommended-code-of-practice-for-local-authority-publicity

So when the District Council's election team were advising the Parish Council, the gist was that they could encourage people to vote in the referendum, but they could not directly or indirectly suggest whether they voted yes or no - any material or public statements on this had to be neutral.

Hope this helps - Jo