Localism rules
The act gives English local authorities the right to hold a referendum on so-called “governance” arrangements, such as elected mayors, selected planning issues and council tax increases.
The act means that any legal challenge to the holding of a Scottish Government referendum would stand little chance when even the smallest council in England can hold a referendum.
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Hide AdIn addition, the bill sets out exactly the same form of wording for referendums as the Scottish Government is proposing by putting the question – “Do you agree” with a propostion.
On the issue of the Scottish independence referendum, this has been the subject of some criticism by opposition parties and commentators, as it is seen as a leading question.
If Westminster is quite happy to let a council undertake its own referendum, there can scarcely be an argument that London permission is required for the Scottish Government to run its vote.
Alex Orr
Leamington Terrace
Edinburgh