Written question asked by Lord Jenkin of Roding (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Hanham (Conservative) on Thursday, 22 March 2012.

Council Tax

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government when they intend to bring forward updated proposals for referendums triggered by a local authority's announcement of an increase in council tax which is alleged to be excessive.

Answer: The Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (Council Tax Increases) (England) Regulations 2012, which would apply to any council tax referendums held in 2012-13, came into force on 18 February 2012, following approval by both Houses. During the debate in Grand Committee on 14 February, I gave a commitment to the House that the Government would go back to the Electoral Commission following technical comments they had expressed on the council tax referendums question, which is included in the regulations, with a view to coming forward with a proposal for a revised question. We are currently in discussions with the Commission and expect to lay, for the approval of both Houses, an amendment to the regulations incorporating a revised council tax referendums question. This will happen well in advance of the local authority budget-setting process for 2013-14.

Secondary information