Referendums

Changing our Governance and Mayoral Referendum

Residents have the right to petition to change the model of governance to an elected mayor and cabinet system.

The Local Authorities (Referendums) (Petitions) (England) Regulations 2011, allows a petition to be submitted by five percent (the verification number) of the local government electors shown in the electoral register. If requested we must hold a referendum to determine whether voters are in favour of establishing an elected mayor.

A notice must be published annually giving the verification number (minimum number of supporters) required to hold the referendum.

The verification number

In accordance with Regulation 4(1) of the above regulations the number that is equal to 5% of the number of local government electors shown in the revised register having effect on Monday 17 February 2025 for the Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is:

5,556

This number will have effect for the purposes of determining the validity of any petitions which are presented between Tuesday 1 April 2025 and Tuesday 31 March 2026.

The above number will apply to any petition submitted to the borough council before Tuesday 31 March 2026. However, a new number will be published in February 2026 and if the new number is less than 5,556 then the new number will apply from the date it is published.

Dated: Monday 17 February 2025
Stephen Evans, Electoral Registration Officer.      

Neighbourhood Planning Referendums

Neighbourhood planning gives communities the power to develop a shared vision for development and growth in their local area. When adopted by the council, it shapes our future decision making around planning applications and infrastructure.

Once a Neighbourhood Plan has been finalised, it must be put to the local community by referendum.

For more information on neighbourhood Planning, please visit the planning pages.

Neighbourhood Plans - Referendum guides

• An update referendum guide will be placed here when the next referendum takes place.

National Referendums

From time to time central Government may call a referendum to ask an important question.  When this happens, it is the responsibility of the local authority to hold the referendum.