New section 52ZN: Arrangements for referendum
176.New section 52ZN provides that where a major or local precepting authority sets an excessive amount of council tax and gives the required notification to a billing authority, the billing authority must make arrangements to hold a referendum. The referendum can be held at any time of the billing authority’s choosing subject to this being no later than the first Thursday in May or a date specified by the Secretary of State by Order. However, where a precepting authority sets an excessive increase in relation to which two or more billing authorities must organise a referendum, the referendums must be held on the first Thursday in May or such other date as the Secretary of State may specify by Order. This section provides that, subject to any regulations made by the Secretary of State, the billing authority can recover the costs of holding a referendum triggered by a precepting authority from that precepting authority.