Combination of polls: generalE+W

11.[F1(1) Where the poll at a residential referendum would be taken on a day that falls within the period beginning 28 days before the day on which the poll is to be taken at a relevant election—

(a)the poll at the referendum (or at both the residential referendum and the business referendum, where an additional referendum is required to be held in accordance with paragraph 12(4) of Schedule 4B to the 1990 Act) may be taken on the day on which the poll is to be taken at the relevant election; and

(b)the poll at the residential referendum may be taken together with the poll at the relevant election if the returning officer or counting officer for the relevant election and the counting officer for the referendum think fit.]

[F2(2) Where the poll at a residential referendum would be taken on a day that falls within the period beginning 28 days before the day on which the poll is to be taken at another residential referendum—

(a)the poll at the referendum (or at both the residential referendum and the business referendum, where an additional referendum is required to be held in accordance with paragraph 12(4) of Schedule 4B to the 1990 Act) may be taken on the day on which the poll is to be taken at the other residential referendum; and

(b)the poll at both the residential referendums may be taken together if the counting officer thinks fit.]

(3) The cost of taking the combined polls (excluding any cost solely attributable to one election or referendum) and any cost attributable to their combination are to be apportioned equally among the elections or referendums.