Commentary on Sections Election dates Section 60: Power to change date of local elections to date of European Parliamentary general election
148.This section inserts new sections into the Representation of the People Act 1983 to enable the Secretary of State in England, and the Welsh Ministers in Wales, to combine local elections with European Parliamentary general elections in future years, when those elections fall in the same year.
149.New section 37A gives the Secretary of State the power to change local government and Greater London Authority election dates so that they are the same as the European Parliamentary general election date in a particular year. The power may be exercised in relation to one or more of the following types of election: (a) elections for county, district and London borough councils; (b) elections for parish councils; (c) Greater London Authority elections.
150.Before making an order using this power the Secretary of State must consult with the Electoral Commission, and any other persons or bodies he considers it appropriate to consult. An order cannot be made until a draft of the order has been approved by both Houses of Parliament. The order must be made six months in advance of the date of the local government or European parliamentary elections, whichever is the earliest.
151.New section 37B gives Welsh Ministers the same power to change local government election dates so that they are the same as the European Parliamentary general election date. The power may be exercised in relation to either or both of the following types of election: (a) elections for county and county borough councils; (b) elections for community councils.
152.Welsh Ministers must also consult with the Electoral Commission, and any other persons or bodies they consider it appropriate to consult. An order cannot be made until a draft of the order has been approved by the National Assembly for Wales. The order must also be made six months in advance of the date of the local government or European parliamentary elections, whichever is the earliest.