Commentary on Sections Power of district councils to revert to partial-council elections Section 47: Order for elections by thirds: years in which elections are to be held
129.Section 47 requires an order for elections by thirds to secure that elections are held in the years specified in that section. The first ordinary elections under the new scheme will be whole-council elections which must be held in a relevant year; that year being, in relation to a metropolitan district council, 2014 and every fourth year afterwards and, in relation to a non-metropolitan district council, 2011 and every fourth year afterwards. Subsequent ordinary elections will be held in each subsequent year, unless it is a fallow year; a fallow year being 2013 and every fourth year afterwards. This follows the pattern that has been established for metropolitan district councils and non-metropolitan district councils respectively that are already subject to a scheme for elections by thirds.