30th November 2000
9.Part VII of the Act introduces generic provisions designed to ensure the fair conduct of referendums. It provides for the designation of campaign bodies which will be entitled to particular forms of assistance, including a grant from public funds of up to £600,000, the free mailing of referendum addresses and free air time for referendum campaign broadcasts. Part VII also provides for restrictions on the publication of promotional material by central and local government in the 28 days prior to the holding of a referendum and restrictions on referendum campaign expenditure by political parties and by other campaigning individuals and organisations.