Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Act 2003

21 Advice of the Electoral Commission

(1) This section applies in relation to a region if—

(a) a referendum has been held in the region in pursuance of an order under section 1, and

(b) the Secretary of State proposes that an elected assembly is established for the region.

(2) Not later than the end of the period of two years beginning with the day on which the referendum was held the Secretary of State must give the Electoral Commission a direction in respect of a region in relation to which this section applies.

(3) A direction under subsection (2) must require the Electoral Commission to give the Secretary of State advice as to such of the following matters as the Secretary of State thinks appropriate—

(a) the electoral areas into which the region is to be divided for the purposes of the election of members to any assembly established following the referendum;

(b) the number of electoral areas;

(c) the name by which each electoral area is to be known;

(d) the total number of members to be elected to the assembly.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3) the direction—

(a) may specify maximum and minimum numbers or total numbers (as the case may be);

(b) may require the advice to be given in respect of a specified number of options.

(5) A direction given under this section may be varied (whether or not within the period of two years mentioned in subsection (2)) by a subsequent direction.