Notes to Editors 1. Part II of the Local Government Act 2000 requires all councils to adopt new arrangements for taking decisions - including the option of a directly elected mayor. All the new arrangements include rigorous arrangements for overview and scrutiny of council policies and decisions. Councils will have to consult local people before deciding which of the new arrangements to adopt. Before adopting arrangements which include a directly elected mayor, councils will first have to get the support of local people through a referendum.
Local people are able to petition for such a referendum.
Anyone can organise a petition for a referendum for a directly elected mayor.