A: You do as a council-tax-payer in the parish. A formal referendum – known as a parish poll – may be demanded at a Parish Meeting by a certain number of electors. The poll is organized by the District Council which recharges the cost to the Parish Council and hence via the precept to council-tax-payers of the parish.

It can be costly. However, the Parish Council is not bound to act on the result of a poll. Therefore, those demanding a poll need to exercise discretion. Parish Polls may be demanded on any matter that affects the parish. They are rare and early guidance should be sought as to the detailed procedure.