Financing of Commission: devolved Scottish elections
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Electoral Commission must prepare and submit annual estimates for devolved Scottish functions Statutory regulator
UK Act of Parliament
2000
United Kingdom
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000
At a glance
What's here
93 compliance obligations
Penalty landscape
14 of 93 obligations carry a criminal penalty. 11 carry different penalties and 68 have no criminal penalty — flagged in the list below.
Who this Act binds
Plus 23 non-business duties on Crown ministers, regulators, local authorities or tribunals — shown collapsed under each section below.
What this Act requires
Sections that create concrete duties on businesses or carry penalties. Procedural and definitional sections are folded into the “Browse other sections” expander at the bottom of each group. Click any section title to read the source text on legislation.gov.uk.
Schedules
(1) When the Commission submit to the Speaker’s Committee such...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Electoral Commission must submit five-year strategic plan after general election Statutory regulator
Financing of Commission: devolved Welsh elections and referendums
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Electoral Commission must prepare and submit annual estimates for Welsh devolved elections Statutory regulator
(1) The Commission shall keep proper accounting records.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Electoral Commission must keep proper accounting records and prepare annual accounts per Treasury directions Statutory regulator
(1) If the Commission make any regulations, they must give...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Electoral Commission must send regulations to Secretary of State Crown / Minister / Government department
(1) If the Commission make any regulations which relate to...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Electoral Commission must notify Scottish Ministers of regulations affecting Scottish elections Statutory regulator
Details to be given in donation reports
- Report detailed donor information in quarterly or weekly donation reports
Details to be given in transaction reports
- Include identity details of authorised participants in transaction reports
(1) A regulated donee must prepare a report under this...
- Report recordable controlled donations to the Electoral Commission
(1) A regulated donee shall— (a) prepare a report under...
- Report controlled donations to the Electoral Commission within 30 days
(1) Where a report required to be delivered to the...
- Fail to deliver donation report to Electoral Commission
Functions and liabilities of compliance officers
Unlimited fine- Knowingly give false information to compliance officer
Register of compliance officers
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Commission must maintain a public register of compliance officer notices Statutory regulator
(1) A controlled donation received by a regulated donee must...
- Provide donor identity and donation details for controlled donations over £500
(1) An individual making to a regulated donee a donation...
Unlimited fine- Make a false declaration for political donations
Control of loans etc to individuals and members associations
- Ensure political loans come only from permissible donors and get declarations over £7,500
(1) Where a report required to be delivered to the...
Unlimited fine- Fail to deliver or properly complete a report on regulated transactions
(1) Each report under paragraph 9 or 10 must, when...
- Knowingly or recklessly make a false declaration in a political funding report
(1) A regulated participant must not be a party to...
- Make a false declaration about eligibility for controlled transaction
(1) An individual who is a regulated participant commits an...
- Engage in unauthorised political transaction or benefit from connected transaction
(1) A regulated participant must prepare a report under this...
- Report recordable controlled transactions to the Electoral Commission
(1) A relevant donation received by a recognised third party...
- Don't accept donations from impermissible donors and verify identity
(1) Where a person (P) causes an amount exceeding £7,500...
- Make a false declaration about a large political donation
(1) The statement must record, in relation to each relevant...
- Record donation details for permitted participant statements
(1) A relevant donation received by a permitted participant must...
- Provide donor details when making a collective or agent donation over £500
(1) Where a person (P) causes an amount exceeding £7,500...
- Make a false declaration about a large political donation
(1) An individual making to a permitted participant a donation...
Unlimited fine- Make false political donation declaration
For section 110 there shall be substituted— Details to appear...
Unlimited fine- Publish election material without required details
After section 74 there shall be inserted— Expenses incurred otherwise...
- Election agent must declare expenses for items used in the campaign
After section 87 there shall be inserted— Duty of appropriate...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Electoral returning officers must send copies of election returns to the Electoral Commission Local authority
Reports of gifts received by unincorporated associations making political contributions
- Report political contributions over £37,270 and related gifts to the Electoral Commission
(1) Where in any calendar year an unincorporated association falling...
- Notify Electoral Commission of political contributions over £37,270
(1) An unincorporated association commits an offence if it—
- Fail to notify or report to the Electoral Commission or make false declaration
(1) The Commission shall maintain a register of all notifications...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Electoral Commission must maintain a public register of political donations and gifts Statutory regulator
(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) an unincorporated association receives...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Electoral Commission must withhold donor identity until due process completed Statutory regulator
(1) This paragraph applies to the following organisations and individuals—...
- Respond to Electoral Commission disclosure notice within specified time
(1) A person who fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply...
- Fail to comply, obstruct, or provide false information under Schedule 19B
(1) This paragraph applies where the Commission have reasonable grounds...
- Comply with Electoral Commission document and information requests
Civil sanctions
Unlimited fine- Commit a prescribed electoral offence or breach
(1) The Commission may by notice impose a fixed monetary...
- Commit a prescribed offence or breach under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act
(1) Where, after the service of a stop notice on...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Electoral Commission must issue completion certificate within 14 days of application Statutory regulator
A person served with a stop notice who does not...
Unlimited fine- Fail to comply with a stop notice
Penalties
Unlimited fine- Register as treasurer when disqualified
(1) This paragraph applies to a party which is registered...
- Fail to deliver post-registration notification and fee
(1) The registration functions of the registrar under the 1998...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Transfer political party registration to Electoral Commission Crown / Minister / Government department
Browse 328 other Schedules — structural / supplementary
The Electoral Commission
(1) The Commission shall not be regarded—
(1) The Commission shall regulate their own procedure, and the...
(1) The Commission— (a) shall appoint a chief executive, and...
(1) A person may not be appointed as a member...
(1) The chief executive of the Commission may by giving...
Each of the following— (a) the Commission,
(1) Section 1(2) of the Superannuation Act 1972 (delegation of...
(1) The expenditure of the Commission, so far as it...
(1) When the Commission send to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate...
(1) For the purpose of assisting the Speaker’s Committee to...
Five-year plan: devolved Welsh elections and referendums
Examination of Commission: devolved Welsh elections and referendums
(1) The accounts prepared by the Commission for any financial...
(1) The Speaker’s Committee shall designate a member of the...
(1) The Commission may (subject to sub-paragraph (2)) do anything...
(1) The Commission shall, as soon after the end of...
(1) The Commission must, as soon after the end of...
Reports by Commission: devolved Welsh elections and referendums
Reports by the Llywydd's Committee
(1) Any power conferred on the Commission to make regulations...
(1) The production of a printed copy of a regulation-making...
A document purporting to be— (a) duly executed under the...
(1) In this Schedule “delegate” includes further delegate.
(1) Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, an Electoral...
(1) Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, the chairman...
(1) There shall be paid to an Electoral Commissioner such...
The Electoral Commission
(1) The Commission may appoint one or more Assistant Electoral...
(1) The Commission may establish ... any committees which the...
(1) The Commission may delegate functions of the Commission (to...
The Speaker’s Committee
(1) The Speaker’s Committee shall, at least once in each...
(1) In this paragraph “appointed member” means a member of...
(1) The Speaker’s Committee may determine their own procedure.
(1) Evidence given by a person who is a witness...
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Applications under Part II
(1) Paragraphs 2 to 7 must be complied with in...
If an application is for the addition of a statement...
(1) Paragraphs 12 and 13 must be complied with in...
(1) If as a result of an application one person...
(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (3), an application must be signed...
Paragraph 9 above shall apply in relation to an application...
(1) An application for registration in the Great Britain register...
(1) An application must specify— (a) the address of the...
(1) An application must give the name and home address...
(1) An application must be accompanied by—
An application must include any other information prescribed by regulations...
(1) An application must be signed— (a) by the proposed...
(1) Paragraph 9 and (if applicable) paragraph 10 must be...
(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (3), an application must be signed...
Accounting units: application of accounting requirements
(1) This Schedule provides for the application of sections 41...
(1) Section 41— (a) shall not impose any duty on...
(1) Section 42— (a) shall not impose any duty on...
(1) Section 43 shall apply in relation to any accounting...
(1) Section 44 shall apply in relation to any accounting...
(1) In the case of any accounting unit whose gross...
Section 46 shall apply in relation to any statement of...
(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), section 47 shall apply in...
(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), section 48 shall apply in...
(1) In this Schedule— (a) “quarterly report” means a report...
(1) In relation to each recordable donation in the case...
(1) In relation to each recordable donation (other than one...
In relation to each recordable donation that is an Irish...
(1) In relation to each recordable donation a weekly report...
(1) In relation to each recordable donation a quarterly or...
(1) In relation to each recordable donation a quarterly or...
If the requirement to record the donation arises only because...
In relation to each recordable donation to which section 54(1)(a)...
In relation to each recordable donation to which section 54(1)(b)...
A quarterly or weekly report must give such other information...
(1) In this Schedule— (a) “ quarterly report ” means...
In relation to each recordable transaction in the case of...
(1) In relation to each recordable transaction (other than one...
(1) In relation to each recordable transaction that is an Irish...
(1) In relation to each recordable transaction, a weekly report...
(1) In relation to each recordable transaction to which a...
(1) In relation to each recordable transaction a report must...
(1) In relation to each recordable transaction of a description...
(1) In relation to each recordable transaction of a description...
(1) For the purposes of paragraph 5(4) as it applies...
(1) This paragraph applies where information about a change of...
(1) The Secretary of State may by order amend paragraphs...
Control of donations to individuals and members associations
(1) This Schedule has effect for controlling donations to—
(1) Each report under paragraph 10 or 11 must, when...
(1) This paragraph applies where a person (“the donor”) has...
(1) Section 69 shall apply in relation to donations reported...
(1) This paragraph applies in relation to donations received by...
Control of donations to individuals and members associations
Notices of appointment, renewal, alteration and termination
(1) A members association which does not have a treasurer—...
A members association commits an offence if—
(1) “Donation”, in relation to a regulated donee, means (subject...
(1) For the purposes of this Schedule sponsorship is provided...
(1) None of the following shall be regarded as a...
(1) The value of any donation falling within paragraph 2(1)(a)...
(1) Where a person (P) causes an amount exceeding £7,500...
(1) The following provisions have effect for the purposes of...
(1) Sections 56 to 60 shall apply for the purposes...
Section 61 shall apply for the purposes of this Schedule...
(1) This Schedule has effect for controlling loans and certain...
(1) A regulated participant must— (a) prepare a report under...
(1) A regulated participant must— (a) prepare a report under...
(1) Paragraphs 9 to 11 have effect in relation to...
(1) Section 71V applies in relation to transactions reported to...
(1) This paragraph has effect in relation to proceedings on...
(1) This paragraph applies where a regulated participant who is...
(1) An agreement between a regulated participant and another person...
(1) The value of a controlled transaction which is a...
(1) A regulated participant must not— (a) be a party...
(1) This paragraph applies if a regulated participant is a...
(1) This paragraph applies if— (a) a regulated participant and...
If an authorised participant purports to transfer his interest in...
Campaign expenditure: qualifying expenses
For the purposes of section 72(2) the expenses falling within...
(1) Nothing in paragraph 1 shall be taken as extending...
(1) The Commission may prepare, and from time to time...
(1) The Secretary of State may by order make such...
Controlled expenditure: qualifying expenses
For the purposes of section 85(2) the expenses falling within...
(1) Nothing in paragraph 1 extends to—
(1) The Commission may prepare, and from time to time...
(1) The Secretary of State may by order make such...
Limits on campaign expenditure
(1) In this Schedule— (a) “an ordinary general election to...
(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) a limit under paragraph...
(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) a limit under paragraph...
(1) For the purposes of this Schedule—
(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to campaign expenditure...
(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to campaign expenditure...
(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to campaign expenditure...
(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to campaign expenditure...
(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to campaign expenditure...
(1) This paragraph applies where (apart from this paragraph)—
(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) separate limits would (apart...
Limits on controlled expenditure
(1) In this Schedule— (a) “an ordinary general election to...
(1) This paragraph imposes limits where— (a) paragraph 9 would...
(1) This paragraph imposes limits where— (a) any period (“the...
(1) For the purposes of this Schedule controlled expenditure incurred...
(1) For the purposes of this Schedule controlled expenditure incurred...
(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to a parliamentary...
(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to a general...
(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to an ordinary...
(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to an ordinary...
(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to an ordinary...
(1) This paragraph imposes, in the circumstances mentioned in sub-paragraph...
(1) This paragraph imposes— (a) in the circumstances mentioned in...
Control of donations to recognised third parties
(1) This Schedule has effect for controlling donations to recognised...
(1) The statement must record, in relation to each relevant...
(1) This paragraph applies to relevant donations falling within paragraph...
(1) “Donation”, in relation to a recognised third party, means...
(1) For the purposes of this Schedule sponsorship is provided...
(1) None of the following shall be regarded as a...
(1) The value of any donation falling within paragraph 2(1)(a)...
(1) An individual making to a recognised third party a...
(1) Sections 56 to 60 shall apply for the purposes...
Section 61 shall apply for the purposes of this Schedule...
The recognised third party must include in any return required...
(1) In relation to each relevant donation falling within paragraph...
Requirements of quarterly and weekly donation reports
(1) In this Schedule— (a) “ quarterly report ” means...
(1) A quarterly report in respect of a reporting period—...
(1) The statement required by paragraph 2(1)(a) to be contained...
(1) For the purposes of paragraph 3(1)(a), a reportable donation...
(1) The statement required by paragraph 2(1)(b) to be contained...
Where reference is made in this Part to a donation...
(1) A weekly report in respect of a reporting period...
Assistance available to designated organisations
(1) A designated organisation is, subject to such reasonable terms...
(1) Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, persons authorised...
(1) This paragraph has effect with respect to the rights...
Assistance available to designated organisations
Referendum expenses: qualifying expenses
For the purposes of section 111(2) the expenses falling within...
Nothing in paragraph 1 shall be taken as extending to—...
(1) The Commission may prepare, and from time to time...
(1) The Secretary of State may by order make such...
Limits in relation to referendums held throughout United Kingdom
(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to a referendum...
(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to a referendum...
Control of donations to permitted participants
(1) This Schedule has effect for controlling donations to permitted...
(1) This paragraph applies to relevant donations falling within paragraph...
(1) “Donation”, in relation to a permitted participant, means (subject...
(1) For the purposes of this Schedule sponsorship is provided...
(1) None of the following shall be regarded as a...
(1) The value of any donation falling within paragraph 2(1)(a)...
(1) Sections 56 to 60 shall apply for the purposes...
Section 61 shall apply for the purposes of this Schedule...
The responsible person in relation to a permitted participant must...
(1) In relation to each relevant donation falling within paragraph...
Control of donations to candidates: New Schedule 2A to the Representation of the People Act 1983
Amendments relating to election petitions
The Representation of the People Act 1983 shall be amended...
In section 185(1) (interpretation of Part III of the Act)—...
In section 130 (election court for election in England and...
(1) For section 137 there shall be substituted— Petition at...
In section 138(1) (list of petitions) the words from “,...
(1) Sections 148 to 153 (withdrawal or abatement of petition)...
In section 157 (appeals and jurisdiction), subsection (5) (additional remuneration...
In section 159 (candidate reported guilty of corrupt or illegal...
In section 160 (candidate or other person reported personally guilty...
In section 166 (votes to be struck off for corrupt...
Election campaigns and proceedings: miscellaneous amendments
The Representation of the People Act 1983 shall be amended...
For section 89(1) (inspection of returns and declarations) there shall...
In section 90 (election expenses at elections where election agent...
Sections 101 to 105 (conveyance of voters to and from...
Section 108 (premises not to be used as committee rooms)...
In section 118 (interpretation of Part II)—
In Schedule 3— (a) the form of return, and
In Schedule 4 (election expenses in connection with certain local...
(1) The following provisions shall be omitted—
(1) In section 69 (office of election agent and sub-agent)—...
Section 72 (contracts through election agent) shall be omitted.
(1) Section 73 (payment of expenses through election agent) shall...
(1) Section 74 (candidate’s personal expenses, and petty expenses) shall...
(1) Section 78 (time for sending in and paying claims)...
(1) Section 81 (return as to election expenses) shall be...
Section 82(4) (person before whom declaration as to elections expenses...
Schedule 19
(1) This paragraph applies where the making of a political...
(1) A report under paragraph 2 must give the following...
A notification under paragraph 1 or a report under paragraph...
A notification under paragraph 1 or a report under paragraph...
(1) In this Schedule “ gift ” includes bequest.
Investigatory powers of Commission
(1) In the case of documents kept in electronic form—...
Nothing in this Schedule requires a person to produce or...
(1) A statement made by a person (“P”) in compliance...
(1) The Commission shall prepare and publish guidance as to—...
(1) Each report by the Commission under paragraph 20 of...
(1) This paragraph applies to the following organisations and individuals—...
(1) This paragraph applies where the Commission have given a...
(1) This paragraph applies where the Commission have given a...
(1) The Commission may retain any documents delivered to them...
The Commission or a person authorised by the Commission—
An authorisation of a person by the Commission under this...
In this Schedule “ documents ” includes any books or...
(1) Where sub-paragraph (2) or (3) applies, the Commission may...
A stop notice must include information as to—
(1) A person served with a stop notice may appeal...
(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) the Commission have reasonable...
(1) The Secretary of State may by order (a “supplementary...
(1) Before making a supplementary order the Secretary of State...
(1) A supplementary order may make any of the following...
A supplementary order may make any of the following provision...
(1) Where the Commission propose to impose a fixed monetary...
For the purposes of enabling criminal proceedings to be instituted...
(1) A supplementary order may make any of the following...
(1) The Commission may not serve on a person a...
(1) The Commission must not take into account a statement...
Any amount that is payable under this Schedule by an...
(1) The Commission shall prepare and publish guidance as to—...
Where, in pursuance of any provision contained in or made...
(1) Each report by the Commission under paragraph 20 of...
(1) Information held by or on behalf of—
In this Schedule— “ completion certificate ” has the meaning...
(1) A notice under paragraph 2(1) must include information as...
(1) Where a notice under paragraph 2(1) is served on...
(1) The Commission may impose one or more discretionary requirements...
(1) Where the Commission propose to impose a discretionary requirement...
(1) A notice under paragraph 6(1) must include information as...
(1) A person on whom a discretionary requirement is imposed...
(1) The Commission may by notice impose a monetary penalty...
Minor and consequential amendments
In Part II of the Table at the end of...
In section 14(8) of that Act (changes that may be...
In section 170 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order...
Minor and consequential amendments
(1) The Scotland Act 1998 is amended as follows.
(1) The Northern Ireland Act 1998 is amended as follows....
In section 4(11) of the Greater London Authority Act 1999...
(1) Section 10 of the Representation of the People Act...
(1) Section 11 of that Act (revision of procedures in...
(1) The Local Government Act 2000 is amended as follows....
In Schedule 2 to the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 (departments...
In Schedule 1 to the House of Commons Disqualification Act...
In Schedule 1 to the Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification Act...
Minor and consequential amendments
(1) The Representation of the People Act 1983 is amended...
(1) In regulation 99 of the Representation of the People...
Minor and consequential amendments
(1) Section 13 of the Local Government Act 1992 (duty...
Repeals
Transitional provisions
In this Part of this Schedule— “the 1998 Act” means...
The requirement in section 28(4)(f) for any order under that...
Transitional provisions
Transitional provisions
(1) This paragraph applies to any party registered under the...
(1) This paragraph applies to any party registered under the...
(1) This paragraph applies where a party registered under the...
(1) This paragraph applies where a party registered under the...
In relation to any time when the functions of the...
For the purposes of section 3(2)— (a) any agreement to...
The requirement in section 26(8)(c) for any order under that...
3A In relation to each recordable transaction that is an...
4A In relation to each recordable transaction that is an...
3A In relation to each recordable donation that is an...
Duties in relation to statement
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Electoral Commission must follow designated strategy statement and report annually Statutory regulator
Code of practice on attendance of observers at devolved elections in Wales
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Electoral Commission must prepare a code of practice on attendance of observers at Welsh devolved elections Statutory regulator
Reviews of devolved electoral matters in Wales
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Electoral Commission must review Welsh devolved elections and report to Welsh Ministers Statutory regulator
Setting performance standards: devolved Scottish elections
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Electoral Commission must consult Scottish Ministers before setting performance standards for Scottish elections Crown / Minister / Government department
Broadcasters to have regard to Commission’s views on party political broadcasts.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- BBC must consider Electoral Commission views on party political broadcast policy Crown / Minister / Government department
Examination of duty to have regard to strategy and policy statement
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Electoral Commission must provide information to Speaker’s Committee when required Statutory regulator
Notification of changes in party’s officers etc.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Notify the Electoral Commission of changes to party officers or details Crown / Minister / Government department
Party political broadcasts.
- Broadcasters must not air party political broadcasts for unregistered parties
False statements: offence.
- Make false statement to Electoral Commission on behalf of a political party
Duty to keep accounting records.
- Keep accounting records and retain them for 6 years
Annual statements of accounts.
- Prepare annual accounts and keep them for 6 years
Annual audits.
- Appoint a qualified auditor for annual accounts if income or expenditure exceeds £250,000
Delivery of statements of accounts etc. to Commission.
Unlimited fine- Deliver accounts and auditor's report to the Electoral Commission on time
Declaration as to source of donation
- Declare the source of large donations to political parties
Declaration as to whether residence etc condition satisfied
- Give a written declaration with your donation to a registered political party
Acceptance or return of donations: general.
- Verify donor identity and return prohibited donations within 30 days
Offences concerned with evasion of restrictions on donations.
Unlimited fine- Evade donation rules for political parties
Weekly donation reports during general election periods.
- Treasurer must prepare weekly donation reports during general election periods
Duty to verify donation reports
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Commission must verify Northern Ireland donation reports Statutory regulator
Duty not to disclose contents of donation reports
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Commission staff must not disclose donation report details Statutory regulator
Offences relating to regulated transactions
- Enter into regulated transaction with unauthorised participant
Quarterly reports of regulated transactions
- Report regulated transactions to the Electoral Commission quarterly
Weekly transaction reports during general election periods
- Prepare weekly transaction reports during general election periods
Submission of transaction reports to Commission
- Submit transaction reports to the Electoral Commission within deadlines
Officers of registered party with responsibility for campaign expenditure.
- Appoint deputy treasurers for campaign spending
Restriction on payments in respect of campaign expenditure.
- Restrict campaign expenditure payments to authorised persons only
Restriction on making claims in respect of campaign expenditure.
- Send campaign expenditure claims within 30 days after campaign ends
Auditor’s report on return.
- Get an auditor's report if campaign spending exceeds £250,000
Delivery of returns to the Commission.
- Deliver campaign expenditure returns to the Electoral Commission within deadlines
Declaration by treasurer as to return under section 80.
- Treasurer must sign and submit declaration with election expenses return
Restriction on payments in respect of controlled expenditure.
- Restrict who can make payments for controlled campaign spending
Limits on controlled expenditure by third parties.
- Do not exceed spending limits on political campaigning as a third party
Related offences
- Fail to submit or falsely declare donation reports
Auditor’s report on return or statement of accounts .
- Obtain auditor's report on controlled expenditure returns or accounts
Declaration by responsible person as to return under section 96.
- Submit declaration with election spending return
Declaration by responsible person as to statement of accounts under section 96A
- Submit signed declaration with statement of accounts
Declarations and notifications for purposes of section 105.
- Notify the Electoral Commission before campaigning in a referendum
Applications for designation under section 108.
- Apply for designation as a referendum campaign representative
Restriction on incurring referendum expenses.
- Do not spend referendum money without proper authorisation
Restriction on making claims in respect of referendum expenses.
- Submit and pay referendum expenses claims within required deadlines
Returns as to referendum expenses.
- File a detailed return of referendum expenses after the referendum period
Auditor’s report on return.
- Appoint a qualified auditor if referendum expenses exceed £250,000
Delivery of returns to Commission.
- Deliver referendum expense returns to the Electoral Commission on time
Referendum campaign broadcasts.
- Broadcasters must not air unauthorised referendum campaign broadcasts
Duties of Commission with respect to ... compliance with controls imposed by the Act etc.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Electoral Commission must monitor and enforce election rules Statutory regulator
General offences.
Unlimited fine- Falsify or withhold documents from regulator
Offences committed by unincorporated associations.
- Political finance offences by partnerships and associations
Duty of court to report convictions to Commission.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Courts must report election-related convictions to the Electoral Commission Tribunal / Court
Browse 213 other sections — procedural / definitional / commencement
Establishment of the Electoral Commission.
Speaker’s Committee.
Appointment of Electoral Commissioners and Commission chairman.
Four Electoral Commissioners to be persons put forward by parties
Parliamentary Parties Panel.
Strategy and policy statement
Consultation and procedural requirements
5-yearly review and designation of statement
Power to revise statement
Reports on elections, referendums etc.
Further provision about reports on Welsh elections
Reviews of electoral and political matters.
Attendance of representatives of Commission at elections etc.
Observation of working practices by representatives of Commission
Accredited observers: individuals
Accredited observers: organisations
Attendance and conduct of observers
Code of practice on attendance of observers at elections etc.
Code of practice on attendance of observers at Scottish Parliamentary elections and local government elections in Scotland
Code of practice on attendance of observers at devolved elections in Wales
Code of practice on expenditure of candidates at Scottish parliamentary elections
Reviews of electoral and political matters: devolved Scottish elections
Reviews of devolved electoral matters in Wales
Commission to be consulted on changes to electoral law.
Powers with respect to elections exercisable only on Commission recommendation.
Involvement of Commission in changes in electoral procedures.
Setting of performance standards
Performance standards for devolved elections and referendums in Wales
Setting performance standards: devolved Scottish elections
Returns and reports on performance standards
Provision of information about expenditure on elections etc.
Giving of advice and assistance.
Policy development grants.
Education about electoral and democratic systems.
Reimbursement of costs by Scottish Ministers etc.
Boundary committees.
Deputy Electoral Commissioners.
Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions.
Transfer of property etc. of the Boundary Commissions.
Transfer of functions of Local Government Commission for England.
Transfer of functions of Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland.
Transfer of functions of Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales.
Commission as CORE keeper
Interpretation of Part I.
Parties to be registered in order to field candidates at elections.
The new registers.
Office-holders to be registered.
Parties with campaigns officers.
Financial structure of registered party: adoption of scheme.
Financial structure of registered party: accounting units.
Registration of parties.
Descriptions
Joint descriptions
Emblems.
Changes to the register.
Confirmation of registered particulars
Party ceasing to be registered.
Registration of minor parties.
Request by Secretary of State.
Assistance by Commission for existing registered parties.
Amendment of parliamentary elections rules.
Interpretation of Part II.
Supplementary provisions about auditors.
Public inspection of parties’ statements of accounts.
Criminal penalty for failure to submit proper statement of accounts.
Revision of defective statements of accounts.
Division of responsibilities in case of party with accounting units.
Donations for purposes of Part IV.
Sponsorship.
Payments, services etc. not to be regarded as donations.
Value of donations.
Permissible donors.
Payments etc. which are (or are not) to be treated as donations by permissible donors.
Return of donations where donor unidentifiable.
Additional limit on Gibraltar donations to UK parties
Forfeiture of donations made by impermissible or unidentifiable donors.
Appeal against order under section 58.
Supplementary provisions about orders under section 58.
Quarterly donation reports.
Exemption from requirement to prepare quarterly reports
Exemptions from section 63.
Submission of donation reports to Commission.
Declaration by treasurer in donation report.
Weekly donation reports in connection with elections other than general elections.
Reporting of multiple small donations.
Register of recordable donations.
Special provision for Northern Ireland parties.
Control of donations to individuals and members associations.
Introduction
Extension of categories of permissible donors in relation to Northern Ireland recipients
Northern Ireland recipients not permissible donors in relation to Great Britain
Regulated transactions
Valuation of regulated transaction
Prohibition on increase in value of Gibraltar regulated transaction following European parliamentary election
Authorised participants
Financial limit on Gibraltar donations and Gibraltar regulated transactions
Declaration that residence
Regulated transaction involving unauthorised participant
Guarantees and securities: unauthorised participants
Transfer to unauthorised participant invalid
Changes to be recorded in quarterly reports
Existing transactions
Exemption from requirement to prepare quarterly reports
Exemptions from section 71Q
Declaration by treasurer in transaction report
Weekly donation reports in connection with elections other than general elections
Register of recordable transactions
Proceedings under sections 71I and 71S
Construction of Part 4A
Control of loans etc: individuals and members associations
Introduction
Extension of categories of authorised participants in relation to Northern Ireland participants
Northern Ireland participants are not authorised participants in relation to Great Britain
Duty to verify transaction reports
Duty not to disclose contents of transaction reports
Campaign expenditure.
Campaign expenditure: power of Scottish Ministers
Notional campaign expenditure.
Restriction on incurring campaign expenditure.
Disputed claims.
Limits on campaign expenditure.
Returns as to campaign expenditure.
Public inspection of returns under section 80.
Controlled expenditure by third parties.
Controlled expenditure of third parties: power of Scottish Ministers
Notional controlled expenditure.
Expenditure by third parties which is not controlled expenditure.
Third parties recognised for the purposes of this Part.
Register of notifications for purposes of section 88.
Restriction on which third parties may incur controlled expenditure
Restriction on which third parties may incur controlled expenditure: Senedd Cymru elections
Restriction on incurring controlled expenditure.
Restriction on making claims in respect of controlled expenditure.
Disputed claims.
Arrangements between third parties notified to the Commission
Effect where arrangements are notified under section 94A
Overview of sections 94D to 94H
Meaning of “targeted”, “targeted expenditure limit” etc
Unauthorised expenditure in excess of targeted expenditure limit
Authorised expenditure in excess of targeted expenditure limit
Authorisation
Expenditure that “exceeds” a targeted expenditure limit or cap
Control of donations to recognised third parties.
Quarterly donation reports
Weekly donation reports during general election periods
Forfeiture
Sections 95A to 95D: supplementary
Public inspection of reports
Control of donation to recognised third parties: power of Scottish Ministers
Returns as to controlled expenditure.
Statement of accounts
Delivery of returns to the Commission.
Public inspection of returns under section 96.
Code of practice on controlled expenditure
Code of practice on controlled expenditure: Scottish Parliament elections
Code of practice: consultation and procedural requirements
Code of Practice on controlled expenditure for Scottish Parliament elections: consultation and procedural requirements
Code of Practice: consultation and procedural requirements on controlled expenditure in Senedd Cymru elections
Referendums to which this Part applies.
Referendum period.
Date of poll.
Referendum questions.
Permitted participants.
Register of declarations and notifications for purposes of section 105.
Designation of organisations to whom assistance is available.
Assistance available to designated organisations.
Referendum expenses.
Notional referendum expenses.
Restriction on payments in respect of referendum expenses.
Disputed claims.
General restriction on referendum expenses.
Special restrictions on referendum expenses by permitted participants.
Control of donations to permitted participants.
Declaration of responsible person as to return under section 120.
Public inspection of returns under section 120.
Restriction on publication etc. of promotional material by central and local government etc.
Details to appear on referendum material.
Chief Counting Officers, and counting officers, for referendums.
Orders regulating conduct of referendums.
Control of donations to candidates.
Election expenses incurred otherwise than by candidate.
Financial limits applying to candidates’ election expenses.
Power to vary provisions about election expenses.
Meaning of “election expenses”.
Meaning of “candidate”.
Corrupt and illegal practices: consequences for persons convicted of such practices.
Corrupt and illegal practices: election petitions etc.
Election campaigns and proceedings: miscellaneous amendments.
Control of political donations by companies.
Disclosure of political donations and expenditure in directors’ report.
Reports of gifts received by unincorporated associations
Reduction of qualifying period for overseas electors.
Miscellaneous and general
Details to appear on election material.
Meaning of “election material”
Broadcasting of local items during election period.
Investigatory powers of Commission
Civil sanctions
Inspection of Commission’s registers etc.
Inspection of Commission’s registers etc.: Northern Ireland
Punishment of offences.
Summary proceedings.
Offences committed by bodies corporate.
Power to vary specified sums or percentages .
Orders and regulations.
Documents for purposes of the Act.
Minor and consequential amendments and repeals.
Financial provisions.
Functions of the Minister for the Cabinet Office
General interpretation.
Interpretation: donations.
Interpretation: exempt trust donations.
Short title, commencement, transitional provisions and extent.
Official guidance
Authoritative sources published by regulators or government explaining this legislation.
- Section six: Elections and referendums (opens in a new tab) from Ofcom Detailed Guidance
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