It will be necessary to determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether the think tank is a members association within the meaning of Schedule 7 to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA). Bodies that have a particularly close relationship with a political party may well come within the definition of a members association. In such cases, it will then be necessary to determine whether the donation in question has been 'accepted and retained by the members association for its use or benefit in connection with any of its political activities'. These activities may be separate from the activities of any political party. If this is the case, donations to the think tank will be controlled donations under PPERA.
