The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA) and the Representation of the People Act 1983 (RPA) enable us to make regulations on various aspects of party and election finance. So far we have made regulations in two areas and we are consulting to introduce it on statement of accounts.
Introducing regulation for statement of accounts
In July 2008 we consulted on draft proposals to standardise statements of accounts. The consultation closed in October 2008.
Since then we have been working with parties to develop a timetable for introducing changes to the way parties and accounting units prepare and submit their annual accounts.
The Commission will publish an update on the revised timetable before the end of November.
We have published the following updates detailing the progress of this project below:
- Statements of Accounts - Update (April 2009)
- Statements of Accounts - Update (Novermber 2008)
- Standardising Statement of Accounts consultation paper (July 2008) - (Welsh version)
Donations as sponsorship
Political parties must report their donations to us on a quarterly basis. In reporting each donation, our regulations require the party to report whether or not the donation was sponsorship.
Sponsorship is defined by Section 51 of PPERA. We made these regulations, which commenced on 30 March 2007, under Paragraph 8 of Schedule 6 of PPERA.
We also have further guidance for political parties on donations.
Candidates expenses forms
Candidates for elective office must submit a return of their election spending after contesting an election under Section 81 of the RPA.
We have made regulations for a form that may be used for this purpose by local government candidates in England and Wales. The forms can be used by candidates standing to be district, county and borough councillors, constituency members of the Greater London Assembly and elected mayors.
The forms should not be used by parish and community council candidates for whom separate forms are available.
We made these regulations using our powers under Section 81(10A) of the RPA. The regulations came into force on 1 April 2007 for elections held on or after 3 May 2007.
We also have further guidance for candidates and agents on spending and donation requirements.
