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.
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.
Introducing regulation on statement of accounts
In July we consulted on draft proposals to standardise statements of accounts. The consultation has now closed and we have now reviewed and considered all of the responses that we received.
You can view our update to teh consultation, which summarises our next step here.
