Guidance for Candidates and Agents at local government elections in England

What counts as a donation?

A donation is money, goods, property or services which are given:

  • towards your candidate spending
  • without charge or on non-commercial terms1

and have a value of over £50.2  Anything with a value of £50 or less does not count as a donation.

The donation controls for candidates apply once you are officially a candidate.3

Some examples of donations include:

  • a gift of money or other property
  • payment of an invoice for candidate spending that would otherwise be paid by you
  • a loan that is not on commercial terms
  • sponsorship of an event or publication 
  • free or specially discounted use of property or facilities, for example the free use of an office
Last updated: 7 December 2023