Guidance for Candidates and Agents at Senedd elections

Spending on any of the following activities will count as candidate spending if the activity is used to promote the candidate during the regulated period:

• advertising of any kind.1 For example, posters, newspaper adverts, websites, or videos
• unsolicited material sent to voters.2 For example, letters, leaflets, or emails you send that aren’t in response to specific queries, including the costs of producing the election address you are entitled to send free of charge
• transport costs.3 For example, hire cars or public transport for your campaigners
• public meetings.4 For example, reimbursing expenses of attendees, hiring premises and paying for goods, services or facilities for a public meeting
• staff costs.5 For example, an agent’s salary, or staff seconded to you by their employer. You do not need to include time spent on your campaign by volunteers
• accommodation.6 For example, your campaign office
• administrative costs.7 For example, telephone bills, stationery, photocopying and the use of databases

All costs associated with an activity will count as candidate spending. For example, if you are producing leaflets or advertising, you must include the design and distribution costs.

This spending must be reported in your spending return after the election. More detailed information on each category is included on the following pages.