Guidance for Candidates at Parish council elections in England

Completing your return

The spending report is known as a ‘return’.

This should include the following for each item of spending:1

  • what the spending was for – for example, leaflets or advertising
  • the name and address of the supplier
  • the amount or value
  • details of when it was incurred and paid
  • details of any unpaid or disputed amounts
  • details of any notional spending, and a declaration of its value
  • invoices or receipts for any payment of £10 or over
  • details of any personal expenses

There is more information on the details that you need to report in Candidate spending.

The spending return must be accompanied by a declaration to verify the return.2  It is your responsibility to fully and accurately report candidate spending.

It is a criminal offence to make a false declaration knowingly.3

Forms you will need:

Last updated: 16 January 2024