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Relevant legislation

This guidance has been produced based on, and should be read in accordance with, the requirements set out in the following legislation (as amended):

  • Representation of the People Acts 1983, 1985 and 2000
  • Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000
  • Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001
  • Electoral Administration Act 2006
  • Political Parties and Elections Act 2009
  • Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011
  • The Police and Crime Commissioner Elections Order 2012
  • The Police and Crime Commissioner Elections (Functions of Returning Officers) Regulations 2012
  • The Police and Crime Commissioner Elections (Designation of Local Authorities) Order 2015 
  • The Police and Crime Commissioner (Disqualification) (Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2012
  • The Police and Crime Commissioner Elections (Returning Officers’ Accounts) (Amendment) Regulations 2016 
  • The Police and Crime Commissioner Elections (Local Returning Officers’ and Police Area Returning Officers’ Charges) Order 2016 
  • Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013
  • The Transfer of Functions (Police and Crime Commissioner Elections) Order 2015
  • The Elections Act 2022
  • Voter Identification Regulations 2022
  • The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Amendments) Regulations 2022
  • Police and Crime Commissioner Elections and Welsh Forms (Amendment) Order 2022 
  • Police and Crime Commissioner Elections (Designations etc.) (Amendment) Order 2022
  • Representation of the People (Postal and Proxy Voting etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 

The list above includes only the legislation that makes provision in areas that this guidance relates to and the legislation that currently stands. We expect further legislation to provide for amended conduct regulations, designation of PAROs and fees and charges.

Data protection legislation applies to the processing of all personal data. LROs are personally responsible for ensuring that they comply with the requirements of data protection legislation. We have published guidance to support you in meeting with your obligations under data protection legislation as it relates to your electoral administration responsibilities.

You are required to have regard to the public sector equality duty contained in Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 when carrying out your duties.

As LRO you are also required to have regard to the Electoral Commission's guidance on accessibility.

LROs in Wales must also have regard to the Welsh Language Act 1993 and the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011, which require services in Wales to be delivered equally in English and in Welsh. .

Last updated: 9 November 2023