There are rules that control the financial activities of political parties and other campaigners at major elections and referendums. We ensure that these rules are followed and provide guidance to help those we regulate to comply with the rules.

    Update on COVID-19 and financial returns

    The UK Government has postponed May 2020 elections. This means:

    • there is no requirement for any financial reporting by parties, candidates or other campaigners
    • any spending already incurred is not reportable
    • spending will not be reimbursed

    We, like many others, are trying to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on our staff, and our work. We are putting in place temporary arrangements over the next few months.

    Contacting us

    We will only arrange meetings by exception, but we can continue to support you in other ways. Please contact us by email where possible. Our advice service is open, but we may have reduced capacity at times.

    Delivery of financial returns

    Please deliver your financial returns online. We can, if necessary, accept post. Do not hand deliver your return. We can’t guarantee that any of our offices will be open to accept it.

    Let us know if you think that COVID-19 will affect you delivering any return on time. Deadlines for returns are set out in law. We can’t change them. If we know that COVID-19 is affecting you getting your return in, we can support you and take the circumstances into account. If we don’t know, all we will see is a missed deadline.

    This area of the site provides guidance for: 

    If you are a candidate standing for election please visit our area of the website for candidates and agents.

    If you are another regulated individual or organisation (such as a holder of a relevant elected office, unincorporated association or members association) please view the overview of rules on donations and loans to other individuals and organisations.

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