Monthly update - concluded investigations (March 2020)

Details of the investigations concluded in the last month have been published today by the Electoral Commission. This is an important part of delivering transparency in political finance in the UK.

Investigations where offences were found and sanctions imposed:

Name and type of regulated entity What was investigated Offences found Decision taken
Citizens Action Party (registered party) Failure to deliver 2018 statement of accounts Failure to deliver 2018 statement of accounts £350 variable monetary penalty due by 10 April 2020

Commenting on the fines imposed, Louise Edwards, Director of Regulation, said:

“The reporting requirements are clear, so it is always disappointing when parties fail to submit timely reports. It is vital that voters are given an opportunity to see full, accurate data on where parties’ money comes from and how it is spent.

“The Commission will continue to enforce these requirements on all parties to ensure that voters have the information they need.”

Ends

For more information contact the Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0704, out of office hours 07789 920 414 or [email protected]

Notes to editors

The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. We work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity by:

  • enabling the delivery of free and fair elections and referendums, focusing on the needs of electors and addressing the changing environment to ensure every vote remains secure and accessible
  • regulating political finance – taking proactive steps to increase transparency, ensure compliance and pursue breaches
  • using our expertise to make and advocate for changes to our democracy, aiming to improve fairness, transparency and efficiency

The Commission was set up in 2000 and reports to the UK and Scottish Parliaments.

This release forms part of the Commission’s regular monthly investigations update, an important part of its commitment to deliver transparency in political finance in the UK. Information of this nature is published routinely on the third Tuesday of each month. Details for sanctions from previous months are available.

Penalties imposed by the Commission go into the Consolidated Fund. This is managed by HM Treasury and not the Electoral Commission.