Spending by non-party campaigners on activities that are regulated will count towards the campaigner’s spending limit during a particular period in the run-up to the election. This period is called the ‘regulated period’.
The regulated period for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election begins on 7 January 2026, and ends on polling day, 7 May 2026.1
Any spending you have incurred on regulated campaign activities which is used during the regulated period will count towards your spending limit. It includes:
spending on items or services bought before the regulated period begins, but used during it2
the value of items or services given to you free of charge, or at a non-commercial discount of more than 10%, and then used in your campaign (see notional spending)3
spending by your joint campaign partners when you campaign together with others in certain arrangements (joint campaigning)
spending on regulated campaign activities relating to other elections in Scotland during the regulated period, such as spending at any local elections or by-elections.