Political party donations and loans in Great Britain

Sponsorship

What is sponsorship?

Sponsorship is support given to a political party, or other regulated organisation or individual, that helps them meet the costs of:

  • any conference, meeting or other event (including digital conferences or events)
  • the preparation, production, or distribution of a publication (print or digital), or
  • any study or research.

Sponsorship payments are a type of donation under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA). Where a payment does not amount to sponsorship, it may still be a donation if it meets the definition of a donation under PPERA.

What are the sponsorship rules?

As with all donations to parties, sponsorship payments over £500 can only be accepted from a permissible donor. You must report donations you receive over certain thresholds. Please see Who can you accept donations and loans from? and Which donations and loans do you need to report? for further details.

Last updated: 21 November 2023