Campaign spending: Political parties and non-party campaigners

Before elections and referendums, there is a regulated period for the campaign that puts a limit on spending. These limits apply to candidates, political parties and non-party campaigners.

Spending limits vary for different elections.

Every year, we publish specific guidance for elections happening that year. That guidance sets out: 

  • the particular spending limits that apply 
  • the period that the limits apply for 
  • the reporting deadlines for those elections 

Election campaign spending

During election campaigns spending limits apply to political parties and non-party campaigners.  They must record what they spend on certain activities to promote themselves, or criticise other parties, during the regulated period. 

Political parties have to:

  • record what they spend during the election campaign
  • report their spending to us in a spending return

Non-party campaigners have to register with us if they plan to spend over a certain amount during the campaign. These amounts are:

  • £20,000 in England
  • £10,000 in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Lead campaign group

Registered campaigners in a referendum can apply to become the lead campaign group for one side of the debate. This is also known as being the designated organisation.

Lead campaign groups:

  • have a higher spending limit than other registered campaigners
  • get funding to send information to voters
  • can be involved in referendum campaign broadcasts
  • can use certain public rooms for free
  • receive a grant from us

Campaign spending at past elections and referendums

You can view spending at past elections and referendums on Political Finance Online, so you can see what political parties, campaigners and other groups are doing. 

Chart: Spending by party and election

This chart shows the combined total spending by political parties in elections. You can view the data based on type of election, and whether the election is held in Great Britain, Northern Ireland or both.

Spending breakdown

This chart shows the total spending broken down into categories. You can view the data based on type of election, political party and whether the election is held in Great Britain, Northern Ireland or both.