The Representation of the People (Variation of Limits of Candidates’ Election Expenses) (England) Order 2020

Statutory Instruments

2020 No. 1634

Representation Of The People, England

The Representation of the People (Variation of Limits of Candidates’ Election Expenses) (England) Order 2020

Made

21st December 2020

Coming into force

22nd December 2020

The Minister for the Cabinet Office, considering it expedient in consequence of changes in the value of money, makes the following Order in exercise of the powers conferred by section 76A(1)(a) of the Representation of the People Act 1983(1), and now vested in the Minister(2).

Citation, commencement and extent

1.—(1) This Order may be cited as the Representation of the People (Variation of Limits of Candidates’ Election Expenses) (England) Order 2020 and comes into force on the day after the day on which it is made.

(2) This Order extends to England and Wales.

Variation of expenses limit at a local government election in England

2.  In section 76(2)(b) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 Act(3) (maximum amount of a candidate’s expenses at a local government election other than an election under the Greater London Authority Act 1999), before sub-paragraph (ii) insert—

“(ib) at a local government election in England, £806 together with an additional 7p for every entry in the register of electors;”.

Chloe Smith

Minister of State for the Constitution and Devolution

Cabinet Office

21 December 2020

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order increases the maximum amount of candidates’ election expenses at local government elections in England, other than elections under the Greater London Authority Act 1999. The increase reflects inflation since the maximum amount was last varied, by the Representation of the People (Variation of Limits of Candidates’ Election Expenses) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/1870).

The maximum amount of candidates’ election expenses consists of a fixed amount (expressed in pounds) plus a sum (expressed in pence) for each entry in the register of electors.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.

(1)

1983 c. 2; section 76A was inserted by section 14 of the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50) and substituted by section 133(1) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c. 41).

(2)

The Secretary of State’s functions under section 76A were exercisable concurrently with the Lord President of the Council by virtue of S.I. 2010/1837. By virtue of S.I. 2015/1376, the Secretary of State’s functions which were exercisable concurrently with the Lord President ceased to be so exercisable and were instead exercisable concurrently with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. By virtue of S.I. 2016/997, the Secretary of State’s functions which were exercisable concurrently with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster ceased to be so exercisable and are instead exercisable concurrently with the Minister for the Cabinet Office.

(3)

Section 76(2)(b) was amended by Schedule 17 to the Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51), by Part 1 of Schedule 13 to the Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40), by paragraphs 1 and 20 of Schedule 3 to the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (c. 29), by paragraphs 1 and 18 of Schedule 1 and Schedule 7 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 (c. 2), and by S.I. 2005/269 and 2014/1870.