Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000
Part I The Electoral Commission
Establishment of Electoral Commission and bodies with related functions
1 Establishment of the Electoral Commission.
2 Speaker’s Committee.
3 Appointment of Electoral Commissioners and Commission chairman.
3AFour Electoral Commissioners to be persons put forward by parties
4 Parliamentary Parties Panel.
Commission’s general functions
5Reports on elections, referendums etc .
6 Reviews of electoral and political matters.
6ZAReviews of electoral and political matters: devolved Scottish elections
6ZAReviews of devolved electoral matters in Wales
6AAttendance of representatives of Commission at elections etc.
6BObservation of working practices by representatives of Commission
6CAccredited observers: individuals
6DAccredited observers: organisations
6EAttendance and conduct of observers
6FCode of practice on attendance of observers at elections etc.
6GCode of practice on attendance of observers at Scottish Parliamentary elections and local government elections in Scotland
6GCode of practice on attendance of observers at devolved elections in Wales
6HCode of practice on expenditure of candidates at Scottish parliamentary elections
7 Commission to be consulted on changes to electoral law.
8 Powers with respect to elections exercisable only on Commission recommendation.
9 Involvement of Commission in changes in electoral procedures.
9ASetting of performance standards
9AAPerformance standards for devolved elections and referendums in Wales
9AASetting performance standards: devolved Scottish elections
9BReturns and reports on performance standards
9CProvision of information about expenditure on elections etc.
10 Giving of advice and assistance.
11 Broadcasters to have regard to Commission’s views on party political broadcasts.
12 Policy development grants.
13 Education about electoral and democratic systems.
13AReimbursement of costs by Scottish Ministers etc.
Commission’s electoral boundary functions
14 Boundary committees.
15 Deputy Electoral Commissioners.
16 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions.
17 Transfer of property etc. of the Boundary Commissions.
18 Transfer of functions of Local Government Commission for England.
19 Transfer of functions of Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland.
20 Transfer of functions of Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales.
Commission's functions relating to CORE
20ACommission as CORE keeper
Supplementary
21 Interpretation of Part I.
Part II Registration of political parties
Requirement for registration
22 Parties to be registered in order to field candidates at elections.
The registers of political parties
23 The new registers.
Preliminary requirements
24 Office-holders to be registered.
25 Parties with campaigns officers.
26 Financial structure of registered party: adoption of scheme.
27 Financial structure of registered party: accounting units.
Registration
28 Registration of parties.
28ADescriptions
28BJoint descriptions
29 Emblems.
30 Changes to the register.
31 Notification of changes in party’s officers etc.
32 Confirmation of registered particulars etc.
33 Party ceasing to be registered.
34 Registration of minor parties.
35 Request by Secretary of State.
36 Assistance by Commission for existing registered parties.
Supplemental
37 Party political broadcasts.
38 Amendment of parliamentary elections rules.
39 False statements: offence.
40 Interpretation of Part II.
Part III Accounting requirements for registered parties
Accounting records
41 Duty to keep accounting records.
Statements of accounts
42 Annual statements of accounts.
43 Annual audits.
44 Supplementary provisions about auditors.
45 Delivery of statements of accounts etc. to Commission.
46 Public inspection of parties’ statements of accounts.
47 Criminal penalty for failure to submit proper statement of accounts.
Revision of statements of accounts
48 Revision of defective statements of accounts.
Parties with accounting units
49 Division of responsibilities in case of party with accounting units.
Part IV Control of donations to registered parties and their members etc.
Chapter I Donations to registered parties
50 Donations for purposes of Part IV.
51 Sponsorship.
52 Payments, services etc. not to be regarded as donations.
53 Value of donations.
Chapter II Restrictions on donations to registered parties
Permissible donations
54 Permissible donors.
54ADeclaration as to source of donation
54BDeclaration as to whether residence etc condition satisfied
55 Payments etc. which are (or are not) to be treated as donations by permissible donors.
56 Acceptance or return of donations: general.
57 Return of donations where donor unidentifiable.
57AAdditional limit on Gibraltar donations to UK parties
Forfeiture of certain donations
58 Forfeiture of donations made by impermissible or unidentifiable donors.
59 Appeal against order under section 58.
60 Supplementary provisions about orders under section 58.
Evasion of restrictions on donations
61 Offences concerned with evasion of restrictions on donations.
Chapter III Reporting of donations to registered parties
Reports to be made by registered parties
62 Quarterly donation reports.
62AExemption from requirement to prepare quarterly reports
63 Weekly donation reports during general election periods.
64 Exemptions from section 63.
65 Submission of donation reports to Commission.
66 Declaration by treasurer in donation report.
Extension of reporting requirements
67 Weekly donation reports in connection with elections other than general elections.
Reports to be made by donors
68 Reporting of multiple small donations.
Register of donations
69 Register of recordable donations.
Chapter IV Power to make special provision
70 Special provision for Northern Ireland parties.
Chapter V Control of donations to individuals and members associations
71 Control of donations to individuals and members associations.
Chapter 6Special Provision in connection with Northern Ireland
71AIntroduction
71BExtension of categories of permissible donors in relation to Northern Ireland recipients
71CNorthern Ireland recipients not permissible donors in relation to Great Britain
71DDuty to verify donation reports
71EDuty not to disclose contents of donation reports
Part 4ARegulation of loans and related transactions
CHAPTER 1
71FRegulated transactions
71GValuation of regulated transaction
71GAProhibition on increase in value of Gibraltar regulated transaction following European parliamentary election
71HAuthorised participants
71HZADeclaration that residence etc condition is satisfied
71HAFinancial limit on Gibraltar donations and Gibraltar regulated transactions
71IRegulated transaction involving unauthorised participant
71JGuarantees and securities: unauthorised participants
71KTransfer to unauthorised participant invalid
71LOffences relating to regulated transactions
71MQuarterly reports of regulated transactions
71NChanges to be recorded in quarterly reports
71OExisting transactions
71PExemption from requirement to prepare quarterly reports
71QWeekly transaction reports during general election periods
71RExemptions from section 71Q
71SSubmission of transaction reports to Commission
71TDeclaration by treasurer in transaction report
71UWeekly donation reports in connection with elections other than general elections
71VRegister of recordable transactions
71WProceedings under sections 71I and 71S
71XConstruction of Part 4A
71YControl of loans etc: individuals and members associations
CHAPTER 2SPECIAL PROVISION IN CONNECTION WITH NORTHERN IRELAND
71Z Introduction
71Z1Extension of categories of authorised participants in relation to Northern Ireland participants
71Z2Northern Ireland participants are not authorised participants in relation to Great Britain
71Z3Duty to verify transaction reports
71Z4 Duty not to disclose contents of transaction reports
Part V Control of campaign expenditure
Preliminary
72 Campaign expenditure.
72ACampaign expenditure: power of Scottish Ministers
73 Notional campaign expenditure.
74 Officers of registered party with responsibility for campaign expenditure.
General restrictions relating to campaign expenditure
75 Restriction on incurring campaign expenditure.
76 Restriction on payments in respect of campaign expenditure.
77 Restriction on making claims in respect of campaign expenditure.
78 Disputed claims.
Financial limits
79 Limits on campaign expenditure.
Returns
80 Returns as to campaign expenditure.
81 Auditor’s report on return.
82 Delivery of returns to the Commission.
83 Declaration by treasurer as to return under section 80.
84 Public inspection of returns under section 80.
Part VI Controls relating to third party national election campaigns
Chapter I Preliminary
Controlled expenditure by third parties
85 Controlled expenditure by third parties.
85AControlled expenditure of third parties: power of Scottish Ministers
86 Notional controlled expenditure.
87 Expenditure by third parties which is not controlled expenditure.
Recognised third parties
88 Third parties recognised for the purposes of this Part.
89 Register of notifications for purposes of section 88.
Chapter II Financial controls
General restrictions relating to controlled expenditure by recognised third parties
90 Restriction on incurring controlled expenditure.
91 Restriction on payments in respect of controlled expenditure.
92 Restriction on making claims in respect of controlled expenditure.
93 Disputed claims.
Financial limits on controlled expenditure
94 Limits on controlled expenditure by third parties.
94AArrangements between third parties notified to the Commission
94BEffect where arrangements are notified under section 94A
Financial limits on targeted controlled expenditure
94COverview of sections 94D to 94H
94DMeaning of “targeted”, “targeted expenditure limit” etc
94EUnauthorised expenditure in excess of targeted expenditure limit
94FAuthorised expenditure in excess of targeted expenditure limit
94GAuthorisation
94HExpenditure that “exceeds” a targeted expenditure limit or cap
Donations to recognised third parties
95 Control of donations to recognised third parties.
95ZAControl of donation to recognised third parties: power of Scottish Ministers
Quarterly and weekly reports of donations to recognised third parties
95AQuarterly donation reports
95BWeekly donation reports during general election periods
95CRelated offences
95DForfeiture
95ESections 95A to 95D: supplementary
95FPublic inspection of reports
Returns
96 Returns as to controlled expenditure.
96AStatement of accounts
97 Auditor’s report on return or statement of accounts .
98 Delivery of returns to the Commission.
99 Declaration by responsible person as to return under section 96.
99ADeclaration by responsible person as to statement of accounts under section 96A
100 Public inspection of returns under section 96.
Part VII Referendums
Chapter I Preliminary
Referendums to which this Part applies
101 Referendums to which this Part applies.
102 Referendum period.
103 Date of poll.
104 Referendum questions.
Permitted participants
105 Permitted participants.
106 Declarations and notifications for purposes of section 105.
107 Register of declarations and notifications for purposes of section 105.
Assistance for designated organisations
108 Designation of organisations to whom assistance is available.
109 Applications for designation under section 108.
110 Assistance available to designated organisations.
Chapter II Financial controls
Referendum expenses
111 Referendum expenses.
112 Notional referendum expenses.
General restrictions relating to referendum expenses incurred by permitted participants
113 Restriction on incurring referendum expenses.
114 Restriction on payments in respect of referendum expenses.
115 Restriction on making claims in respect of referendum expenses.
116 Disputed claims.
Financial limits
117 General restriction on referendum expenses.
118 Special restrictions on referendum expenses by permitted participants.
Donations to permitted participants
119 Control of donations to permitted participants.
Returns
120 Returns as to referendum expenses.
121 Auditor’s report on return.
122 Delivery of returns to Commission.
123 Declaration of responsible person as to return under section 120.
124 Public inspection of returns under section 120.
Chapter III Controls on Publications
125 Restriction on publication etc. of promotional material by central and local government etc.
126 Details to appear on referendum material.
127 Referendum campaign broadcasts.
Chapter IV Conduct of referendums
128 Chief Counting Officers, and counting officers, for referendums.
129 Orders regulating conduct of referendums.
Part VIII Election campaigns and proceedings
Control of donations to candidates
130 Control of donations to candidates.
Control of election expenses
131 Election expenses incurred otherwise than by candidate.
132 Financial limits applying to candidates’ election expenses.
133 Power to vary provisions about election expenses.
134 Meaning of “election expenses”.
135 Meaning of “candidate”.
Corrupt and illegal practices
136 Corrupt and illegal practices: consequences for persons convicted of such practices.
137 Corrupt and illegal practices: election petitions etc.
Miscellaneous amendments
138 Election campaigns and proceedings: miscellaneous amendments.
Part IX Political donations and expenditure by companies
Control of political donations
139 Control of political donations by companies.
Disclosure of political donations and expenditure
140 Disclosure of political donations and expenditure in directors’ report.
Reports to Commission by unincorporated associations making political contributions
140AReports of gifts received by unincorporated associations
Part X Miscellaneous and general
Overseas electors
141 Reduction of qualifying period for overseas electors.
Pre-consolidation amendments
142 Miscellaneous and general
Election material
143 Details to appear on election material.
143AMeaning of “election material”
Broadcasting during election period
144 Broadcasting of local items during election period.
Enforcement of Act
145 Duties of Commission with respect to ... compliance with controls imposed by the Act etc.
146 Investigatory powers of Commission
147 Civil sanctions
148 General offences.
Inspection of registers etc.
149 Inspection of Commission’s registers etc.
149AInspection of Commission’s registers etc.: Northern Ireland
Provisions relating to offences
150 Punishment of offences.
151 Summary proceedings.
152 Offences committed by bodies corporate.
153 Offences committed by unincorporated associations.
154 Duty of court to report convictions to Commission.
Variation of specified sums
155 Power to vary specified sums or percentages .
Supplementary
156 Orders and regulations.
157 Documents for purposes of the Act.
158 Minor and consequential amendments and repeals.
159 Financial provisions.
159AFunctions of the Minister for the Cabinet Office
160 General interpretation.
161 Interpretation: donations.
162 Interpretation: exempt trust donations.
163 Short title, commencement, transitional provisions and extent.
SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE 1 The Electoral Commission
Status of Commission and their property
1(1) The Commission shall not be regarded—
Powers
2The Commission may do anything (except borrow money) which is...
Term of office etc. of Electoral Commissioners
3(1) Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, an Electoral...
Term of office etc. of Commission chairman
4(1) Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, the chairman...
Electoral Commissioners: salary etc.
5(1) There shall be paid to an Electoral Commissioner such...
Deputy Electoral Commissioners: term of office etc.
6 The Electoral Commission
Assistant Electoral Commissioners
7(1) The Commission may appoint one or more Assistant Electoral...
Committees
8(1) The Commission may establish ... any committees which the...
Delegation to committees
9(1) The Commission may delegate functions of the Commission (to...
Procedure and proceedings
10(1) The Commission shall regulate their own procedure, and the...
Staff
11(1) The Commission— (a) shall appoint a chief executive, and...
Political restrictions on staff
11A(1) A person may not be appointed as a member...
11B(1) The chief executive of the Commission may by giving...
Delegation to staff
12Each of the following— (a) the Commission,
Delegation and contracting-out of superannuation functions
13(1) Section 1(2) of the Superannuation Act 1972 (delegation of...
Financing of Commission
14(1) The expenditure of the Commission, so far as it...
14AFinancing of Commission: devolved Scottish elections
Five-year plan
15(1) When the Commission submit to the Speaker’s Committee such...
15AFive-year plan: devolved Scottish elections
Examination of Commission by Comptroller and Auditor General
16(1) For the purpose of assisting the Speaker’s Committee to...
16AFinancing of Commission: devolved Welsh elections and referendums
16BFive-year plan: devolved Welsh elections and referendums
16CExamination of Commission: devolved Welsh elections and referendums
Accounts
17(1) The Commission shall keep proper accounting records.
Audit
18(1) The accounts prepared by the Commission for any financial...
Accounting officer
19(1) The Speaker’s Committee shall designate a member of the...
Reports
20(1) The Commission shall, as soon after the end of...
20A(1) The Commission must, as soon after the end of...
20AReports by Commission: devolved Welsh elections and referendums
20BReports by the Llywydd's Committee
Notification of Commission regulations
21(1) If the Commission make any regulations, they must give...
21A(1) If the Commission make any regulations which relate to...
Regulation-making instruments
22(1) Any power conferred on the Commission to make regulations...
Verification of regulations
23(1) The production of a printed copy of a regulation-making...
Documentary evidence
24A document purporting to be— (a) duly executed under the...
Interpretation
25(1) In this Schedule “delegate” includes further delegate.
SCHEDULE 2 The Speaker’s Committee
Reports
1(1) The Speaker’s Committee shall, at least once in each...
Term of office of Committee members
2(1) In this paragraph “appointed member” means a member of...
Committee proceedings
3(1) The Speaker’s Committee may determine their own procedure.
SCHEDULE 3 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Part I Amendments of Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986
Preliminary
1 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Duty to keep under review, and report on, parliamentary representation
2 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Functions of Boundary Committees
3 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Implementation of Commission’s reports
4 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Notices relating to proposed reports or recommendations
5 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Local inquiries
6 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Rules for redistribution of seats
7 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Part II Amendments of other Acts
Government of Wales Act 1998 (c. 38)
8 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
9 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
10 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
11 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
12 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
13 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
14 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
15 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
16 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
Scotland Act 1998 (c. 46)
17 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
18 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
19 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
20 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
21 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
22 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
23 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
24 Transfer of functions of Boundary Commissions
SCHEDULE 4 Applications under Part II
Part I Application for registration
Introductory
1(1) Paragraphs 2 to 7 must be complied with in...
Names
2(1) An application for registration in the Great Britain register...
Headquarters
3(1) An application must specify— (a) the address of the...
Registered officers
4(1) An application must give the name and home address...
Party organisation
5(1) An application must be accompanied by—
Additional information
6An application must include any other information prescribed by regulations...
Signature
7(1) An application must be signed— (a) by the proposed...
Part II Application for alteration of entry
Introductory
8(1) Paragraph 9 and (if applicable) paragraph 10 must be...
Signature
9(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (3), an application must be signed...
Details of campaigns officer
10If an application is for the addition of a statement...
Part III Application for registration of replacement officer
Introductory
11(1) Paragraphs 12 and 13 must be complied with in...
Details of replacement etc. officers
12(1) If as a result of an application one person...
Signature
13(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (3), an application must be signed...
Part IV Application for removal of entry
Signature
14Paragraph 9 above shall apply in relation to an application...
SCHEDULE 5 Accounting units: application of accounting requirements
Introductory
1(1) This Schedule provides for the application of sections 41...
Accounting records
2(1) Section 41— (a) shall not impose any duty on...
Annual statements of accounts
3(1) Section 42— (a) shall not impose any duty on...
Annual audits
4(1) Section 43 shall apply in relation to any accounting...
Supplementary provisions about auditors
5(1) Section 44 shall apply in relation to any accounting...
Submission of statements of accounts etc. to Commission
6(1) In the case of any accounting unit whose gross...
Public inspection of parties’ statements of accounts
7Section 46 shall apply in relation to any statement of...
Criminal penalty for failure to submit proper statement of accounts etc.
8(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), section 47 shall apply in...
Revision of statement of accounts
9(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), section 48 shall apply in...
SCHEDULE 6 Details to be given in donation reports
Preliminary
1(1) In this Schedule— (a) “quarterly report” means a report...
Declarations as to source of donation or as to whether residence etc condition satisfied
1A(1) In relation to each recordable donation in the case...
Identity of donors: quarterly reports
2(1) In relation to each recordable donation (other than one...
2AIn relation to each recordable donation that is an Irish...
Identity of donors: weekly reports
3(1) In relation to each recordable donation a weekly report...
3A In relation to each recordable donation that is an...
Value of donation
4(1) In relation to each recordable donation a quarterly or...
Circumstances in which donation made
5(1) In relation to each recordable donation a quarterly or...
Application of reporting requirement
5AIf the requirement to record the donation arises only because...
Donations from impermissible donors
6In relation to each recordable donation to which section 54(1)(a)...
Donations from unidentifiable donors
7In relation to each recordable donation to which section 54(1)(b)...
Other details
8A quarterly or weekly report must give such other information...
SCHEDULE 6ADetails to be given in transaction reports
Preliminary
1(1) In this Schedule— (a) “ quarterly report ” means...
Declaration as to whether residence etc condition satisfied
1AIn relation to each recordable transaction in the case of...
Identity of authorised participants: quarterly reports
2(1) In relation to each recordable transaction (other than one...
2A(1) In relation to each recordable transaction that is an Irish...
Identity of authorised participants: weekly reports
3(1) In relation to each recordable transaction, a weekly report...
3A In relation to each recordable transaction that is an...
Identity of unauthorised participants
4(1) In relation to each recordable transaction to which a...
4A In relation to each recordable transaction that is an...
Details of transaction
5(1) In relation to each recordable transaction a report must...
6(1) In relation to each recordable transaction of a description...
7(1) In relation to each recordable transaction of a description...
8(1) For the purposes of paragraph 5(4) as it applies...
8A(1) This paragraph applies where information about a change of...
Other details
9(1) The Secretary of State may by order amend paragraphs...
SCHEDULE 7 Control of donations to individuals and members associations
Part I Introductory
Operation and interpretation of Schedule
1(1) This Schedule has effect for controlling donations to—
Appointment of responsible person by members association with no treasurer
1A(1) A members association which does not have a treasurer—...
Offence of failing to comply with paragraph 1A
1BA members association commits an offence if—
Donations: general rules
2(1) “Donation”, in relation to a regulated donee, means (subject...
Sponsorship
3(1) For the purposes of this Schedule sponsorship is provided...
Payments etc. not to be regarded as donations
4(1) None of the following shall be regarded as a...
Value of donations
5(1) The value of any donation falling within paragraph 2(1)(a)...
Part II Controls on donations
Prohibition on accepting donations from impermissible donors
6(1) A controlled donation received by a regulated donee must...
Declaration as to source of donation
6A(1) Where a person (P) causes an amount exceeding £7,500...
Declaration as to whether residence etc condition satisfied
6B(1) An individual making to a regulated donee a donation...
Payments etc. which are (or are not) to be treated as donations by permissible donors
7(1) The following provisions have effect for the purposes of...
Acceptance or return of donations
8(1) Sections 56 to 60 shall apply for the purposes...
Evasion of restrictions on donations
9Section 61 shall apply for the purposes of this Schedule...
Part III Reporting of donations by regulated donees
Donation reports: donations from permissible donors
10(1) A regulated donee must prepare a report under this...
Donation reports: donations from impermissible or unidentifiable donors
11(1) A regulated donee shall— (a) prepare a report under...
Offence of failing to deliver donation report
12(1) Where a report required to be delivered to the...
Declaration in donation report
13(1) Each report under paragraph 10 or 11 must, when...
Part IV Reporting of donations by donors
14(1) This paragraph applies where a person (“the donor”) has...
Part V Register of donations
Register of recordable donations
15(1) Section 69 shall apply in relation to donations reported...
Donations to holders of certain elective offices
15A(1) This paragraph applies in relation to donations received by...
Part VI Power to make special provision
Exemption from disclosure
16 Control of donations to individuals and members associations
Part 7Compliance officers
17Functions and liabilities of compliance officers
18Notices of appointment, renewal, alteration and termination
19Register of compliance officers
SCHEDULE 7AControl of loans etc to individuals and members associations
Operation and construction of Schedule
1(1) This Schedule has effect for controlling loans and certain...
Controlled transaction
2(1) An agreement between a regulated participant and another person...
Valuation of controlled transactions
3(1) The value of a controlled transaction which is a...
Authorised participants
4(1) A regulated participant must not— (a) be a party...
Declaration that residence etc condition satisfied
4A(1) A regulated participant must not be a party to...
Controlled transaction involving unauthorised participant
5(1) This paragraph applies if a regulated participant is a...
Guarantees and securities: unauthorised participants
6(1) This paragraph applies if— (a) a regulated participant and...
Transfer to unauthorised participant invalid
7If an authorised participant purports to transfer his interest in...
Offences
8(1) An individual who is a regulated participant commits an...
Transaction reports: transactions with authorised participants
9(1) A regulated participant must prepare a report under this...
Transaction reports: transactions with unauthorised participants
10(1) A regulated participant must— (a) prepare a report under...
Transaction reports: changes to recorded transactions
11(1) A regulated participant must— (a) prepare a report under...
Offence of failing to deliver transaction report
12(1) Where a report required to be delivered to the...
Declaration in transaction report
13(1) Each report under paragraph 9 or 10 must, when...
Existing transactions
14(1) Paragraphs 9 to 11 have effect in relation to...
Register of recordable transactions
15(1) Section 71V applies in relation to transactions reported to...
Proceedings under paragraphs 5 and 12
17(1) This paragraph has effect in relation to proceedings on...
Compliance officers
18(1) This paragraph applies where a regulated participant who is...
SCHEDULE 8 Campaign expenditure: qualifying expenses
Part I Qualifying expenses
Expenses qualifying where incurred for election purposes
1For the purposes of section 72(2) the expenses falling within...
Exclusions
2(1) Nothing in paragraph 1 shall be taken as extending...
Part II Supplemental
Guidance by Commission
3(1) The Commission may prepare, and from time to time...
Power to amend Part I
4(1) The Secretary of State may by order make such...
SCHEDULE 8AControlled expenditure: qualifying expenses
Part 1Qualifying expenses
1For the purposes of section 85(2) the expenses falling within...
2(1) Nothing in paragraph 1 extends to—
Part 2Supplemental
Guidance by the Commission
3(1) The Commission may prepare, and from time to time...
Power to amend Part 1
4(1) The Secretary of State may by order make such...
SCHEDULE 9 Limits on campaign expenditure
Part I Introductory
Interpretation
1(1) In this Schedule— (a) “an ordinary general election to...
Attribution of expenditure to different parts of the United Kingdom
2(1) For the purposes of this Schedule—
Part II General limits
Parliamentary general elections
3(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to campaign expenditure...
General elections to European Parliament
4(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to campaign expenditure...
General elections to Scottish Parliament
5(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to campaign expenditure...
General elections to the National Assembly for Wales
6(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to campaign expenditure...
General elections to Northern Ireland Assembly
7(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to campaign expenditure...
Part III Limits applying in special circumstances
Combination of elections to European Parliament and to devolved legislature
8(1) This paragraph applies where (apart from this paragraph)—
Combined limits where parliamentary election pending
9(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) separate limits would (apart...
Combination of limit under paragraph 9 and other limit
10(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) a limit under paragraph...
Combination of parliamentary general election and other election, or elections, falling within paragraphs 5 to 7
11(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) a limit under paragraph...
SCHEDULE 10 Limits on controlled expenditure
Part I Introductory
Interpretation
1(1) In this Schedule— (a) “an ordinary general election to...
Attribution of expenditure to different parts of the United Kingdom
2(1) For the purposes of this Schedule controlled expenditure incurred...
Attribution of expenditure to different parliamentary constituencies
2A(1) For the purposes of this Schedule controlled expenditure incurred...
Part II General limits
Parliamentary general elections
3(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to a parliamentary...
General elections to European Parliament
4(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to a general...
General elections to Scottish Parliament
5(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to an ordinary...
General elections to the National Assembly for Wales
6(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to an ordinary...
General elections to Northern Ireland Assembly
7(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to an ordinary...
Part III Limits applying in special circumstances
Combination of elections to European Parliament and to devolved legislature
8(1) This paragraph imposes, in the circumstances mentioned in sub-paragraph...
Combined limits where parliamentary election pending
9(1) This paragraph imposes— (a) in the circumstances mentioned in...
Combination of limit under paragraph 9 and other limit
10(1) This paragraph imposes limits where— (a) paragraph 9 would...
Combination of parliamentary general election and other election, or elections, falling within paragraphs 5 to 7
11(1) This paragraph imposes limits where— (a) any period (“the...
SCHEDULE 11 Control of donations to recognised third parties
Part I Introductory
Operation and interpretation of Schedule
1(1) This Schedule has effect for controlling donations to recognised...
Donations: general rules
2(1) “Donation”, in relation to a recognised third party, means...
Sponsorship
3(1) For the purposes of this Schedule sponsorship is provided...
Payments etc not to be regarded as donations
4(1) None of the following shall be regarded as a...
Value of donations
5(1) The value of any donation falling within paragraph 2(1)(a)...
Part II Controls on donations
Prohibition on accepting donations from impermissible donors
6(1) A relevant donation received by a recognised third party...
Declaration as to source of donation
6A(1) Where a person (P) causes an amount exceeding £7,500...
Declaration as to whether residence etc condition satisfied
6B(1) An individual making to a recognised third party a...
Acceptance or return of donations
7(1) Sections 56 to 60 shall apply for the purposes...
Evasion of restrictions on donations
8Section 61 shall apply for the purposes of this Schedule...
Part III Reporting of donations in section 96 return
Statement of relevant donations
9The recognised third party must include in any return required...
Declarations under paragraph 6A or 6B
9A(1) In relation to each relevant donation falling within paragraph...
Donations from permissible donors
10(1) The statement must record, in relation to each relevant...
Donations from impermissible donors
11(1) This paragraph applies to relevant donations falling within paragraph...
SCHEDULE 11ARequirements of quarterly and weekly donation reports
Part 1Preliminary
1(1) In this Schedule— (a) “ quarterly report ” means...
Part 2Quarterly reports
Requirements of quarterly reports
2(1) A quarterly report in respect of a reporting period—...
Statement relating to reportable donations accepted during reporting period
3(1) The statement required by paragraph 2(1)(a) to be contained...
4(1) For the purposes of paragraph 3(1)(a), a reportable donation...
Statement of reportable donations dealt with during reporting period
5(1) The statement required by paragraph 2(1)(b) to be contained...
Supplementary
6Where reference is made in this Part to a donation...
Part 3Weekly Reports
7(1) A weekly report in respect of a reporting period...
SCHEDULE 12 Assistance available to designated organisations
Right to send referendum address post free
1(1) A designated organisation is, subject to such reasonable terms...
Right to use rooms for holding public meetings
2(1) Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, persons authorised...
Supplementary provisions about use of rooms for public meetings
3(1) This paragraph has effect with respect to the rights...
Referendum campaign broadcasts
4 Assistance available to designated organisations
SCHEDULE 13 Referendum expenses: qualifying expenses
Part I Qualifying expenses
Expenses qualifying where incurred for referendum purposes
1For the purposes of section 111(2) the expenses falling within...
Exclusions
2Nothing in paragraph 1 shall be taken as extending to—...
Part II Supplemental
Guidance by Commission
3(1) The Commission may prepare, and from time to time...
Power to amend Part I
4(1) The Secretary of State may by order make such...
SCHEDULE 14
Limits on referendum expenses by permitted participants
Limits in relation to referendums held throughout United Kingdom
1(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to a referendum...
Limits in relation to referendums held in particular parts of United Kingdom
2(1) This paragraph imposes limits in relation to a referendum...
SCHEDULE 15 Control of donations to permitted participants
Part I Introductory
Operation and interpretation of Schedule
1(1) This Schedule has effect for controlling donations to permitted...
Donations: general rules
2(1) “Donation”, in relation to a permitted participant, means (subject...
Sponsorship
3(1) For the purposes of this Schedule sponsorship is provided...
Payments etc. not to be regarded as donations
4(1) None of the following shall be regarded as a...
Value of donations
5(1) The value of any donation falling within paragraph 2(1)(a)...
Part II Controls on donations
Prohibition on accepting donations from impermissible donors
6(1) A relevant donation received by a permitted participant must...
Declaration as to source of donation
6A(1) Where a person (P) causes an amount exceeding £7,500...
Declaration as to whether residence etc condition satisfied
6B(1) An individual making to a permitted participant a donation...
Acceptance or return of donations
7(1) Sections 56 to 60 shall apply for the purposes...
Evasion of restrictions on donations
8Section 61 shall apply for the purposes of this Schedule...
Part III Reporting of donations
Statement of relevant donations
9The responsible person in relation to a permitted participant must...
Declarations under paragraph 6A or 6B
9A(1) In relation to each relevant donation falling within paragraph...
Donations from permissible donors
10(1) The statement must record, in relation to each relevant...
Donations from impermissible or unidentifiable donors
11(1) This paragraph applies to relevant donations falling within paragraph...
SCHEDULE 16 Control of donations to candidates: New Schedule 2A to the Representation of the People Act 1983
SCHEDULE 17 Amendments relating to election petitions
Preliminary
1The Representation of the People Act 1983 shall be amended...
Local election petitions
2In section 130 (election court for election in England and...
Procedure on all election petitions
3(1) For section 137 there shall be substituted— Petition at...
4In section 138(1) (list of petitions) the words from “,...
5(1) Sections 148 to 153 (withdrawal or abatement of petition)...
6In section 157 (appeals and jurisdiction), subsection (5) (additional remuneration...
Consequences of finding by election court of corrupt or illegal practice
7In section 159 (candidate reported guilty of corrupt or illegal...
8In section 160 (candidate or other person reported personally guilty...
9In section 166 (votes to be struck off for corrupt...
10In section 185(1) (interpretation of Part III of the Act)—...
SCHEDULE 18 Election campaigns and proceedings: miscellaneous amendments
Preliminary
1The Representation of the People Act 1983 shall be amended...
Contracts about election expenses
2Section 72 (contracts through election agent) shall be omitted.
Payment of election expenses
3(1) Section 73 (payment of expenses through election agent) shall...
4(1) Section 74 (candidate’s personal expenses, and petty expenses) shall...
5After section 74 there shall be inserted— Expenses incurred otherwise...
6(1) Section 78 (time for sending in and paying claims)...
Returns of election expenses
7(1) Section 81 (return as to election expenses) shall be...
8Section 82(4) (person before whom declaration as to elections expenses...
9After section 87 there shall be inserted— Duty of appropriate...
10For section 89(1) (inspection of returns and declarations) there shall...
11In section 90 (election expenses at elections where election agent...
Conveyance of voters to and from the poll
12Sections 101 to 105 (conveyance of voters to and from...
Illegal practices, payments, employments and hirings
13Section 108 (premises not to be used as committee rooms)...
14For section 110 there shall be substituted— Details to appear...
Election expenses
15In section 118 (interpretation of Part II)—
16In Schedule 3— (a) the form of return, and
17In Schedule 4 (election expenses in connection with certain local...
Jurisdiction and procedure
18(1) The following provisions shall be omitted—
References to documents used in legal proceedings
19(1) In section 69 (office of election agent and sub-agent)—...
SCHEDULE 19
. . . . . . . . . ....
SCHEDULE 19AReports of gifts received by unincorporated associations making political contributions
Requirement to notify Commission of political contributions over £25,000
1(1) Where in any calendar year an unincorporated association falling...
Requirement to report gifts received to Commission
2(1) This paragraph applies where the making of a political...
Information to be included in reports under paragraph 2
3(1) A report under paragraph 2 must give the following...
Declaration by authorised individual
4A notification under paragraph 1 or a report under paragraph...
Additional matters to be included in notifications and reports
5A notification under paragraph 1 or a report under paragraph...
Offences
6(1) An unincorporated association commits an offence if it—
Register of recordable gifts to unincorporated associations
7(1) The Commission shall maintain a register of all notifications...
8(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) an unincorporated association receives...
Meaning of “gift”, etc
9(1) In this Schedule “ gift ” includes bequest.
SCHEDULE 19BInvestigatory powers of Commission
Power to require disclosure
1(1) This paragraph applies to the following organisations and individuals—...
Inspection warrants
2(1) This paragraph applies to the following organisations and individuals—...
Powers in relation to suspected offences or contraventions
3(1) This paragraph applies where the Commission have reasonable grounds...
Court order for delivery of documents or provision of information etc
4(1) This paragraph applies where the Commission have given a...
5(1) This paragraph applies where the Commission have given a...
Retention of documents delivered under paragraph 4
6(1) The Commission may retain any documents delivered to them...
Power to make copies and records
7The Commission or a person authorised by the Commission—
Authorisation to be in writing
8An authorisation of a person by the Commission under this...
Meaning of “documents”
9In this Schedule “ documents ” includes any books or...
Documents in electronic form
10(1) In the case of documents kept in electronic form—...
Legal professional privilege
11Nothing in this Schedule requires a person to produce or...
Admissibility of statements
12(1) A statement made by a person (“P”) in compliance...
Offences
13(1) A person who fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply...
Guidance by Commission
14(1) The Commission shall prepare and publish guidance as to—...
Information about use of investigatory powers in Commission's annual report
15(1) Each report by the Commission under paragraph 20 of...
SCHEDULE 19CCivil sanctions
Part 1Fixed monetary penalties
Imposition of fixed monetary penalties
1(1) The Commission may by notice impose a fixed monetary...
Representations and appeals etc
2(1) Where the Commission propose to impose a fixed monetary...
Information to be included in notices under paragraph 2
3(1) A notice under paragraph 2(1) must include information as...
Fixed monetary penalties: criminal proceedings and conviction
4(1) Where a notice under paragraph 2(1) is served on...
Part 2Discretionary requirements
Imposition of discretionary requirements
5(1) The Commission may impose one or more discretionary requirements...
Representations and appeals etc
6(1) Where the Commission propose to impose a discretionary requirement...
Information to be included in notices under paragraph 6
7(1) A notice under paragraph 6(1) must include information as...
Discretionary requirements: criminal conviction
8(1) A person on whom a discretionary requirement is imposed...
Failure to comply with discretionary requirements
9(1) The Commission may by notice impose a monetary penalty...
Part 3Stop notices
Imposition of stop notices
10(1) Where sub-paragraph (2) or (3) applies, the Commission may...
Information to be included in stop notices
11A stop notice must include information as to—
Completion certificates
12(1) Where, after the service of a stop notice on...
Appeals etc
13(1) A person served with a stop notice may appeal...
Failure to comply with stop notice
14A person served with a stop notice who does not...
Part 4Enforcement undertakings
15(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) the Commission have reasonable...
Part 5Power to make supplementary provision etc by order
Supplementary orders: general
16(1) The Secretary of State may by order (a “supplementary...
Consultation
17(1) Before making a supplementary order the Secretary of State...
Monetary penalties
18(1) A supplementary order may make any of the following...
Enforcement undertakings
19A supplementary order may make any of the following provision...
Extension of time for taking criminal proceedings
20For the purposes of enabling criminal proceedings to be instituted...
Appeals
21(1) A supplementary order may make any of the following...
Part 6General and supplemental
Combination of sanctions
22(1) The Commission may not serve on a person a...
Use of statements made compulsorily
23(1) The Commission must not take into account a statement...
Unincorporated associations
24Any amount that is payable under this Schedule by an...
Guidance as to enforcement
25(1) The Commission shall prepare and publish guidance as to—...
Payment of penalties etc into Consolidated Fund
26Where, in pursuance of any provision contained in or made...
Reports on use of civil sanctions
27(1) Each report by the Commission under paragraph 20 of...
Disclosure of information
28(1) Information held by or on behalf of—
Part 7Interpretation
Interpretation of Schedule
29In this Schedule— “ completion certificate ” has the meaning...
SCHEDULE 20 Penalties
SCHEDULE 21 Minor and consequential amendments
Public Records Act 1958 (c.51)
1In Part II of the Table at the end of...
Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 (c.13)
2In Schedule 2 to the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 (departments...
House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 (c.24)
3In Schedule 1 to the House of Commons Disqualification Act...
Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification Act 1975 (c.25)
4In Schedule 1 to the Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification Act...
European Parliamentary Elections Act 1978 (c.10)
5 Minor and consequential amendments
Representation of the People Act 1983 (c.2)
6(1) The Representation of the People Act 1983 is amended...
Representation of the People Regulations 1986 (S.I. 1986/1081) and Representation of the People (Scotland) Regulations 1986 (S.I. 1986/1111)
7(1) In regulation 99 of the Representation of the People...
Broadcasting Act 1990 (c.42)
8 Minor and consequential amendments
Local Government Act 1992 (c.19)
9(1) Section 13 of the Local Government Act 1992 (duty...
10In section 14(8) of that Act (changes that may be...
Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (c.33)
11In section 170 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order...
Government of Wales Act 1998 (c.38)
12 Minor and consequential amendments
Scotland Act 1998 (c.46)
13(1) The Scotland Act 1998 is amended as follows.
Northern Ireland Act 1998 (c.47)
14(1) The Northern Ireland Act 1998 is amended as follows....
Greater London Authority Act 1999 (c.29)
15In section 4(11) of the Greater London Authority Act 1999...
Representation of the People Act 2000 (c.2)
16(1) Section 10 of the Representation of the People Act...
17(1) Section 11 of that Act (revision of procedures in...
Local Government Act 2000 (c.22)
18(1) The Local Government Act 2000 is amended as follows....
SCHEDULE 22 Repeals
SCHEDULE 23 Transitional provisions
Part I Transfer of registration of existing registered parties
Interpretation of Part I
1In this Part of this Schedule— “the 1998 Act” means...
Declaration for purposes of section 28
2(1) This paragraph applies to any party registered under the...
Draft scheme for purposes of section 26
3(1) This paragraph applies to any party registered under the...
Registration under Part II of this Act as from appointed day
4(1) This paragraph applies where a party registered under the...
Failure to comply with paragraph 2 or 3
5(1) This paragraph applies where a party registered under the...
Exercise of functions by person appointed as Commission’s chief executive
6In relation to any time when the functions of the...
Termination of registration functions of registrar of companies
7(1) The registration functions of the registrar under the 1998...
Part II Other transitional provisions
Appointment of Electoral Commissioners
8For the purposes of section 3(2)— (a) any agreement to...
Orders specifying organisations which are not to count as accounting units
9The requirement in section 26(8)(c) for any order under that...
Orders prohibiting use of certain words in parties’ registered names
10The requirement in section 28(4)(f) for any order under that...
Confirmation of registered particulars
11(1) This paragraph applies to a party which is registered...
Control of political donations by companies
12 Transitional provisions
Disclosure of political donations and expenditure in directors’ report
13 Transitional provisions

Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000

2000 c. 41

F1C1C2C3C4An Act to establish an Electoral Commission; to make provision about the registration and finances of political parties; to make provision about donations and expenditure for political purposes; to make provision about election and referendum campaigns and the conduct of referendums; to make provision about election petitions and other legal proceedings in connection with elections; to reduce the qualifying periods set out in sections 1 and 3 of the Representation of the People Act 1985; to make pre-consolidation amendments relating to European Parliamentary Elections; and for connected purposes.

Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—C5C6C7C8C9C10C11C12

Annotations:
Amendments (Textual)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1

Act applied (E.W.S.) (2.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1298, reg. 10(1)(4)

Act applied (with modifications) (1.2.2002) by S.I. 2002/185, reg. 3(2), Sch. 2

Act: functions transferred (25.11.2002) by S.I. 2002/2626, art. 11(1), Sch. 1

C2

Act: power to amend or modify conferred (25.9.2006) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 33), ss. 10(2)(c), 15, 31(2)

C3

Act: power to modify conferred by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), s. 13 (with Sch. 11 para. 22), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) of the amending Act, which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007) -- see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)(5) of the amending Act.

C6

Act power to apply or incorporate (with modifications) conferred (15.9.2011) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 58(1)-(3)(7)

C7

Act power to apply or incorporate (with modifications) conferred (25.4.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 54(2)-(5), 157(1); S.I. 2012/1129, art. 2(b)

C11

Act functions transferred (with modifications) (W.) (24.5.2018) by The Welsh Ministers (Transfer of Functions) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/644), arts. 1(1), 45, Sch. 1 para. 4