These Regulations are the first set of commencement regulations made under the Elections Act 2022 (c. 37). Regulation 2 brings into force sections 16 to 19 of that Act, which form Part 3 of that Act and which relate to the Electoral Commission. Regulation 3 makes saving provision to ensure that the amendment made by section 17(2) of that Act, which inserts protection for a person giving evidence as a witness before the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission, does not apply where the evidence was given before that section comes into force.

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on business, charities or the public or voluntary sector is foreseen. An impact assessment has been published in relation to the Act and copies can be obtained at https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/44886/documents/1304 or from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF.