EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Rules)

These Rules correct errors in the Local Government and Greater London Authority Elections (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1066) and the Overseas Electors, Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Rules 2023 (S.I. 2023/1233).

Rules 2 and 3 replace the prescribed form of nomination paper for use at elections of councillors of principal areas and parishes respectively in England. The replacement forms correct formatting errors in the versions of the forms set out in the Local Government and Greater London Authority Elections (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023

Rule 4 replaces the rear of the official proxy postal poll card prescribed for use at Greater London Authority elections for which the date of poll is on or after 2nd May 2024, which was inserted by the Overseas Electors, Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Rules 2023.

Rule 5 corrects errors identified by the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments in its Fifth Report of 2023-2024 by amending the transitional provisions set out in Schedule 1 to the Local Government and Greater London Authority Elections (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023. New transitional provision is inserted into that Schedule to provide additional modifications for postal poll cards and proxy postal poll cards for use at principal area councillor and parish councillor elections in England, and Greater London Authority elections, for which the notice of election is published on or after 31st January 2024 and the date of poll is on or before 1st May 2024. Rule 5(4)(a)(i) corrects an error in the way that the relevant text in the current poll card referred to is described.

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.