Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 31
The Electoral Commission invests significant resources into providing guidance to candidates, parties, and non-party campaigners...
Conclusion
The Electoral Commission invests significant resources into providing guidance to candidates, parties, and non-party campaigners to support their understanding of complex legislation, and this is largely welcomed by those it regulates. However, as a matter of priority, further action is required to address issues such as ambiguous advice, slow responses to requests for information during elections and referendum campaigns, and a gap in support for smaller and newer parties and campaigners.
Government Response Summary
The government will consider expanding the Strategy and Policy Statement to specify parties and campaigners of all sizes when referencing the importance of the Commission engaging with stakeholders.
Paragraph Reference:
31
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government notes that these recommendations are primarily addressed to the Electoral Commission. We note, however, the Committee’s recommendation that the reference in the Strategy and Policy Statement to the importance of the Commission engaging with stakeholders to source regular feedback on the guidance it produces is expanded to specify parties and campaigners of all sizes. We will consider this suggestion alongside other views and make any changes deemed necessary before laying the draft Statement before Parliament. We will also publish a response to the statutory consultation as required by the provisions in the Elections Act.