Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Accepted in Part
The Committee believes, regardless of the complexity of the legislation, it is vital that the...
Recommendation
The Committee believes, regardless of the complexity of the legislation, it is vital that the Electoral Commission has sufficient internal expertise to clarify ambiguities in the law or guidance in a timely manner, particularly during regulated periods. The Electoral Commission should report back to the Committee on the viability of shortening its response time to within 48 hours in the two months prior to and after an election or referendum, and increasing its response rate outside those periods to 100% within five working days. These improvements should be in place before the next General Election. We would welcome an update on their implementation in April
Government Response Summary
The government notes that the recommendations are primarily addressed to the Electoral Commission but will consider expanding the Strategy and Policy Statement to specify parties and campaigners of all sizes for feedback on guidance.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
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.