Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 61
The Committee recognises the complexity of the dual regimes for candidates under the Representation of...
Conclusion
The Committee recognises the complexity of the dual regimes for candidates under the Representation of the People Act 1983 and parties and campaigners under the Political Parties, Elections, and Referendums Act 2000. Consolidating the law into one regulatory framework should be within the scope of the Government’s work on the long-term strategy to rationalise electoral law recommended by this Committee.
Government Response Summary
The government will consider the committee's comments about the Strategy and Policy Statement alongside the views of statutory consultees and remains committed to ensuring that electoral law is fit for purpose.
Paragraph Reference:
61
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
We note the Committee’s recommendation to retain in the final draft of the Statement guidance relating to the need for the Commission to be sensitive and proportionate to the voluntary nature of much of political parties’ infrastructure in the discharge of its relevant regulatory functions (paragraph 20(a)). We will consider the Committee’s comments about the Statement alongside the views of statutory consultees. On consolidation, and as outlined earlier in our response, we remain committed to ensuring that our electoral law is fit for purpose, now and into the future. The Government’s view is that it is vital that the civil sanctioning regime strikes the right balance between providing an effective deterrent while not being disproportionate to the point where it risks causing a chilling effect on participation and campaigning, especially given the largely voluntary workforce that support political campaigns.