Explanatory Notes

Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000

2000 CHAPTER 41

30th November 2000

Commentary on Sections

Part IV: Control of donations to registered parties and their members etc.

Chapter I (Sections 50 to 53) : Donations to registered parties
Section 50 : Donations for the purposes of Part IV

107.“Donation” is defined in subsection (2) as gifts of money and property (including money or property transferred to a party for consideration which is less than its value); the provision of any sponsorship in relation to the party; subscriptions and affiliation fees; money spent (other than by or on behalf of the party) to meet expenses incurred by the party; and loans, property, services and other facilities provided to the party on other than commercial terms. Anything given or transferred to an officer, agent, trustee or member of the party in that capacity will be regarded as having been given or transferred to the party, unless it is given solely for his own use or benefit (subsection (6)). A donation to a member or officer of a party for use otherwise than on the business of the party as such - for example, in assisting him or her in standing for an internal election – is subject to the separate controls in section 71 and Schedule 7. The definition of a “donation” applies to anything given or transferred to the party either directly or indirectly through a third person (section 50(8)(a)).