30th November 2000
147.In order to ensure proper observance of the limits on campaign expenditure by parties, sections 75 and 76 require that all such expenditure, and any payment in respect of such expenditure, must be authorised or made by the registered treasurer, a deputy treasurer or a person authorised in writing by either the treasurer or a deputy treasurer. But section 75(3) provides that where campaign expenditure is incurred without the necessary authorisation, the expenses shall not count towards the party’s expenditure limit and do not have to be included in the party’s return under section 80. Section 77 requires that any claim for payment in respect of campaign expenditure must be sent to the treasurer or a deputy treasurer or other authorised person. These provisions (and section 78, which provides for disputed claims) are broadly similar to the provisions in Part II of the Representation of the People Act 1983 concerning election expenditure by candidates and their agents.