The Representation of the People (Variation of Limit of Candidates’ Local Government Election Expenses) (Scotland) Order 2016

Scottish Statutory Instruments

2016 No. 263

Representation Of The People

The Representation of the People (Variation of Limit of Candidates’ Local Government Election Expenses) (Scotland) Order 2016

Made

12th September 2016

Laid before the Scottish Parliament

14th September 2016

Coming into force

1st November 2016

The Scottish Ministers make the following Order in exercise of the powers conferred by section 76A(1) of the Representation of the People Act 1983(1) and all other powers enabling them to do so.

This Order gives effect to a recommendation of the Electoral Commission.

Citation, commencement, extent and transitional provision

1.—(1) This Order may be cited as the Representation of the People (Variation of Limit of Candidates’ Local Government Election Expenses) (Scotland) Order 2016 and comes into force on 1st November 2016.

(2) This Order extends to Scotland only.

(3) The variation made by this Order does not apply in relation to an election for which the date of poll is before 4th May 2017.

Variation of expenses limit at a local government election

2.  The maximum amount of a candidate’s election expenses at a local government election in Scotland is varied by substituting, for the sum of “£705” in section 76(2)(b)(ii) of the Representation of the People Act 1983(2), the sum of “£740”.

JOE FITZPATRICK

Authorised to sign by the Scottish Ministers

St Andrew’s House,

Edinburgh

12th September 2016

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order increases the maximum amount of candidates’ election expenses at local government elections. The maximum amount of a candidate’s election expenses is made up of a fixed amount (currently £705) plus the sum of 6p for each entry in the register of electors. This Order increases the fixed amount so that it will now be £740.

The change made by this Order applies in relation to the local government elections due to be held on 4th May 2017 and subsequent elections.

(1)

1983 c.2. Section 76A was substituted and deemed to be a pre-commencement enactment by section 133(1) and (2) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41). The functions of the Secretary of State were transferred to the Scottish Ministers by virtue of section 53 of the Scotland Act 1998 (c.46).

(2)

Section 76(2)(b)(ii) has been amended by the Representation of the People Act 2000 (c.2), schedule 7, paragraph 1 and S.S.I. 2012/16.