Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000

Section 71.

SCHEDULE 7 U.K. Control of donations to individuals and members associations

Part I U.K. Introductory

Operation and interpretation of Schedule U.K.

1 (1) This Schedule has effect for controlling donations to—

(a) members of registered parties;

(b) members associations; and

(c) holders of relevant elective offices.

(2) The following provisions have effect for the purposes of this Schedule.

(3) “Controlled donation”—

(a) in relation to a member of a registered party, means a donation received by that person which is—

(i) offered to him, or

(ii) where it has been accepted, retained by him,

for his use or benefit in connection with any of his political activities as a member of the party;

(b) in relation to a members association, means a donation received by the association which is—

(i) offered to the association, or

(ii) where it has been accepted, retained by the association,

for its use or benefit in connection with any of its political activities;

(c) in relation to a holder of a relevant elective office, means a donation received by that person which is—

(i) offered to him, or

(ii) where it has been accepted, retained by him,

for his use or benefit (as the holder of such an office) in connection with any of his political activities.

(4) For the purposes of this Schedule the political activities of a party member or (as the case may be) of a members association include, in particular—

(a) promoting or procuring the election of any person to any position in, or to any committee of, the party in question;

(b) promoting or procuring the selection of any person as the party’s candidate for election to a relevant elective office; and

(c) promoting or developing policies with a view to their adoption by the party;

and in the application of paragraph (a) or (b) to a party member the reference to any person includes that member.

(5) “Donation” shall be construed in accordance with paragraphs 2 to 4; and (in the absence of any express indication) a donation shall be taken to have been offered to, or retained by, a person or organisation as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(a), (b) or (c) if, having regard to all the circumstances, it must reasonably be assumed to have been so offered or retained.

(6) “Members association” means any organisation whose membership consists wholly or mainly of members of a registered party, other than—

(a) a registered party falling within section 26(2)(a); or

(b) an organisation falling within section 26(2)(b) (that is, the central organisation of a registered party or an accounting unit of such a party).

(7) “Regulated donee” means—

(a) a member of a registered party;

(b) a members association; or

(c) the holder of a relevant elective office, whether or not he is a member of a registered party.

(8) “Relevant elective office” means the office of—

(a) member of the House of Commons;

(b) member of the European Parliament elected in the United Kingdom [F1 (including the combined region)];

(c) member of the Scottish Parliament;

(d) member of the National Assembly for Wales;

(e) member of the Northern Ireland Assembly;

(f) member of—

(i) any local authority in any part of the United Kingdom, including the Common Council of the City of London but excluding a parish or community council, or

(ii) the Greater London Assembly; or

(g) Mayor of London or elected mayor within the meaning of Part II of the Local Government Act 2000.

(9) “The responsible person”, in relation to a members association, means—

(a) the treasurer, if there is one, and

(b) otherwise any person responsible for dealing with donations to the association.

(10) F2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(11) F2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Sch. 7 para. 1(8)(b) inserted (5.2.2004) by The European Parliamentary Elections (Combined Region and Campaign Expenditure) (United Kingdom and Gibraltar) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/366), arts. 1(2), 4(2), Sch. para. 34(a)(i)

F2 Sch. 7 para. 1(10)(11) repealed (25.9.2006) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 33), ss. 10(2)(a), 11(8)(a)(iv), 30(2), 31(2)(4), Sch. 5

Commencement Information

I1 Sch. 7 wholly in force at 16.2.2001; Sch. 7 partly in force at Royal Assent, see s. 163(3); Sch. 7 in force in so far as not already in force at 16.2.2001 by S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)

Valid from 01/01/2010

[F3 Appointment of responsible person by members association with no treasurer U.K.

Textual Amendments

F3 Sch. 7 paras. 1A, 1B and cross-headings inserted (1.1.2010) by Political Parties and Elections Act 2009 (c. 12), ss. 14(3), 43; S.I. 2009/3084, art. 4(c) (with art. 6)

1A (1) A members association which does not have a treasurer— U.K.

(a) may appoint an individual to be the responsible person in relation to the association by giving notice to the Commission;

(b) shall do so within the period of 30 days beginning with the date on which the association—

(i) accepts a controlled donation which is a recordable donation for the purposes of paragraph 10, or

(ii) receives a controlled donation falling within paragraph 6(1)(a) or (b),

if a notice under this sub-paragraph is not in force on that date.

(2) A notice under sub-paragraph (1)—

(a) must be signed on behalf of the members association;

(b) must contain a statement signed by the individual to be appointed as the responsible person confirming that the individual is willing to be appointed.

(3) A notice under sub-paragraph (1) must state—

(a) the name and address of the members association;

(b) the full name of the individual to be appointed as the responsible person;

(c) the individual's home address in the United Kingdom, or (if there is no such home address) the individual's home address elsewhere.

(4) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, a notice under sub-paragraph (1) (“the original notice”)—

(a) shall be in force as from the date on which it is received by the Commission, but

(b) shall lapse at the end of the period of 12 months beginning with that date unless the members association or the responsible person gives the Commission a notice (a “renewal notice”) that they both wish the original notice to remain in force.

(5) A renewal notice—

(a) has the effect of extending the validity of the original notice for a further 12 months beginning with the time when it would otherwise have lapsed (whether under sub-paragraph (4)(b) or on the expiry of a previous extension under this sub-paragraph);

(b) must be received by the Commission during the period of one month ending at that time.

(6) A renewal notice must either—

(a) confirm that all the statements contained in the original notice, as it has effect for the time being, are accurate; or

(b) indicate that any statement contained in that notice, as it so has effect, is replaced by some other statement conforming with the relevant provision of sub-paragraph (3).

A renewal notice must be signed on behalf of the members association and by the responsible person.

(7) The members association or the responsible person may, at any time after giving the original notice, give the Commission a notice (a “notice of alteration”) indicating that any statement contained in the original notice, as it has effect for the time being, is replaced by some other statement—

(a) contained in the notice of alteration, and

(b) conforming with the relevant provision of sub-paragraph (3).

A notice of alteration takes effect on the day on which it is received by the Commission or (if later) on such date as may be specified in the notice.

(8) A notice of alteration must be signed—

(a) on behalf of the members association, and

(b) by the responsible person or, in the case of a notice substituting a different individual as the responsible person, by that individual.

(9) A notice under sub-paragraph (1) that has been in force for at least 12 months ceases to have effect on receipt by the Commission of a notice terminating it (a “notice of termination”)—

(a) given by and signed on behalf of the members association, or

(b) given and signed by the responsible person.

(10) On receipt of a notice of termination given by the members association or by the responsible person, the Commission must inform the other party as soon as is reasonably practicable (unless the notice was signed both on behalf of the members association and by the responsible person).

(11) A reference in this paragraph to a notice being signed on behalf of a members association is to the notice being signed by the secretary of the association or by a person who acts in a similar capacity in relation to the association.

(12) A notice under the Schedule 7A version of this paragraph also has effect as a notice under this paragraph.

The “Schedule 7A version” of this paragraph means this paragraph as it applies, in relation to controlled transactions, by virtue of paragraph 1(7A) of Schedule 7A.

Valid from 01/01/2010

Offence of failing to comply with paragraph 1A U.K.

1B U.K. A members association commits an offence if—

(a) it is subject to the requirement in paragraph 1A(1)(b), and

(b) without reasonable excuse it fails to comply with the requirement.]

Donations: general rules U.K.

2 (1) “Donation”, in relation to a regulated donee, means (subject to paragraph 4)— U.K.

(a) any gift to the donee of money or other property;

(b) any sponsorship provided in relation to the donee (as defined by paragraph 3);

(c) any money spent (otherwise than by or on behalf of the donee) in paying any expenses incurred directly or indirectly by the donee;

(d) F4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(e) the provision otherwise than on commercial terms of any property, services or facilities for the use or benefit of the donee (including the services of any person);

(f) (where the donee is a members association) any subscription or other fee paid for affiliation to, or membership of, the donee.

(2) Where—

(a) any money or other property is transferred to a regulated donee pursuant to any transaction or arrangement involving the provision by or on behalf of the donee of any property, services or facilities or other consideration of monetary value, and

(b) the total value in monetary terms of the consideration so provided by or on behalf of the donee is less than the value of the money or (as the case may be) the market value of the property transferred,

the transfer of the money or property shall (subject to sub-paragraph (4)) constitute a gift to the donee for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(a).

(3) In determining—

(a) F5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(e) whether any property, services or facilities provided for the use or benefit of a regulated donee is or are so provided otherwise than on such terms,

regard shall be had to the total value in monetary terms of the consideration provided by or on behalf of the donee in respect of F6 . . . the provision of the property, services or facilities.

(4) Where (apart from this sub-paragraph) anything would be a donation both by virtue of sub-paragraph (1)(b) and by virtue of any other provision of this paragraph, sub-paragraph (1)(b) (together with paragraph 3) shall apply in relation to it to the exclusion of the other provision of this paragraph.

(5) Anything given or transferred to any officer, member, trustee or agent of a members association in his capacity as such (and not for his own use or benefit) is to be regarded as given or transferred to the association (and references to donations received by a regulated donee accordingly include, in the case of a members association, donations so given or transferred).

(6) In this paragraph—

(a) any reference to anything being given or transferred to a regulated donee or any other person is a reference to its being so given or transferred either directly or indirectly through any third person;

(b) “gift” includes bequest.

Textual Amendments

F4 Sch. 7 para. 2(1)(d) repealed (11.9.2006 for E.W.S. for certain purposes, 1.7.2008 for N.I. and otherwise prosp.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74, 77(2), Sch. 1 para. 154(2)(a), Sch. 2; S.I. 2006/1972, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 24, 25(m)(ii), 26(3)(d)(ii) (subject to art. 4, Sch. 2) (as amended by S.I. 2006/2268, art. 4); S.I. 2008/1656, art. 2 (subject to art. 3, Sch. 1)

F5 Sch. 7 para. 2(3)(a) repealed (11.9.2006 for E.W.S. for certain purposes, 1.7.2008 for N.I. and otherwise prosp.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74, 77(2), Sch. 1 para. 154(2)(b), Sch. 2; S.I. 2006/1972, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 24, 25(m)(ii), 26(3)(d)(ii) (subject to art. 4, Sch. 2) (as amended by S.I. 2006/2268, art. 4); S.I. 2008/1656, art. 2 (subject to art. 3, Sch. 1)

F6 Words in Sch. 7 para. 2(3) repealed (11.9.2006 for E.W.S. for certain purposes, 1.7.2008 for N.I. and otherwise prosp.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74, 77(2), Sch. 1 para. 154(2)(c), Sch. 2; S.I. 2006/1972, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 25(m)(ii), 26(3)(d)(ii) (subject to art. 4, Sch. 2) (as amended by S.I. 2006/2268, art. 4); S.I. 2008/1656, art. 2 (subject to art. 3, Sch. 1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 16.2.2001) by S.I. 2001/446, art. 3

C2 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 disapplied in part (temp. from 16.2.2005) by The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Disapplication of Part IV for Northern Ireland Parties, etc) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/299), arts. 1(2), 3

C3 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 25.9.2006 until 31.10.2007) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 33), ss. 10(2)(a), 11(2)(3), 31(2)

Commencement Information

I2 Sch. 7 wholly in force at 16.2.2001; Sch. 7 partly in force at Royal Assent, see s. 163(3); Sch. 7 in force in so far as not already in force at 16.2.2001 by S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)

Sponsorship U.K.

3 (1) For the purposes of this Schedule sponsorship is provided in relation to a regulated donee if— U.K.

(a) any money or other property is transferred to the donee or to any person for the benefit of the donee, and

(b) the purpose (or one of the purposes) of the transfer is (or must, having regard to all the circumstances, reasonably be assumed to be)—

(i) to help the donee with meeting, or to meet, to any extent any defined expenses incurred or to be incurred by or on behalf of the donee, or

(ii) to secure that to any extent any such expenses are not so incurred.

(2) In sub-paragraph (1) “defined expenses” means expenses in connection with—

(a) any conference, meeting or other event organised by or on behalf of the donee,

(b) the preparation, production or dissemination of any publication by or on behalf of the donee, or

(c) any study or research organised by or on behalf of the donee.

(3) The following do not, however, constitute sponsorship by virtue of sub-paragraph (1)—

(a) the making of any payment in respect of—

(i) any charge for admission to any conference, meeting or other event, or

(ii) the purchase price of, or any other charge for access to, any publication;

(b) the making of any payment in respect of the inclusion of an advertisement in any publication where the payment is made at the commercial rate payable for the inclusion of such an advertisement in any such publication.

(4) The Secretary of State may by order made on the recommendation of the Commission amend sub-paragraph (2) or (3).

(5) In this paragraph “publication” means a publication made available in whatever form and by whatever means (whether or not to the public at large or any section of the public).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 16.2.2001) by S.I. 2001/446, art. 3

C5 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 disapplied in part (temp. from 16.2.2005) by The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Disapplication of Part IV for Northern Ireland Parties, etc) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/299), arts. 1(2), 3

C6 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 25.9.2006 until 31.10.2007) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 33), ss. 10(2)(a), 11(2)(3), 31(2)

Commencement Information

I3 Sch. 7 wholly in force at 16.2.2001; Sch. 7 partly in force at Royal Assent, see s. 163(3); Sch. 7 in force in so far as not already in force at 16.2.2001 by S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)

Payments etc. not to be regarded as donations U.K.

4 (1) None of the following shall be regarded as a donation—

(a) any facility provided in pursuance of any right conferred on candidates at an election by any enactment;

[F7 (aa) remuneration allowed to an employee by his employer if the employee is a member of a local authority and the remuneration is in respect of time the employer permits the employee to take off during the employee’s working hours for qualifying business—

(i) of the authority,

(ii) of any other body to which the employee is appointed by, or is appointed following nomination by, the authority or a group of bodies that includes the authority, or

(iii) of any other body if it is a public body;]

[F8 (aa) remuneration allowed to an employee by his employer if the employee is a member of a local authority and the remuneration is in respect of time the employer permits the employee to take off during the employee’s working hours for qualifying business—

(i) of the authority,

(ii) of any body to which the employee is appointed by, or is appointed following nomination by, the authority or a group of bodies that includes the authority, or

(iii) of any other body if it is a public body;]

(b) the provision of assistance by a person appointed under section 9 of the M1 Local Government and Housing Act 1989;

(c) the provision by any individual of his own services which he provides voluntarily and in his own time;

(d) any interest accruing to a regulated donee in respect of any donation which is dealt with by the donee in accordance with section 56(2)(a) or (b) (as applied by paragraph 8);

(e) any money or other property, or any services or facilities, provided out of public funds for the personal security of a regulated donee who is an individual.

(2) For the avoidance of doubt no remuneration or allowances paid to the holder of a relevant elective office in his capacity as such shall be regarded as a donation.

(3) There shall also be disregarded—

(a) any donation which (in accordance with any enactment) falls to be included in a return as to election expenses in respect of a candidate or candidates at a particular election; and

(b) F9 . . . any donation whose value (as determined in accordance with paragraph 5) is not more than £200.

[F10 (4) In sub-paragraph (1)(aa)—

• “employee” and “employer” have the same meaning as in the Employment Rights Act 1996 (c. 18);

• “local authority” means a local authority in any part of the United Kingdom, including the Common Council of the City of London but excluding a parish or community council;

• “working hours” of an employee has the same meaning as in section 50 of the Employment Rights Act 1996; and

• “qualifying business”, in relation to a body, means—

  (a)

  the doing of anything for the discharge of the functions of the body or of any of its committees or sub-committees, and

  (b)

  where the body is a local authority operating executive arrangements within the meaning of Part 2 of the Local Government Act 2000 (c. 22) and arrangements exist for functions of any other body to be discharged by the authority’s executive or any committee or member of the executive, the doing of any other thing for the purpose of the discharge of the functions.]

[F11 (4) In sub-paragraph (1)(aa)—

• “employee” and “employer”—

  (a)

  in relation to England and Wales, and Scotland, have the same meaning as in the Employment Rights Act 1996, and

  (b)

  in relation to Northern Ireland, have the same meaning as in the Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 1996;

• “local authority” means a local authority in any part of the United Kingdom, including the Common Council of the City of London but excluding a parish or community council;

• “working hours” of an employee—

  (a)

  in relation to England and Wales, and Scotland, has the same meaning as in section 50 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, and

  (b)

  in relation to Northern Ireland, has the same meaning as in Article 78 of the Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 1996;

• “qualifying business”, in relation to a body, means—

  (a)

  the doing of anything for the purpose of the discharge of the functions of the body or of any of its committees or sub-committees, and

  (b)

  where the body is a local authority operating executive arrangements within the meaning of Part 2 of the Local Government Act 2000 and arrangements exist for functions of any other body to be discharged by the authority’s executive or any committee or member of the executive, the doing of anything for the purpose of the discharge of those functions.]

Textual Amendments

F7 Sch. 7 para. 4(1)(aa) inserted (S.) (retrosp. to 16.2.2001) by Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 (asp 1), ss. 42(1)(a)(2)(3), 62(2)

F8 Sch. 7 para. 4(1)(aa) inserted (E.W.N.I. and S. only so far as mentioned in s. 129(5)(a) of the amending Act) (retrosp. to 16.2.2001) by Local Government Act 2003 (c. 26), ss. 114(1)(3)(4), 128(1)(a), 129(2)(5)(7)(8)

F9 Words in Sch. 7 para. 4(3)(b) repealed (11.9.2006) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74, 77(2), Sch. 1 para. 154(3), Sch. 2; S.I. 2006/1972, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 24, 25(k), 26(3)(b) (subject to art. 4, Sch. 2)

F10 Sch. 7 para. 4(4) inserted (S.) (retrosp. to 16.2.2001) by Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 (asp 1), ss. 42(1)(b)(2)(3), 62(2)

F11 Sch. 7 para. 4(4) inserted (E.W.N.I. and S. only so far as mentioned in s. 129(5)(a) of the amending Act) (retrosp. to 16.2.2001) by Local Government Act 2003 (c. 26), ss. 114(2)-(4), 128(1)(a), 129(2)(5)(7)(8)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 16.2.2001) by S.I. 2001/446, art. 3

C8 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 disapplied in part (temp. from 16.2.2005) by The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Disapplication of Part IV for Northern Ireland Parties, etc) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/299), arts. 1(2), 3

C9 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 25.9.2006 until 31.10.2007) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 33), ss. 10(2)(a), 11(2)(3), 31(2)

Commencement Information

I4 Sch. 7 wholly in force at 16.2.2001; Sch. 7 partly in force at Royal Assent, see s. 163(3); Sch. 7 in force in so far as not already in force at 16.2.2001 by S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)

Marginal Citations

M1 1989 c. 42.

Value of donations U.K.

5 (1) The value of any donation falling within paragraph 2(1)(a) (other than money) shall be taken to be the market value of the property in question. U.K.

(2) Where, however, paragraph 2(1)(a) applies by virtue of paragraph 2(2) the value of the donation shall be taken to be the difference between—

(a) the value of the money, or the market value of the property, in question, and

(b) the total value in monetary terms of the consideration provided by or on behalf of the donee.

(3) The value of any donation falling within paragraph 2(1)(b) shall be taken to be the value of the money, or (as the case may be) the market value of the property, transferred as mentioned in paragraph 3(1); and accordingly any value in monetary terms of any benefit conferred on the person providing the sponsorship in question shall be disregarded.

(4) The value of any donation falling within paragraph [F12 2(1)(e)] shall be taken to be the amount representing the difference between—

(a) the total value in monetary terms of the consideration that would have had to be provided by or on behalf of the donee in respect of F13 . . . the provision of the property, services or facilities if—

(i) F14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(ii) the property, services or facilities had been provided,

on commercial terms, and

(b) the total value in monetary terms of the consideration (if any) actually so provided by or on behalf of the donee

(5) Where a donation such as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (4) confers an enduring benefit on the donee over a particular period, the value of the donation—

(a) shall be determined at the time when it is made, but

(b) shall be so determined by reference to the total benefit accruing to the donee over that period.

Textual Amendments

F12 Words in Sch. 7 para. 5(4) substituted (11.9.2006 for E.W.S. for certain purposes, 1.7.2008 for N.I. and otherwise prosp.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74(1), 77(2), Sch. 1 para. 154(4)(a); S.I. 2006/1972, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 24, 25(m)(ii) (subject to art. 4, Sch. 2) (as amended by S.I. 2006/2268, art. 4); S.I. 2008/1656, arts. 2 (subject to art. 3, Sch. 1)

F13 Words in Sch. 7 para. 5(4)(a) repealed (11.9.2006 for E.W.S. for certain purposes, 1.7.2008 for N.I. and otherwise prosp.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74, 77(2), Sch. 1 para. 154(4)(b), Sch. 2; S.I. 2006/1972, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 24, 25(m)(ii), 26(3)(d)(ii) (subject to art. 4, Sch. 2) (as amended by S.I. 2006/2268, art. 4); S.I. 2008/1656, art. 2 (subject to art. 3, Sch. 1)

F14 Sch. 7 para. 5(4)(a)(i) and following word repealed (11.9.2006 for E.W.S. for certain purposes, 1.7.2008 for N.I. and otherwise prosp.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74, 77(2), Sch. 1 para. 154(4)(c), Sch. 2; S.I. 2006/1972, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 24, 25(m)(ii), 26(3)(d)(ii) (subject to art. 4, Sch. 2) (as amended by S.I. 2006/2268, art. 4); S.I. 2008/1656, art. 2 (subject to art. 3, Sch. 1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 16.2.2001) by S.I. 2001/446, art. 3

C11 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 disapplied in part (temp. from 16.2.2005) by The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Disapplication of Part IV for Northern Ireland Parties, etc) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/299), arts. 1(2), 3

C12 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 25.9.2006 until 31.10.2007) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 33), ss. 10(2)(a), 11(2)(3), 31(2)

Commencement Information

I5 Sch. 7 wholly in force at 16.2.2001; Sch. 7 partly in force at Royal Assent, see s. 163(3); Sch. 7 in force in so far as not already in force at 16.2.2001 by S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)

Part II U.K. Controls on donations

Prohibition on accepting donations from impermissible donors U.K.

6 (1) A controlled donation received by a regulated donee must not be accepted by the donee if—

(a) the person by whom the donation would be made is not, at the time of its receipt by the donee, a permissible donor, or

(b) the donee is (whether because the donation is given anonymously or by reason of any deception or concealment or otherwise) unable to ascertain the identity of that person.

(2) Where any person (“the principal donor”) causes an amount (“the principal donation”) to be received by a regulated donee by way of a donation—

(a) on behalf of himself and one or more other persons, or

(b) on behalf of two or more other persons,

then for the purposes of this Schedule each individual contribution by a person falling within paragraph (a) or (b) of more than £200 shall be treated as if it were a separate donation received from that person.

(3) In relation to each such separate donation, the principal donor must ensure that, at the time when the principal donation is received by the regulated donee, the responsible person is given—

(a) (except in the case of a donation which the principal donor is treated as making) all such details in respect of the person treated as making the donation as are required by virtue of paragraph 2 [F15 or 2A]of Schedule 6 to be given in respect of the donor of a recordable donation to a registered party; and

(b) (in any case) all such details in respect of the donation as are required by virtue of paragraph 4 of Schedule 6 to be given in respect of a recordable donation to a registered party.

(4) Where—

(a) any person (“the agent”) causes an amount to be received by a regulated donee by way of a donation on behalf of another person (“the donor”), and

(b) the amount of the donation is more than £200,

the agent must ensure that, at the time when the donation is received by the regulated donee, the responsible person is given all such details in respect of the donor as are required by virtue of paragraph 2 [F16 or 2A] of Schedule 6 to be given in respect of the donor of a recordable donation to a registered party.

(5) A person commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, he fails to comply with sub-paragraph (3) or (4).

Textual Amendments

F15 Words in Sch. 7 para. 6(3)(a) inserted (1.11.2007) by The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Northern Ireland Political Parties) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2501), art. 6, Sch. 2 para. 2

F16 Words in Sch. 7 para. 6(4) inserted (1.11.2007) by The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Northern Ireland Political Parties) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2501), art. 6, Sch. 2 para. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 16.2.2001) by S.I. 2001/446, art. 3

C14 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 disapplied in part (temp. from 16.2.2005) by The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Disapplication of Part IV for Northern Ireland Parties, etc) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/299), arts. 1(2), 3

C15 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 25.9.2006 until 31.10.2007) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 33), ss. 10(2)(a), 11(2)(3), 31(2)

Commencement Information

I6 Sch. 7 wholly in force at 16.2.2001; Sch. 7 partly in force at Royal Assent, see s. 163(3); Sch. 7 in force in so far as not already in force at 16.2.2001 by S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)

Prospective

[F17 Declaration as to source of donation U.K.

Textual Amendments

F17 Sch. 7 para. 6A and preceding cross-heading inserted (prosp.) by Political Parties and Elections Act 2009 (c. 12) ss. 9(8), 43, {Sch. 3 para. 1(2)}

6A (1) Where a person (P) causes an amount exceeding £7,500 to be received by a regulated donee by way of a donation, a written declaration must be given to the donee— U.K.

(a) by P, if P is an individual, or

(b) if not, by an individual authorised by P to make the declaration,

stating, to the best of the individual's knowledge and belief, whether or not sub-paragraph (2) applies to the donation.

(2) This sub-paragraph applies to the donation if—

(a) a person other than P has provided, or is expected to provide, money or any other benefit to P with a view to, or otherwise in connection with, the making of the donation, and

(b) the money, or the value of the benefit, is more than £7,500.

(3) Where a declaration under this paragraph contains a statement to the effect that sub-paragraph (2) applies to the donation, it must also—

(a) state whether or not, in the opinion of the person making the declaration—

(i) sub-paragraph (2) of paragraph 6 applies to the donation;

(ii) sub-paragraph (4) of that paragraph applies to it;

(b) if the person's opinion is that neither of those sub-paragraphs applies to the donation, give the person's reasons for that opinion.

(4) The declaration must also state the full name and address of the person by whom it is made and, where sub-paragraph (1)(b) applies—

(a) state that the person is authorised by P to make the declaration;

(b) describe the person's role or position in relation to P.

(5) A person who knowingly or recklessly makes a false declaration under this paragraph commits an offence.

(6) Regulations made by the Secretary of State may make provision as to how the value of a benefit is to be calculated for the purposes of sub-paragraph (2).]

Prospective

[F18 Declaration as to whether residence etc condition satisfied U.K.

Textual Amendments

F18 Sch. 7 para. 6B and preceding cross-heading inserted (prosp.) by Political Parties and Elections Act 2009 (c. 12), ss. 10(8), 43, Sch. 4 para. 1(2)

6B (1) An individual making to a regulated donee a donation in relation to which the condition set out in section 54(2ZA) applies must give to the donee a written declaration stating whether or not the individual satisfies that condition. U.K.

(2) A declaration under this paragraph must also state the individual's full name and address.

(3) A person who knowingly or recklessly makes a false declaration under this paragraph commits an offence.

(4) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision requiring a declaration under this paragraph to be retained for a specified period.

(5) The requirement in sub-paragraph (1) does not apply where, by reason of section 71B(1)(a), the individual by whom the donation would be made is a permissible donor in relation to the donation at the time of its receipt by the donee.]

Payments etc. which are (or are not) to be treated as donations by permissible donors U.K.

7 (1) The following provisions have effect for the purposes of this Schedule. U.K.

[F19 (1A) A person falling within section 54(2A)(a) to (g) is a permissible donor if—

(a) the controlled donation is received by—

(i) a member of a registered party; or

(ii) a members association whose membership consists wholly or mainly of members of a registered party,

and the party is a Gibraltar party whose entry in the register includes a statement that it intends to contest one or more elections to the European Parliament in the combined region; or

(b) the controlled donation is received by a member of the European Parliament elected in the combined region.]

(2) Any payment out of public funds received by a regulated donee which is a members association, for its use and benefit in connection with any of its political activities, shall be regarded as a controlled donation received by the association from a permissible donor.

(3) Any donation received by a regulated donee shall (if it would not otherwise fall to be so regarded) be regarded as a controlled donation received by the donee from a permissible donor if and to the extent that—

(a) the purpose of the donation is to meet qualifying costs incurred or to be incurred in connection with any visit—

(i) by the donee in connection with any of the donee’s political activities, or

(ii) in the case of a members association, by any member or officer of the association in connection with any of its political activities,

to a country or territory outside the United Kingdom, and

(b) the amount of the donation does not exceed a reasonable amount in respect of such costs.

(4) In sub-paragraph (3) “qualifying costs”, in relation to the donee or (as the case may be) any member or officer of the donee, means costs relating to that person in respect of—

(a) travelling between the United Kingdom and the country or territory in question; or

(b) travelling, accommodation or subsistence while within that country or territory.

(5) Any controlled donation received by a regulated donee which is an exempt trust donation shall be regarded as a controlled donation received by the donee from a permissible donor.

[F20 (5A) Any controlled donation received by a regulated donee which is an exempt Gibraltar trust donation shall be regarded as a controlled donation received by the donee from a permissible donor if—

(a) the donation is received by—

(i) a member of a registered party; or

(ii) a members association whose membership consists wholly or mainly of members of a registered party,

and the party is a Gibraltar party whose entry in the register includes a statement that it intends to contest one or more elections to the European Parliament in the combined region; or

(b) the donation is received by a member of the European Parliament elected in the combined region.]

(6) But any controlled donation received by a regulated donee from a trustee of any property (in his capacity as such) which is not—

(a) an exempt trust donation, or

[F21 (aa) an exempt Gibraltar trust donation regarded by virtue of sub-paragraph (5A) as received from a permissible donor, or]

(b) a controlled donation transmitted by the trustee to the donee on behalf of beneficiaries under the trust who are—

(i) persons who at the time of its receipt by the donee are permissible donors falling within section 54(2) [F22 or permissible donors by virtue of sub-paragraph (1A)], or

(ii) the members of an unincorporated association which at that time is a permissible donor,

shall be regarded as a controlled donation received by the donee from a person who is not a permissible donor.

Textual Amendments

F19 Sch. 7 para. 7(1A) inserted (5.2.2004) by The European Parliamentary Elections (Combined Region and Campaign Expenditure) (United Kingdom and Gibraltar) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/366), arts. 1(2), 4(2), Sch. para. 34(b)(i)

F20 Sch. 7 para. 7(5A) inserted (5.2.2004) by The European Parliamentary Elections (Combined Region and Campaign Expenditure) (United Kingdom and Gibraltar) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/366), arts. 1(2), 4(2), Sch. para. 34(b)(ii)

F21 Sch. 7 para. 7(6)(aa) inserted (5.2.2004) by The European Parliamentary Elections (Combined Region and Campaign Expenditure) (United Kingdom and Gibraltar) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/366), arts. 1(2), 4(2), Sch. para. 34(b)(iii)(aa)

F22 Words in Sch. 7 para. 7(6)(b)(i) inserted (5.2.2004) by The European Parliamentary Elections (Combined Region and Campaign Expenditure) (United Kingdom and Gibraltar) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/366), arts. 1(2), 4(2), Sch. para. 34(b)(iii)(bb)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 16.2.2001) by S.I. 2001/446, art. 3

C17 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 disapplied in part (temp. from 16.2.2005) by The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Disapplication of Part IV for Northern Ireland Parties, etc) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/299), arts. 1(2), 3

C18 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 25.9.2006 until 31.10.2007) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 33), ss. 10(2)(a), 11(2)(3), 31(2)

Commencement Information

I7 Sch. 7 wholly in force in 16.2.2001; Sch. 7 partly in force at Royal Assent, see s. 163(3); Sch. 7 in force in so far as not already in force at 16.2.2001 by S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)

Acceptance or return of donations U.K.

8 (1) Sections 56 to 60 shall apply for the purposes of this Schedule in relation to a regulated donee and any controlled donation received by a regulated donee as they apply for the purposes of this Part in relation to a registered party and any donation received by a registered party. U.K.

(2) In its application in accordance with sub-paragraph (1), section 56(3) and (4) shall each have effect as if the reference to the treasurer of the party were construed—

(a) in relation to a regulated donee other than a members association, as a reference to the donee; and

(b) in relation to a members association, as a reference to the responsible person.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 16.2.2001) by S.I. 2001/446, art. 3

C20 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 disapplied in part (temp. from 16.2.2005) by The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Disapplication of Part IV for Northern Ireland Parties, etc) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/299), arts. 1(2), 3

C21 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 25.9.2006 until 31.10.2007) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 33), ss. 10(2)(a), 11(2)(3), 31(2)

Commencement Information

I8 Sch. 7 wholly in force at 16.2.2001; Sch. 7 partly in force at Royal Assent, see s. 163(3); Sch. 7 in force in so far as not already in force at 16.2.2001 by S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)

Evasion of restrictions on donations U.K.

9 U.K. Section 61 shall apply for the purposes of this Schedule as if—

(a) any reference to donations were to controlled donations;

(b) any reference to a registered party were to a regulated donee; and

(c) any reference to the treasurer of such a party were construed as mentioned in paragraph 8(2)(a) or (b).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C22 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 16.2.2001) by S.I. 2001/446, art. 3

C23 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 disapplied in part (temp. from 16.2.2005) by The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Disapplication of Part IV for Northern Ireland Parties, etc) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/299), arts. 1(2), 3

C24 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 25.9.2006 until 31.10.2007) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 33), ss. 10(2)(a), 11(2)(3), 31(2)

Commencement Information

I9 Sch. 7 wholly in force at 16.2.2001; Sch. 7 partly in force at Royal Assent, see s. 163(3); Sch. 7 in force in so far as not already in force at 16.2.2001 by S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)

Part III U.K. Reporting of donations by regulated donees

Donation reports: donations from permissible donors U.K.

10 [F23 (1) A regulated donee must prepare a report under this paragraph in respect of each controlled donation accepted by the donee which is a recordable donation.

(1A) For the purposes of this paragraph a controlled donation is a recordable donation—

(a) if it is a donation of more than £5,000 (where the donee is a members association) or £1,000 (in any other case);

(b) if, when it is added to any other controlled benefit or benefits accruing to the donee—

(i) from the same person and in the same calendar year, and

(ii) in respect of which no report has been previously made under this paragraph,

the aggregate amount of the benefits is more than £5,000 (where the donee is a members association) or £1,000 (in any other case).

(1B) A controlled benefit is—

(a) a controlled donation;

(b) a controlled transaction within the meaning of paragraph 2 of Schedule 7A.

(1C) A controlled benefit which is a controlled donation accrues—

(a) from the permissible donor who made it, and

(b) when it is accepted by the donee.

(1D) A controlled benefit which is a controlled transaction accrues—

(a) from any authorised participant (within the meaning of paragraph 4(3) of Schedule 7A) who is a party to it, and

(b) when it is entered into;

and paragraph 9(6) of Schedule 7A applies for the purposes of paragraph (b) above.

(2) A regulated donee must deliver the report prepared by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) to the Commission within the period of 30 days beginning with—

(a) if sub-paragraph (1A)(a) applies, the date of acceptance of the donation;

(b) if sub-paragraph (1A)(b) applies, the date on which the benefit which causes the aggregate amount to exceed £5,000 or (as the case may be) £1,000 accrues.]

(3) Each report prepared by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) must—

(a) give the name and address of the donee; and

(b) if he is the holder of a relevant elective office, specify the office in question.

(4) Each such report must also give—

(a) such information as is required to be given, in the case of a report prepared by virtue of section 62 by virtue of paragraphs 2 [F24 , 2A] and 4 of Schedule 6;

(b) the date when the donation was accepted by the donee, and

(c) such other information as is required by regulations made by the Commission.

[F25 (4A) In the case of a donation made by an individual who has an anonymous entry in an electoral register (within the meaning of the Representation of the People Act 1983), if the report states that the donee has seen evidence of such description as is prescribed by the Secretary of State in regulations that the individual has such an anonymous entry, the report must be accompanied by a copy of the evidence.]

(5) In the application of paragraphs 2 [F24 , 2A] and 4 of Schedule 6 in accordance with sub-paragraph (4) above—

(a) any reference to a recordable donation within the meaning of that Schedule shall be construed as a reference to a recordable donation within the meaning of this paragraph;

(b) any reference to section 55(2) or to section 55(3) shall be construed as a reference to paragraph 7(2) above or to paragraph 7(3) above respectively; and

(c) any reference to section 53 shall be construed as a reference to paragraph 5 above.

(6) In the case of [F26 a controlled benefit which is] a donation to which paragraph 7(2) applies, [F27 sub-paragraph (1A)(b)] above shall have effect as if for [F28 “from the same person”] there were substituted “ in circumstances falling within paragraph 7(2) ”.

(7) In the case of [F26 a controlled benefit which is] a donation to which paragraph 7(3) applies—

(a) [F27 sub-paragraph (1A)(b)] above shall have effect as if for [F28 “ from the same person”] there were substituted “ in circumstances falling within paragraph 7(3) by the same donor ”; and

(b) any report prepared by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) above in respect of the donation must give—

(i) the date or dates on or between which the visit to which the donation relates took place, and

(ii) the destination and purpose of the visit.

Textual Amendments

F23 Sch. 7 para. 10(1)(1A)-(1D)(2) substituted (11.9.2006 for E.W.S. for certain purposes, 1.7.2008 for N.I. and otherwise prosp.) for Sch. 7 para. 10(1)(2) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74(1), 77(2), Sch. 1 para. 154(5); S.I. 2006/1972, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 24, 25(m)(ii) (subject to art. 4, Sch. 2) (as amended by S.I. 2006/2268, art. 4); S.I. 2008/1656, art. 2 (subject to art. 3, Sch. 1)

F24 Words in Sch. 7 para. 10(4)(a)(5) inserted (1.11.2007) by The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Northern Ireland Political Parties) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2501), art. 6, Sch. 2 para. 4

F25 Sch 7 para. 10(4A) inserted (E.W.S.) (1.1.2007) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 10(2), 77(2), Sch. 1 para. 28; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 12(a) (subject to art. 6, Sch. 2)

F26 Words in Sch. 7 para. 10(6)(7) inserted (11.9.2006 for E.W.S. for certain purposes, 1.7.2008 for N.I. and otherwise prosp.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74(1), 77(2), Sch. 1 para. 154(6)(a); S.I. 2006/1972, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 24, 25(m)(ii) (subject to art. 4, Sch. 2) (as amended by S.I. 2006/2268, art. 4); S.I. 2008/1656, art. 2 (subject to art. 3, Sch. 1)

F27 Words in Sch. 7 para. 10(6)(7) substituted (11.9.2006 for E.W.S. for certain purposes, 1.7.2008 for N.I. and otherwise prosp.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74(1), 77(2), Sch. 1 para. 154(6)(b); S.I. 2006/1972, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 24, 25(m)(ii) (subject to art. 4, Sch. 2) (as amended by S.I. 2006/2268, art. 4); S.I. 2008/1656, art. 2 (subject to art. 3, Sch. 1)

F28 Words in Sch. 7 para. 10(6)(7) substituted (11.9.2006 for E.W.S. for certain purposes, 1.7.2008 for N.I. and otherwise prosp.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74(1), 77(2), Sch. 1 para. 154(6)(c); S.I. 2006/1972, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 24, 25(m)(ii) (subject to art. 4, Sch. 2) (as amended by S.I. 2006/2268, art. 4); S.I. 2008/1656, art. 2 (subject to art. 3, Sch. 1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C25 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 16.2.2001) by S.I. 2001/446, art. 3

C26 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 disapplied in part (temp. from 16.2.2005) by The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Disapplication of Part IV for Northern Ireland Parties, etc) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/299), arts. 1(2), 3

C27 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 25.9.2006 until 31.10.2007) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 33), ss. 10(2)(a), 11(2)(3), 31(2)

Commencement Information

I10 Sch. 7 wholly in force at 16.2.2001; Sch. 7 partly in force at Royal Assent, see s. 163(3); Sch. 7 in force in so far as not already in force at 16.2.2001 by S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1Pt. II)

Donation reports: donations from impermissible or unidentifiable donors U.K.

11 (1) A regulated donee shall— U.K.

(a) prepare a report under this paragraph in respect of each controlled donation received by the donee and falling within paragraph 6(1)(a) or (b); and

(b) deliver the report to the Commission within the period of 30 days beginning with the date when the donation was dealt with in accordance with section 56(2)(a) or (b).

(2) Each such report must—

(a) give the name and address of the donee; and

(b) if he is the holder of a relevant elective office, specify the office in question.

(3) Each such report in respect of a donation falling within paragraph 6(1)(a) must also give—

(a) the name and address of the donor;

(b) the amount of the donation (if a donation of money, in cash or otherwise) or (in any other case) the nature of the donation and its value as determined in accordance with paragraph 5;

(c) the date when the donation was received and the date when, and the manner in which, it was dealt with in accordance with section 56(2)(a); and

(d) such other information as is required by regulations made by the Commission.

(4) Each such report in respect of a donation falling within paragraph 6(1)(b) must also give—

(a) details of the manner in which it was made;

(b) the amount of the donation (if a donation of money, in cash or otherwise) or (in any other case) the nature of the donation and its value as determined in accordance with paragraph 5;

(c) the date when the donation was received, and the date when, and the manner in which, it was dealt with in accordance with section 56(2)(b); and

(d) such other information as is required by regulations made by the Commission.

(5) In this paragraph any reference to any provision of section 56 is a reference to that provision as applied by paragraph 8.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C28 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 16.2.2001) by S.I. 2001/446, art. 3

C29 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 disapplied in part (temp. from 16.2.2005) by The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Disapplication of Part IV for Northern Ireland Parties, etc) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/299), arts. 1(2), 3

C30 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 25.9.2006 until 31.10.2007) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 33), ss. 10(2)(a), 11(2)(3), 31(2)

Commencement Information

I11 Sch. 7 wholly in force at 16.2.2001; Sch. 7 partly in force at Royal Assent, see s. 163(3); Sch. 7 in force in so far as not already in force at 16.2.2001 by S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)

Offence of failing to deliver donation report U.K.

12 (1) Where a report required to be delivered to the Commission under paragraph 10(1) or 11(1) is not delivered by the end of the period of 30 days mentioned in [F29 paragraph 10(2) or 11(1)]—

(a) the regulated donee, or

(b) (if a members association) the responsible person,

is guilty of an offence.

(2) If such a report is delivered to the Commission which does not comply with any requirements of paragraph 10 or 11 as regards the information to be given in such a report—

(a) the regulated donee, or

(b) (if a members association) the responsible person,

is guilty of an offence.

(3) Where a person is charged with an offence under this paragraph, it shall be a defence to prove that he took all reasonable steps, and exercised all due diligence, to ensure that any requirements—

(a) as regards the preparation and delivery of a report in respect of the donation in question, or

(b) as regards the information to be given in the report in question,

as the case may be, were complied with in relation to that donation or report.

(4) Where the court is satisfied, on an application made by the Commission, that any failure to comply with any such requirements in relation to any donation to the regulated donee was attributable to an intention on the part of any person to conceal the existence or true amount of the donation, the court may order the forfeiture by the donee of an amount equal to the value of the donation.

(5) The following provisions, namely—

(a) subsections (3) to (5) of section 58, and

(b) sections 59 and 60,

shall apply for the purposes, or in connection with the operation, of sub-paragraph (4) in relation to a regulated donee as they apply for the purposes, or in connection with the operation, of section 58 in relation to a registered party.

Textual Amendments

F29 Words in Sch. 7 para. 12(1) substituted (11.9.2006 for E.W.S. for certain purposes, 1.7.2008 for N.I. and otherwise prosp.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74(1), 77(2), Sch. 1 para. 154(7); S.I. 2006/1972, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 24, 25(m)(ii) (subject to art. 4, Sch. 2) (as amended by S.I. 2006/2268, art. 4); S.I. 2008/1656, art. 2 (subject to art. 3, Sch. 1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C31 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 16.2.2001) by S.I. 2001/446, art. 3

C32 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 disapplied in part (temp. from 16.2.2005) by The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Disapplication of Part IV for Northern Ireland Parties, etc) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/299), arts. 1(2), 3

C33 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 25.9.2006 until 31.10.2007) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 33), ss. 10(2)(a), 11(2)(3), 31(2)

Commencement Information

I12 Sch. 7 wholly in force at 16.2.2001; Sch. 7 partly in force at Royal Assent, see s. 163(3); Sch. 7 in force in so far as not already in force at 16.2.2001 by S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)

Declaration in donation report U.K.

13 (1) Each report under paragraph 10 or 11 must, when delivered to the Commission, be accompanied by a declaration made by— U.K.

(a) the regulated donee, or

(b) (if a members association) the responsible person,

which complies with sub-paragraph (2) or (3).

(2) In the case of a report under paragraph 10, the declaration must state that, to the best of the declarant’s knowledge and belief, any donation recorded in the report as having been accepted by the donee was from a permissible donor.

(3) In the case of a report under paragraph 11, the declaration must state that, to the best of the declarant’s knowledge and belief, the donation recorded in the report as having been received by the donee, or a payment of an equivalent amount, has been returned to the donor or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Chapter II of Part IV of this Act.

(4) A person commits an offence if he knowingly or recklessly makes a false declaration under this paragraph.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C34 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 16.2.2001) by S.I. 2001/446, art. 3

C35 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 disapplied in part (temp. from 16.2.2005) by The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Disapplication of Part IV for Northern Ireland Parties, etc) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/299), arts. 1(2), 3

C36 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 25.9.2006 until 31.10.2007) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 33), ss. 10(2)(a), 11(2)(3), 31(2)

Commencement Information

I13 Sch. 7 wholly in force at 16.2.2001; Sch. 7 partly in force at Royal Assent, see s. 163(3); Sch. 7 in force in so far as not already in force at 16.2.2001 by S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)

F30 F30 Part IV U.K. Reporting of donations by donors

Textual Amendments

F30 Sch. 7 Pt. 4 repealed (11.9.2006) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74, 77(2), Sch. 1 para. 154(8), Sch. 2; S.I. 2006/1972, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 24, 25(k), 26(3)(b) (with art. 4, Sch. 2)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Part V U.K. Register of donations

Register of recordable donations U.K.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C41 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 disapplied in part (temp) (16.2.2005) by The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Disapplication of Part IV for Northern Ireland Parties, etc) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/299), arts. 1(2), 3

15 (1) Section 69 shall apply in relation to donations reported to the Commission under this Schedule (“relevant donations”) as it applies to donations reported to them under Chapter III of Part IV of this Act. U.K.

(2) But in its application in accordance with sub-paragraph (1), section 69 shall have effect with the modifications set out in sub-paragraph (3).

(3) Those modifications are as follows—

(a) subsection (2) shall have effect in relation to a relevant donation as if (instead of requiring the register to contain the details mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c) of that subsection) it required the register to contain such details as have been given in relation to the donation in pursuance of paragraph 10(3), 10(4), 11(2), 11(3) or 11(4); and

(b) F31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F31 Sch. 7 para. 15(3)(b) repealed (11.9.2006) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74, 77(2), Sch. 1 para. 154(9), Sch. 2; S.I. 2006/1972, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 24, 25(k), 26(3)(b) (subject to art. 4, Sch. 2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C42 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 16.2.2001) by S.I. 2001/446, art. 3

C43 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 disapplied in part (temp. from 16.2.2005) by The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Disapplication of Part IV for Northern Ireland Parties, etc) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/299), arts. 1(2), 3

C44 Sch. 7 paras. 2-15 excluded (temp. from 25.9.2006 until 31.10.2007) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 33), ss. 10(2)(a), 11(2)(3), 31(2)

Commencement Information

I15 Sch. 7 wholly in force at 16.2.2001; Sch. 7 partly in force at Royal Assent, see s. 163(3); Sch. 7 in force in so far as not already in force at 16.2.2001 by S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)

Valid from 01/07/2009

[F32 Donations to holders of certain elective offices U.K.

Textual Amendments

F32 Sch. 7 para. 15A and preceding cross-heading inserted (1.7.2009 for certain purposes, 4.5.2016 for specified purposes) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 59(3), 77(2); S.I. 2009/1509, art. 2 (with art. 3); S.I. 2016/551, art. 2(a) (with art. 3)

15A (1) This paragraph applies in relation to donations received by a holder of a relevant elective office if— U.K.

(a) the relevant body has in place arrangements requiring the holder of the office to report such donations, and

(b) the Commission think that the arrangements correspond to the requirements of paragraph 10.

(2) The Commission must make such arrangements as they think appropriate corresponding to section 69 as modified in pursuance of paragraph 15(3) to maintain a register of such information as they receive relating to such donations.

(3) In sub-paragraph (1)(a) a relevant body is—

(a) if the holder of a relevant elective office is a member of a body mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (f) of paragraph 1(8), that body;

(b) if the holder of a relevant elective office is the Mayor of London, the London Assembly;

(c) if the holder of a relevant elective office is an elected mayor within the meaning of Part 2 of the Local Government Act 2000, the local authority of which he is the mayor.]

Part VI U.K. Power to make special provision

Exemption from disclosure U.K.

16 U.K. F33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F33 Sch. 7 para. 16 repealed (25.9.2006) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 33), ss. 10(2)(a), 11(8)(a)(iv), 30(2), 31(2)(4), Sch. 5

Valid from 01/01/2010

[F34 Part 7 U.K. Compliance officers

Textual Amendments

F34 Sch. 7 Pt. 7 inserted (1.1.2010) by Political Parties and Elections Act 2009 (c. 12), ss. 15(1), 43; S.I. 2009/3084, art. 4(d)

Functions and liabilities of compliance officers U.K.

17 (1) A regulated donee who is the holder of a relevant elective office (the “office-holder”) may, by giving a notice to the Commission which complies with paragraph 18(1), appoint an individual as compliance officer for the office-holder.

(2) Where a notice under this paragraph is for the time being in force—

(a) any duty imposed on the office-holder by virtue of paragraph 8, or under paragraph 10, 11 or 13, may be discharged either by the office-holder or by the compliance officer;

(b) section 56(3), (3B) and (4) as applied by paragraph 8, and paragraph 12(1) and (2), apply to the compliance officer as well as the office-holder (so that either or both of them may be charged with any offence under those provisions);

(c) if the compliance officer makes a declaration under paragraph 13, paragraph 13(4) applies to the compliance officer instead of the office-holder.

(3) The compliance officer for an office-holder cannot be guilty of an offence under paragraph 12(1) or (2) in respect of any controlled donation received by the office-holder at a time when the notice under this paragraph was not in force.

(4) A person commits an offence if, at a time when a notice under this paragraph is in force in relation to an office-holder, the person knowingly gives the compliance officer any information relating to—

(a) the amount of any controlled donation made to the office-holder, or

(b) the person or body making such a donation,

which is false in a material particular.

Notices of appointment, renewal, alteration and termination U.K.

18 (1) A notice under paragraph 17—

(a) must be signed by the office-holder, and

(b) must contain a statement signed by the individual to be appointed as compliance officer confirming that the individual is willing to be appointed.

(2) A notice under paragraph 17 must state—

(a) the full name of the office-holder,

(b) the relevant elected office that the person holds,

(c) the office-holder's home address in the United Kingdom, or (if there is no such home address) the office-holder's home address elsewhere, and

(d) if the office-holder is a member of a registered party, the party's registered name and the address of its registered headquarters.

(3) A notice under paragraph 17 must also state—

(a) the full name of the individual to be appointed as compliance officer,

(b) if the individual holds a relevant elected office, what that office is,

(c) the individual's home address in the United Kingdom, or (if there is no such home address) the individual's home address elsewhere, and

(d) if the individual is a member of a registered party, the party's registered name and the address of its registered headquarters.

(4) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, a notice under paragraph 17 (“the original notice”)—

(a) shall be in force as from the date on which it is received by the Commission, but

(b) shall lapse at the end of the period of 12 months beginning with that date unless the office-holder or the compliance officer gives the Commission a notice (a “renewal notice”) that they both wish the original notice to remain in force.

(5) A renewal notice—

(a) has the effect of extending the validity of the original notice for a further 12 months beginning with the time when it would otherwise have lapsed (whether under sub-paragraph (4)(b) or on the expiry of a previous extension under this sub-paragraph);

(b) must be received by the Commission during the period of one month ending at that time.

(6) A renewal notice must either—

(a) confirm that all the statements contained in the original notice, as it has effect for the time being, are accurate; or

(b) indicate that any statement contained in that notice, as it so has effect, is replaced by some other statement conforming with the relevant provision of sub-paragraph (2) or (3).

A renewal notice must be signed by the office-holder and the compliance officer.

(7) The office-holder or the compliance officer may, at any time after giving the original notice, give the Commission a notice (a “notice of alteration”) indicating that any statement contained in the original notice, as it has effect for the time being, is replaced by some other statement—

(a) contained in the notice of alteration, and

(b) conforming with the relevant provision of sub-paragraph (2) or (3).

A notice of alteration takes effect on the day on which it is received by the Commission or (if later) on such date as may be specified in the notice.

(8) A notice of alteration must be signed—

(a) by the office-holder, and

(b) by the compliance officer or, in the case of a notice substituting a different individual as the compliance officer, by that individual.

(9) A notice under paragraph 17 ceases to have effect on receipt by the Commission of a notice terminating it (a “notice of termination”) given and signed by the office-holder or by the compliance officer.

(10) On receipt of a notice of termination given by the office-holder or by the compliance officer, the Commission must inform the other party as soon as is reasonably practicable (unless the notice was signed both by the office-holder and by the compliance officer).

Register of compliance officers U.K.

19 (1) The Commission shall maintain a register of all notices given to them under paragraph 17 which are for the time being in force.

(2) The register shall be maintained by the Commission in such form as they may determine and shall contain, in the case of each such notice, all the information contained in the notice as it has effect for the time being in accordance with paragraph 18.

(3) Where any notice is given to the Commission under paragraph 17 or sub-paragraph (4)(b) or (7) of paragraph 18, they shall cause all the information contained in the notice, or (as the case may be) any new information contained in it, to be entered in the register as soon as is reasonably practicable.

(4) The information to be entered in the register in respect of any individual shall, however, not include the individual's home address.]