Part I

The Electoral Commission

Commission’s general functions

Commission to be consulted on changes to electoral law.
7
1
Before making an instrument to which this section applies, the authority making the instrument shall consult the Commission.
2
This section applies to an instrument containing—
a
regulations under the European Parliamentary Elections Act 2002;
b
an order under section 6(2)(b) or (3)(b) of that Act (designations of regional returning officers);
c
an order under section 24(1)(c), (cc) or (e), 25(1)(b), 28(1)(b) or 35(2B) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (designations of returning officers and acting returning officers);
d
rules under section 36 of that Act (local government elections in England and Wales);
e
regulations under that Act (“the 1983 Act”), or under the Representation of the People Act 1985, in relation to which section 201(2) of the 1983 Act (regulations which may not be made unless a draft of them has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament) has effect;
f
an order under section 13 or 64(3) of the Government of Wales Act 2006 (conduct of elections to the National Assembly for Wales and of polls held by Welsh Ministers);
g
an order under section 12(1) or (6) of the Scotland Act 1998 (conduct of elections to the Scottish Parliament);
h
an order under section 34(4) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (conduct of elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly);
i
an order under section 17A(3) of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (free delivery of election addresses at elections to the Greater London Authority).
j
an order under section 3(1) of the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004.
3
No draft Order shall be laid before Parliament under section 84(4) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (power to make provision with respect to elections in Northern Ireland) except after consultation with the Commission.
S. 7 wholly in force at 16.2.2001; s. 7 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 163(2); s. 7 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)
Words in s. 7(2)(a) substituted (24.10.2002) by 2002 c. 24, ss. 15, 18(2), Sch. 3 para. 8(2)(a)
Words in s. 7(2)(b) substituted (24.10.2002) by 2002 c. 24, ss. 15, 18(2), Sch. 3 para. 8(2)(b)
1983 c. 2.
1985 c. 50.
S. 7(2)(f) substituted (3.5.2007) by The Government of Wales Act 2006 (Consequential Modifications and Transitional Provisions) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1388), art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 93, the amending provision coming into force immediately after the ordinary election under s. 3 of the Government of Wales Act 1998 (c. 38) held on 3.5.2007, see art. 1(2) of the amending S.I.
1998 c. 46.
1998 c. 47.
1999 c. 29.
1998 c. 47.
S. 7(2)(j) inserted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Local Electoral Administration (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 10), ss. 12, 21(1); S.S.I. 2011/277, art. 2(b)