(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations are the fourth commencement regulations made under the Elections Act 2022 (c. 37)(“the Act”).
Regulation 2 brings into force section 9 of the Act so far as it relates to the Electoral Commission being required to consult on and issue guidance to returning officers, in relation to a returning officer’s duty under new rule 29(3A)(b) of Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 1983 (c. 2) to provide equipment to assist persons with disabilities to vote independently. The same regulation also commences equivalent provisions in relation to local elections in Northern Ireland.
Regulation 2 also brings Part 4 (regulation of expenditure) of the Act into force. Part 4 amends various electoral expenditure legislative provisions including, for example, within the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c. 41) and the Representation of the People Act 1983.
Regulation 3 sets out savings provisions so that amendments made by sections 20, 22 and 23 of the Act do not have effect in relation to certain activities undertaken before the day on which these regulations come into force. Part 4 of the Act also contains further savings provisions (sections 26(3) and 28(13)) and a transitional provision (section 25) in relation to the regulation of expenditure, which are also brought into force by these Regulations.
A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen. An impact assessment has been produced in relation to the Act and copies can be obtained at https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/44886/documents/1304 or from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities at 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF.