Office of the Leader of the House of Commons

Political Party Funding and Expenditure Proposals

Key Benefits The Government is committed to a fair and transparent system of political party funding that does not disadvantage any party and restores public confidence in the systems. In March 2006 the then Prime Minister asked Sir Hayden Phillips to undertake a review of the funding of political parties - to achieve consensus as much as possible between the political parties with a view to legislation as soon as Parliamentary time allowed. Sir Hayden Phillips reported in March 2007, outlining general principles upon which a reformed system of party funding might be agreed. On this basis, the three main parties agreed to enter into direct discussions with each other. These inter-party talks began in May and were suspended at the end of October as it was not possible to reach a consensus. Following the postponement of Sir Hayden Philips' talks last week, the Government is considering the position reached so far and the areas where consensus have been reached. Proposals will be brought forward in due course.

The funding of political parties is a reserved matter, although there may be some minor devolution issues to consider should the proposals impinge on members of the Scottish Parliament or of a local authority in Scotland.

Related Documents

"The Funding of Political Parties" The Electoral Commission December - 2004
"Party Funding: first report of session 2006-2007" Constitutional Affairs Committee - December 2006
"Review of the Electoral Commission" Committee on Standards in Public Life 11th Report - January 2007
"Fair and Sustainable Funding of Political Parties" The Review of the Funding of Political Parties - March 2007
"Government Response to the Constitutional Affairs Committee First Report Session 2006-2007 Party Funding" May 2007

Existing Legislation in this area

The Representation of the People Act 1983
The Political Parties, Elections and Referendum Act 2000