The Government is committed to ensuring that the evidential thresholds for offences and the sentencing framework under PPERA do not inadvertently constrain enforcement activity or fail to reflect the potential harm such offences can cause to public confidence in the democratic process. We recognise the importance of ensuring that the enforcement framework provides an effective deterrent and enables law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute serious wrongdoing, including through the use of appropriate investigatory powers. We also acknowledge the Committee’s view that additional civil and criminal sanctions may have a role in strengthening the regime and will consider this as part of our wider work. However, increasing maximum custodial sentences raises complex issues that must be addressed carefully. Changes to sentencing limits and associated knowledge tests require detailed consideration of proportionality, fairness, and coherence across both the broader criminal law framework and the electoral law system. Given these complexities, we do not consider that such reforms can be fully developed within the timeframes of the Representation of the People Bill. Instead, the Government’s approach will be to undertake further analysis and targeted consultation with key stakeholders, including law enforcement, the Electoral Commission, prosecuting authorities, devolved governments and political parties. Through this process, we will develop proposals to ensure that the criminal enforcement framework for political finance is both robust and proportionate.