Delayed electoral law simplification

#2 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The Government should prioritise implementing the Law Commission’s recommendations to rationalise electoral law and immediately start work towards setting out a long-term strategy, with cross-party support, ahead of the next General Election.

Gov response: As set out in the Government’s response to PACAC’s Fifth Report of Session 2021–22 on ‘The Elections Bill’ and in debates during the passage of the Bill, the Government agrees that simplifying and consolidating electoral …

Accepted

#25 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The Government’s reasons for making these changes to the laws on postal voting appear valid and justified to the Committee. The Committee recommends that the Government sets out regulations to the effect that local authorities must notify people in advance …

Gov response: The Government welcomes the Committee’s comments on the postal voting measures. The Bill will limit the period a person’s application covers to three years. Under the transitional arrangements set out in the Bill, the measure …

Under Consideration

#25 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: We agree with the Electoral Commission that each of the four governments of the UK should amend the rules for reporting spending to provide greater transparency on the money being spent on digital campaigns in their jurisdictions. There should be …

Gov response: The Government recognises the importance of ensuring appropriate transparency in relation to online campaigning, which is why spending on digital campaigning at an election must already be reported. The current wording in the law already …

Accepted

#24 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: As recommended in our Fifth Report of Session 2021–22 on the Elections Bill, acknowledging the need for legislation to keep pace with rapid technological changes, the Government should commit to monitoring and conducting regular reviews of the digital imprints scheme, …

Gov response: Once implemented, the digital imprint regime, introduced in the Elections Act 2022, will be one of the most ambitious ones in the world, providing voters with much needed transparency about who is seeking to influence …

Accepted

#23 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The introduction of digital imprints on paid-for and certain unpaid digital material is welcome, but, in their current form, the requirements have notable limitations. This includes a potentially wide scope of activity that will not require an imprint, as well …

Gov response: Once implemented, the digital imprint regime, introduced in the Elections Act 2022, will be one of the most ambitious ones in the world, providing voters with much needed transparency about who is seeking to influence …

Accepted

#21 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: Digital technology is allowing more parties, campaigners, and voters than ever to participate in political debate. While we view this as a positive step for democracy, we must recognise that it has created a more complex regulatory environment for the …

Gov response: Cooperation between national regulatory authorities is essential to ensuring consistency, clarity and protection for UK users as well as industry in the digital space. The Government agrees that it is important that the Electoral Commission …

Not Addressed

#18 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: We agree with the Committee on Standards in Public Life that investigations under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 should be opened within 12 months of the date of the potential offence being committed or, from the date …

Gov response: . The Government agrees with the Committee’s view that it is important to resolve investigations within a reasonable time period. Currently, prosecutors have six months from receiving sufficient evidence to bring such proceedings in relation …

Accepted

#10 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The Committee recognises the complexity of the dual regimes for candidates under the Representation of the People Act 1983 and parties and campaigners under the Political Parties, Elections, and Referendums Act 2000. Consolidating the law into one regulatory framework should …

Gov response: We note the Committee’s recommendation to retain in the final draft of the Statement guidance relating to the need for the Commission to be sensitive and proportionate to the voluntary nature of much of political …

Under Consideration

#9 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The Committee believes, regardless of the complexity of the legislation, it is vital that the Electoral Commission has sufficient internal expertise to clarify ambiguities in the law or guidance in a timely manner, particularly during regulated periods. The Electoral Commission …

Gov response: The Government notes that these recommendations are primarily addressed to the Electoral Commission. We note, however, the Committee’s recommendation that the reference in the Strategy and Policy Statement to the importance of the Commission engaging …

Partially Accepted

#7 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The Electoral Commission invests significant resources into providing guidance to candidates, parties, and non-party campaigners to support their understanding of complex legislation, and this is largely welcomed by those it regulates. However, as a matter of priority, further action is …

Gov response: The Government notes that these recommendations are primarily addressed to the Electoral Commission. We note, however, the Committee’s recommendation that the reference in the Strategy and Policy Statement to the importance of the Commission engaging …

Under Consideration

#1 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: It has been twenty years since the Electoral Commission was established and we believe it still plays a fundamental role in overseeing free and fair elections and referendums and regulating political finance, and should continue to do so. However, its …

Gov response: As set out in the Government’s response to PACAC’s Fifth Report of Session 2021–22 on ‘The Elections Bill’ and in debates during the passage of the Bill, the Government agrees that simplifying and consolidating electoral …

Accepted

#43 — Implement a reliable system for eligible voters to cast ballots by the next general election.

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: A system capable of reliably allowing eligible voters to cast their ballot must be in place in time for the next general election. (Recommendation, Paragraph 119)

Gov response: This Government is committed to encouraging full participation by legitimate voters in our elections. Fixing the foundations of our elections delivery processes, including making changes to help build more resilience into the postal voting system, …

Not Addressed

#14 — Start simplification and consolidation of electoral law, committing to introducing legislation upon completion

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The Government should start the process of simplification and consolidation of electoral law alongside the work being carried out to produce a Bill to implement its manifesto commitments and the outcome of the strategic review. In doing this it should …

Gov response: While we understand the calls for consolidation of electoral law, major reform would require careful consideration and an extensive amount of time. Full-scale consolidation and simplification, as called for by the sector and recommended by …

Not Accepted

#13 — Government's delay in simplifying electoral law risks serious consequences

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: We are however concerned that the Government has not put in motion the work necessary to simplify and consolidate electoral law. It is clear to us that the conclusion of the Law Commissions’ report was correct, and that the UK …

Gov response: While we understand the calls for consolidation of electoral law, major reform would require careful consideration and an extensive amount of time. Full-scale consolidation and simplification, as called for by the sector and recommended by …

Not Accepted

#11 — Require Government to clarify acceptance of electoral law simplification and consolidation

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The Government should make clear whether it accepts in principle that UK elections law needs simplification and consolidation, and if it does not should set out its evidence for this position in full in its response to this report. (Recommendation, …

Gov response: While we understand the calls for consolidation of electoral law, major reform would require careful consideration and an extensive amount of time. Full-scale consolidation and simplification, as called for by the sector and recommended by …

Not Accepted

#10 — Consensus on electoral law simplification not fully embraced by government

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: There is a clear consensus in our evidence around the necessity and benefits of simplification and consolidation of electoral law. This is not a new position and has been reiterated by the practitioners and experts of electoral law for some …

Gov response: While we understand the calls for consolidation of electoral law, major reform would require careful consideration and an extensive amount of time. Full-scale consolidation and simplification, as called for by the sector and recommended by …

Not Accepted

#32 — Bring forward the Long-Term Housing Strategy to deliver 1.5 million new homes without further delay.

Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee

Recommendation: The Government must immediately bring forward its Long-Term Housing Strategy without further delay. It must set out an ambitious, comprehensive, and achievable set of policies that will deliver 1.5 million new homes by July

Gov response: 69. The Government will publish a Long-Term Housing Strategy shortly, which will bring together the significant programme of reform that the Government has undertaken since taking office in July 2024. This includes the three priority …

No Published Response

#31 — Slow plan-making system prevents local plans from collectively meeting the 1.5 million housing target.

Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee

Recommendation: The Government can only begin to make significant progress towards its 1.5 million target once the sum of local housing need targets in Local Plans add up to that figure. Whilst the Government’s reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework …

Gov response: 74. The Government notes the committee’s recommendation to move the plan making system to a 30-month timeline. Local plans play an essential role in the delivery of new homes. Regulations that will commence the new …

No Published Response

#29 — Long-Term Housing Strategy publication remains delayed, leaving the housing sector without a cohesive plan.

Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee

Recommendation: The housing sector is eagerly awaiting the Government’s Long-Term Housing Strategy, which it first announced in July 2024. Originally, this was to be published alongside the Spending Review in spring 2025. The continuing lack of a cohesive plan to deliver …

Gov response: 69. The Government will publish a Long-Term Housing Strategy shortly, which will bring together the significant programme of reform that the Government has undertaken since taking office in July 2024. This includes the three priority …

No Published Response

#9 — Protracted Section 106 negotiations causing significant delays to housing delivery.

Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee

Recommendation: Local planning authorities across England have expressed concern that protracted Section 106 negotiations are causing delays to housing delivery. Drawn out negotiations do not benefit public outcomes and cause undue delays to development, which may impede the Government’s housebuilding ambitions. …

Gov response: 54. CIL is a locally-set rate, and charging authorities must publish a charging schedule on their website which sets out their CIL rates. The Government considers these the most appropriate information sources for CIL. 55. …

Accepted

#15 — Intensify efforts to establish UK-EU SPS zone and publish a roadmap by May 2026.

Welsh Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The UK Government must intensify efforts to fully establish an SPS zone with the EU, as a key step towards reducing trade friction for Welsh agricultural exports. We call on the Government to publish a roadmap for how they plan …

Gov response: The UK Government is working with the EU to advance the package agreed at the May UK-EU summit and remains committed to a broad and constructive relationship with the EU. A central element of this …

Partially Accepted

#15 — Home Office significantly delayed recouping excess profits from asylum accommodation providers.

Home Affairs Committee

Recommendation: It is extremely disappointing that the Home Office only appears to have started the process for recouping excess profits from accommodation providers in 2024. Accommodation providers told us they had tens of millions waiting to be returned to the Home …

Gov response: The Home Office is committed to ensuring that decisions on the distribution of asylum seekers and the identification of contingency accommodation sites are fair, evidence-based, and transparent. Dispersal Accommodation is being managed via the National …

Under Consideration

#11 —

Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee

Recommendation: The final bill must include a commencement clause for the £250 cap on ground rents to come into force two months after the Act is given Royal Assent—not at a time to be decided by ministers, as is currently the …

Response Pending

#48 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The Government’s response to the CSPL report on electoral finance regulation provides no indication of which of its recommendations (not already included in the Bill) the Government is likely to adopt (via amendment), prioritise for consultation or when or how …

Gov response: The UK has a comprehensive regulatory framework and political finance measures in the Elections Bill will strengthen three important components of this framework: fairness, transparency and controls against foreign spending. The Elections Bill is bringing …

Under Consideration

#28 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The proposals in the Bill on voting and candidacy rights of EU citizens would create a complex system that is likely to lead to confusion and difficulties for electoral administrators, electoral campaigners and voters in determining who is eligible to …

Gov response: The intention behind the proposed changes to EU citizens’ voting and candidacy rights is to update the franchise to appropriately reflect that the UK has left the European Union, and that the concept of the …

Under Consideration

#18 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: There have been concerns raised that introducing a voter ID requirement will negatively impact voter turnout. The evidence from what happened in Northern Ireland in 2003 following the move to a photographic ID suggests that a reduction of around 2.3% …

Gov response: The Government takes its Public Sector Equality Duty seriously. We have given due regard to it throughout the planning for implementation to date and we have always been clear that we will continue to do …

Under Consideration

#17 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The Government presented to the Committee a case that there is underreporting of personation at UK elections. While the Government refused to be drawn on how extensive it believes the underreporting has been, it has implied that it is at …

Gov response: The Government takes its Public Sector Equality Duty seriously. We have given due regard to it throughout the planning for implementation to date and we have always been clear that we will continue to do …

Under Consideration

#15 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: There appears to be potential for a contradiction in the drafting of Schedule 1 as the provisions setting out both the Voter Card and the Anonymous Voter Card leave open the possibility of a limited period of validity. However, the …

Gov response: The Government’s intention is that ‘expired’ documents will remain valid for the purpose of voter identification so long as the photograph remains a good likeness, although they have expired for their primary purpose. The Committee …

Under Consideration

#12 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The Government has committed to respecting devolved competence where they are touched upon in this Bill. If this were to change, we expect the Committee and the House to be notified of the reasons for such a change in advance …

Gov response: The UK Government is committed to working constructively with the devolved administrations to ensure that elections work well in the best interests of voters, the electoral sector and those regulated by electoral law so that …

Under Consideration

#4 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The Committee urges the Government to set out a timetable for undertaking a wholesale review and consolidation of electoral law. (Paragraph 24) Public and parliamentary consultation and scrutiny

Gov response: Electoral law is complex but understood by those who administer elections and referendums. It is robust and we can, as we have in the past, rely on it and our electoral administrators to underpin free …

Under Consideration

#1 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The Committee notes that electoral law in the UK is voluminous and fragmented across a raft of primary legislation and accompanying secondary legislation. We believe that there is a risk that this Bill will add further complexity.

Gov response: Electoral law is complex but understood by those who administer elections and referendums. It is robust and we can, as we have in the past, rely on it and our electoral administrators to underpin free …

Under Consideration

#22 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The responsibilities of multiple regulators in the digital space interlock with the Electoral Commission’s role to regulate money spent on political campaigning. The Government’s draft Strategy and Policy Statement for the Electoral Commission encourages cooperation between regulators to avoid duplication …

Gov response: . Cooperation between national regulatory authorities is essential to ensuring consistency, clarity and protection for UK users as well as industry in the digital space. The Government agrees that it is important that the Electoral …

Accepted

#20 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: We agree with the House of Lords Democracy and Digital Technologies Committee, and the Committee on Standards in Public Life, that the maximum fine the Electoral Commission can impose for breaches of Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 should …

Gov response: 4 Cabinet Office, Corporate report – “Government response to ‘Regulating Election Finance’ ”, 15 September 2021 (last accessed 9 January 2023) 5 Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, Written evidence, Electoral Commission, TEC0051, pp.4–5 6 …

Not Accepted

#14 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The Government should commit to reviewing the impact of the lower tier of registration for third party campaigners as part of its statutory review of the Elections Act 2022, due in four to five years› time, to be published and …

Gov response: The Government recognises the important role third-party campaigners play in the political process. Our democracy is strengthened by people campaigning for what they believe in. Of course, the existing rules and those introduced by the …

Under Consideration

#6 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The Electoral Commission must ensure it has the institutional knowledge and capacity to support those it regulates equally in both election and referendum contexts, noting their distinct and unique characteristics. There should be comprehensive training for Electoral Commission staff to …

Gov response: The Government notes that this recommendation is addressed to the Electoral Commission.

Under Consideration

#3 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The Committee notes the high levels of satisfaction in the Electoral Commission’s role in guiding the practical administration of elections and delivering referendums. Nevertheless, we remain concerned by the challenges that lie ahead for the Electoral Commission in supporting electoral …

Gov response: The Government laid the draft Voter Identification Regulations before Parliament on 1st November 2022. The Regulations have, as required, been the subject of statutory consultation with the Electoral Commission and the content discussed with a …

Accepted

#123 — Prioritise time and resources to consolidate electoral law with a clear implementation timeline

Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee

Recommendation: We reiterate the strong recommendation of numerous committees in recent years, including the House of Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee and the House of Lords Constitution Committee, that the Government bring forward a timeline to consolidate electoral law. …

Under Consideration

#52 — Voter ID lacks evidence of necessity and creates significant barriers for legitimate voters.

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: We are concerned that the evidence base for the necessity and effectiveness of voter ID is simply not there. There were extremely low levels of personation prior to the introduction of voter ID, and no evidence that it was being …

Gov response: This Government was elected on a manifesto commitment to address the inconsistencies in the voter ID rules that prevent legitimate voters from participating. As set out in the Strategy, the Government is clear that significant …

Partially Accepted

#42 — Current overseas voting system fails to guarantee eligible voters' ballots are successfully counted.

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The current system for overseas voting cannot guarantee that eligible voters will be given the opportunity to have their vote counted. We take the Government at its word that it is unacceptable that an eligible voter is prevented from having …

Gov response: This Government is committed to encouraging full participation by legitimate voters in our elections. Fixing the foundations of our elections delivery processes, including making changes to help build more resilience into the postal voting system, …

Not Addressed

#32 — Replace two-batch postal ballot dispatch with rolling system and widely publish dates

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: Currently postal ballot packs are dispatched in two batches. This should be replaced with a system where, following the first dispatch, ballot packs are printed and dispatched on a rolling basis. The first and last dispatch dates should be widely …

Gov response: This Government is committed to strengthening the postal and proxy voting system. Changes outlined in our Strategy for Elections will improve resilience and capacity, including adjustments to application deadlines, allowing earlier replacement of lost/ spoilt …

Not Accepted

#25 — Create a single, standardised system for electoral counts, register, and administration.

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: At a UK general election, all candidates should be subject to the same requirements and the same system should be used throughout the electoral process. While there are historic reasons why different systems have developed and been maintained, the case …

Gov response: Delivering the outcomes of the Review of Electoral Registration and Conduct and the measures detailed in the Strategy for Elections will bring much needed improvements and clarity for administrators and electors and will help in …

Partially Accepted

#4 — Establish clear, objective criteria and metrics for assessing future election effectiveness

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: There need to be clear criteria and, where appropriate, metrics, for assessing and judging how effectively an election has been run. The Electoral Commission should establish such criteria in consultation with Government and other stakeholders. This should be in place …

Gov response: Delivering the outcomes of the Review of Electoral Registration and Conduct and the measures detailed in the Strategy for Elections will bring much needed improvements and clarity for administrators and electors and will help in …

Under Consideration

#1 —

Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee

Recommendation: Three successive UK governments have now secured electoral mandates to address onerous ground rent terms in existing leases. Leaseholders rightly expect the government to deliver on its commitment to “tackle unregulated and unaffordable ground rent charges” through legislation. Therefore, we …

Response Pending

#15 —

Culture, Media and Sport Committee

Recommendation: The Government has been too slow to act on Ofcom’s 2019 recommendations to update prominence legislation. We are frustrated that the Government expects the process to take a further two years; new primary legislation is urgently needed and the media …

Gov response: As set out previously in our written submission to the Committee, the Government recognises the importance of high-quality PSB content being discoverable and widely accessible to UK audiences as far as possible. That is why …

Under Consideration

#27 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The Committee welcomes the removal of the 15-year limit on overseas electors participating in UK parliamentary elections.

Gov response: The intention behind the proposed changes to EU citizens’ voting and candidacy rights is to update the franchise to appropriately reflect that the UK has left the European Union, and that the concept of the …

Under Consideration

#26 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: We agree with the Government that it is sensible to limit the number of proxy votes that can be exercised by individuals to two for domestic electors, and four for overseas electors. (Paragraph 118) Overseas electors and changes to the …

Gov response: The Government welcomes the Committee’s comments on the postal voting measures. The Bill will limit the period a person’s application covers to three years. Under the transitional arrangements set out in the Bill, the measure …

Under Consideration

#23 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: We welcome the Government’s move to update electoral law to widen the requirement for anyone and everybody who may have a disability or a need for support in casting their vote. We also take on board the concerns expressed by …

Gov response: It is integral to our democracy that everybody is able to make their voice heard and that elections are accessible for all those eligible to vote. As the Government has outlined previously, the Electoral Commission …

Under Consideration

#22 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: We are concerned that the voter ID requirement will be burdensome to poll station staff. Many of the practicalities of the voter ID system are still to be set out and the Committee intends to monitor these closely. We recommend …

Gov response: The Election Bill’s corresponding secondary legislation is being developed in parallel with the primary legislation going through Parliament in order to maximise time available to gain input from others with an interest in the application …

Under Consideration

#21 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The Committee appreciates that the Government has included a wide range of forms of identification in its list of acceptable identification in the Bill. The purpose of the Government’s proposals to introduce a voter ID requirement are to ensure that …

Gov response: The Government takes its Public Sector Equality Duty seriously. We have given due regard to it throughout the planning for implementation to date and we have always been clear that we will continue to do …

Under Consideration

#16 —

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Recommendation: The process of carrying out elections in the UK, the ease with which members of the electorate can cast their vote, and the trust that is shown in and by the electorate in general is an admirable and crucial tenet …

Gov response: The Government takes its Public Sector Equality Duty seriously. We have given due regard to it throughout the planning for implementation to date and we have always been clear that we will continue to do …

Under Consideration