This page provides general guidance on controls on donations to candidates. For more detailed guidance, please refer to guidance specific to your area.
The RPA regulates all donations made to a candidate for the purpose of meeting the candidate's election expenses. Donations can only be accepted if they are permissible sources, and must be reported in the candidate's election expenses return.
Acceptance of donations
Candidates may only accept donations of more than £50 from permissible donors. Permissible donors are defined under the RPA as:
- an individual registered on a UK electoral register
- a UK registered political party
- a UK registered company
- a UK registered trade union
- a UK registered building society
- a UK registered limited liability partnership
- a UK registered friendly/building society
- a UK based unincorporated association
Candidates are prohibited from accepting donations of more than £50 other than from the above sources. Any donations of more than £50 from impermissible donors must be returned, and donations from unidentifiable donors cannot be accepted.
Types of donations
The RPA provides a number of examples as to what counts as a donation. These include:
- any gift (including bequests) of money or other property
- sponsorship
- any money spent (other than by the candidate, election agent or any sub-agent) in paying any election expenses
- any money, goods or services provided to the candidate or his election agent, other than on normal commercial terms
Reporting and recording of donations
Candidates and their election agents are required to keep a record of all donations received to enable them to make a full statement of donations in their election expenses return. The statement of donations included in a candidate's election expenses return should include details of:
- all accepted donations of over £50
- any impermissible donations received
- any donations received from unidentifiable sources
