Individuals and organisations (including political parties) that wish to spend more than £10,000 campaigning in a referendum must register with us as a 'permitted participant'. Once registered, permitted participants can spend more than £10,000 on their campaigns, but are required to manage their finances in accordance with the regulatory framework set down by the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA).
Individuals or groups who spend less than £10,000 on their referendum campaign do not need to register with us. However, it is important that they monitor their expenditure throughout the referendum period, including benefits received in kind. If spending approaches the £10,000 threshold at any time during the referendum period, the campaigner should register with us as a permitted participant.
Permitted participants will also have the opportunity to apply to be appointed as a 'designated organisation', which is, in effect, the lead campaign organisation representing each outcome in each referendum region.
Regulatory framework
One of the key functions for us in running a referendum is to oversee the regulatory framework controlling the activities of the permitted participants. We have responsibility for monitoring compliance with financial controls imposed on those campaigning in a referendum, and also for allocating assistance to designated organisations.
Guidance on the following areas of the legislation will be made available in the event of a referendum being announced:
- registering as a permitted participant
- donations to permitted participants
- referendum expenses
- designated organisations
