Purdah, the pre-election period, will begin on Saturday ahead of the General Election, it has been confirmed.
All charities must make sure that they are following Charity Commission campaigning guidance, and those that are registered as third-party campaigners must begin weekly reporting to the Electoral Commission ahead of the General Election on 8 June.
The period of time before elections means restrictions are placed on the decisions the government can make.
During this time the Charity Commission’s electoral guidance applies. The principles outlined in the Commission’s CC9 Speaking out: Guidance on campaigning and political activities by charities still apply during the period.
The Charity Commission’s guidance sits alongside electoral law.
The Cabinet Office has also released its guidance, which it said would begin at 12:01 on Saturday 22 April.
Lobbying Act
Those charities that have registered with the Electoral Commission as third-party campaigners will need to begin reporting.
Individuals and organisations are required to register with the Electoral Commission as third-party campaigners if they spend more than £20,000 in England or £10,000 in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland between 19 September 2014 and polling day where the expenditure can reasonably be regarded as intended to influence the electoral prospects of parties or candidates.
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