Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the House of Commons Registrar will play any role in providing advice to Hon Members on the new due diligence requirements on political donations to Hon Members, and what consideration has been made of a ‘safe harbour’ provision.

It is important to distinguish between electoral law and the rules governing the conduct of Members of Parliament. As the independent regulator of elections in the UK, the Electoral Commission is responsible for assisting in compliance with electoral law, including the political finance framework, and provides guidance and support to those subject to it, including political parties, campaigners and candidates.

Separate parliamentary rules and standards, including those relating to Members' conduct and parliamentary proceedings, are the responsibility of the Houses of Parliament and its authorities. Neither the Government nor the Electoral Commission determine or provide authoritative guidance on parliamentary rules, just as parliamentary authorities do not regulate compliance with electoral law.

Further guidance will be produced by the Electoral Commission to support recipients of donations to adhere to the new donation requirements set out in the Representation of the People Bill. We consider this the most effective way to support compliance.