Question

To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, whether Government spending in support of the remain campaign for the EU referendum is counted towards the total campaign spending for that campaign.

During the referendum period ahead of the EU Referendum, which will run from 15 April to 23 June 2016, there are rules that campaigners must follow on spending, donations and reporting. These are set out under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA). Spending from public funds is not covered by these rules.

Section 125 of PPERA does place restrictions on the publication of promotional material by UK and devolved governments and Ministers during the 28 day period before a referendum. Publishing information and arguments for or against the UK remaining or leaving the EU or materials designed to encourage people to vote a certain way are covered by these restrictions. These restrictions will apply between 27 May and 23 June 2016.