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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, for what reason the 2023-24 uprating of election spending limits by inflation is being reviewed by the Electoral Commission.

The Government is of the opinion that an independent assessment is needed regarding the adequacy of current spending limits across electoral law. That is why we have asked the Electoral Commission to undertake a review of spending limits for political parties, third-party campaigners, and candidates by July 2027.

The Government believes an impartial review of the evidence is needed to identify whether there is a case for reform in this area, with proper consultation among political parties and other interested stakeholders. As the independent regulator, the Electoral Commission is best placed to carry out this review. This will ensure the entire spending limit framework is scrutinised and fit for purpose.