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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the implications for her Department’s policies of the report by the All-Party Parliamentary Inquiry into Electoral Conduct, published in 2013; and whether she has had discussions with the Electoral Commission on that report.

Many of the recommendations made by the All-Party Parliamentary Inquiry into Electoral Conduct have been implemented, including updating the offence of undue influence and rules on digital imprints.

The government has published a strategy for modern and secure elections, part of which sets out a package of policies to tackle intimidation and harassment of those involved in elections and improve the tone of political debate.

In developing this strategy, we have engaged with key stakeholders – including the Electoral Commission – and will continue to do so as we deliver this package of reforms. We welcome the recent work of groups in this area including the Speaker’s Conference and the Committee on Standards in Public Life and will continue to support their work and carefully consider their recommendations.