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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what representations he has received on the provisions of political finance laws on declarations of political gifts, sponsorship and donations to (a) hon. Members in the 12 month period before they are elected and (b) regulated donees who do not hold the status of an elected representative.

Following the publication of the independent Rycroft Review, which made recommendations on strengthening the political finance framework, including in relation to donations made to individuals before they become Members of Parliament, these issues have been considered as part of wider public and parliamentary scrutiny.

There has also been debate on political donations and transparency during the passage of the Representation of the People Bill, during which a range of views have been expressed on the scope and application of the political finance framework, including in relation to regulated donees.