# The Local Elections (Northern Ireland) (Uprating Election Expenses) Order 2026

Draft 2026, ISBN 9780348285741

This Order amends provisions governing local election expenditure in Northern Ireland by amending section 42 (1ZB) of the Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962 (c.14 (N.I.)). This increases the spending limits for electoral candidates at a local election by substituting “£600” for “£960”, and “5p” for “8p”.

Made under: Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Section 7, Contents); Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Section 84, Contents)

PDFs: Printed copy https://openlegislation.uk/draft-local-elections-northern-ireland-uprating-election-expenses-order-2026/pdf/ukdsi_9780348285741_en.pdf; UK Draft Explanatory Memorandum https://openlegislation.uk/draft-local-elections-northern-ireland-uprating-election-expenses-order-2026/pdf/ukdsiem_9780348285741_en_001.pdf

## Introductory text

Draft Order in Council laid before Parliament under section 84(4) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (c. 47), for approval by resolution of each House of Parliament.
NORTHERN IRELAND
Made ***
Coming into force in accordance with article 1(2) ***
At the Court at Buckingham Palace, the [date] day of [date] 2026
Present,
The King's Most Excellent Majesty in Council
In accordance with section 7 (3) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 the Electoral Commission has been consulted prior to this Order being laid before Parliament.
In accordance with section 84 (4) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 a draft of this Order has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.
Accordingly, His Majesty, in exercise of the powers conferred on Him by section 84 (1) and (2) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, is pleased, by and with the advice of His Privy Council, to order as follows.

## 1 Citation, commencement and extent

(1) This Order may be cited as the Local Elections (Northern Ireland) (Uprating Election Expenses) Order 2026.
(2) This Order comes into force on the day after the day on which it is made.
(3) This Order extends to Northern Ireland.

## 2 Amendment of section 42(1ZB) of the Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962

In section 42 (1ZB) (limitation of election expenses) of the Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962 —
(a) for “£600” substitute “£960”;
(b) for “5p” substitute “8p”.

## Signature

Clerk of the Privy Council

## Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Order in Council)
This Order amends provisions governing local election expenditure in Northern Ireland by amending section 42 (1ZB) of the Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962 (c.14 (N.I.)). This increases the spending limits for electoral candidates at a local election by substituting “£600” for “£960”, and “5p” for “8p”.
A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no impact on the private, public or voluntary sector is foreseen.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2026/9780348285741 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/draft-local-elections-northern-ireland-uprating-election-expenses-order-2026
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.