Explanatory note

This Order restates, with variations, the Scheme set out in the Elections (Policy Development Grants Scheme) Order 2006. This Scheme governs the making of policy development grants to eligible political parties to assist with the development of policies for inclusion in their manifestos for relevant elections (within the meaning of section 22(5) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c. 41)). The Scheme, as provided in the Schedule, has effect in relation to the year commencing on 1st April 2025, and subsequent years.

The Order gives effect to the recommendations of the Electoral Commission without modification.

The amount available for allocation annually by way of grant under the Scheme is £2 million (paragraph 3 of the Schedule). Paragraph 4 of the Schedule sets out how that amount is allocated to eligible parties. An allocation comprises a fixed amount determined by dividing £1 million by the number of eligible parties for the year (paragraph 4(a) of the Schedule) and a variable amount (paragraph 4(b) of the Schedule) determined by attributing a share of £1 million between each of the four nations of the UK, which is calculated by reference to the proportion of the UK electorate for that part of the UK, and then dividing each nation’s share between the qualifying eligible parties in respect of that nation, in accordance with paragraphs 5 to 8 of the Schedule.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.