Explanatory note

These Regulations come into force on 1st April 1993 and, with effect from 1st April 1996, abolish the scheme under which, on application, the Certification Officer refunds independent trade unions in respect of certain expenditure incurred by them in conducting certain ballots. The Regulations also (i) progressively reduce the proportion of that expenditure which is to be refunded in respect of ballots conducted during the intervening period and (ii) ensure that no refund is to be made if the Certification Officer considers that a statutory requirement applying to the conduct of a ballot has not been satisfied.