Explanatory note

These Rules amend the Local Elections (Principal Areas) (England and Wales) Rules 2006 (S.I. 2006/3304), the Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) Rules 2006 (S.I. 2006/3305) and the Greater London Authority Elections Rules 2007 (S.I. 2007/3541). Specifically they amend the requirements for candidate consent to nomination to cover the additional disqualification criteria imposed by the amendments made by the Local Government (Disqualification) Act 2022 (c. 17). These amendments add to the existing disqualification criteria the notification requirements set out in the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (c. 42), a Sexual Risk Order made under section 122A of that Act, and the equivalent notification requirements and Orders in effect in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

The amended criteria are at section 81A of the Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70) for candidates for election to the offices of parish councillor and local councillor, and at section 21A (disqualification relating to sexual offences etc) of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (c. 29) for candidates for election to the offices of Mayor of London and of constituency and London members of the Assembly.

A full regulatory impact assessment has not been prepared as this instrument will have no impact on the costs of business and the voluntary sector.