Explanatory note

This Order makes amendments to the provisions relating to local elections in Northern Ireland which are consequential to the Civil Partnerships Act 2004 (c. 33).

Articles 2, 3 and 4(l)(a) to (c), (e), (g) and 4(2) give civil partners the same status as a spouse in all matters connected with the conduct of local elections in Northern Ireland.

Article 4(l)(d)and (f) amends the definition of "relative" to include civil partners.