Explanatory note

This Order, which applies in Northern Ireland, amends the Parliamentary Elections (Returning Officer’s Charges) (Northern Ireland) Order 1997.

Paragraphs (2) and (4)(a) of article 2 increase the maximum recoverable amounts which the Chief Electoral Officer as the returning officer for each constituency at a parliamentary election in Northern Ireland is entitled to recover in respect of his expenses in connection with the election.

Under article 2(4)(b) he is also to be entitled to recover expenses for providing at polling stations the large version of the ballot paper and the prescribed device to assist voters with disabilities. Provisions for assistance with voting for persons with disabilities were contained in amendments made by section 13 of the Representation of the People Act 2000 (c. 2).