Explanatory note

Schedule 4A to the Representation of the People Act 1983 (c. 2) details the expenses that candidates must account for at UK Parliamentary elections and local government elections, including local government elections in Wales. Paragraph 13A, which was inserted by regulation 4(1) of the Representation of the People (Variation of Election Expenses and Exclusions) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/428), provides for a general exclusion for reasonable expenses incurred that are reasonably attributable to the protection of persons or property, other than at local government elections in Wales. This Order amends paragraph 13A so that the exclusion applies in relation to local government elections in Wales.

The Welsh Ministers’ Code of Practice on the carrying out of Regulatory Impact Assessments was considered in relation to this Order. As a result, a regulatory impact assessment has been prepared as to the likely costs and benefits of complying with this Order. A copy can be obtained from the Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ and on the Welsh Government’s website at www.gov.wales.