{
  "url": "https://openlegislation.uk/representation-of-the-people-act-1983/section-76",
  "json_url": "https://openlegislation.uk/representation-of-the-people-act-1983/section-76.json",
  "legislation": "ukpga/1983/2",
  "legislation_title": "Representation of the People Act 1983",
  "legislation_url": "https://openlegislation.uk/representation-of-the-people-act-1983",
  "path": "section/76",
  "kind": "section",
  "number": "76",
  "heading": "Limitation of election expenses.",
  "text": "(1) The election expenses incurred by or on behalf of a candidate at an election must not in the aggregate exceed the maximum amount specified in subsection (2) below or, in the case of any of the Authority elections mentioned in subsection (2A)(a) to (c) below, the maximum amount prescribed by order under that subsection.\n(1A) Where a registered political party submits a list of candidates to be London members of the London Assembly at an ordinary election, any election expenses incurred by or on behalf of any of those candidates must not in the aggregate exceed the maximum amount prescribed by order under subsection (2A)(d).\n(1B) Where any election expenses are incurred in excess of a maximum amount specified in subsection (2) below or prescribed by order under subsection (2A) below, any candidate or election agent who—\n(a) incurred, or authorised the incurring of, the election expenses, and\n(b) knew or ought reasonably to have known that the expenses would be incurred in excess of that maximum amount,\nshall be guilty of an illegal practice.\n(2) That maximum amount is—\n(a) for a candidate at a parliamentary general election, being an election—\n(i) in a county constituency, £11,390 together with an additional 12p for every entry in the register of electors . . . and\n(ii) in a borough constituency, £11,390 together with an additional 8p for every entry in the register of electors . . .\n(aa) for a candidate at a parliamentary by-election, £180,050;\n(b) for a candidate at a local government election other than an Authority election—\n(i) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\n(ia) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\n(ib) at a local government election in England, £960 together with an additional 8p for every entry in the register of electors;\n(ic) at a local government election in Wales, £806 together with an additional 7p for every entry in the register of electors;\n(ii) at any other local government election, £740 together with an additional 6p for every entry in the register of electors . . ..\n(2A) As respects Authority elections, each of the following, that is to say—\n(a) the maximum amount for a candidate in an election of the Mayor of London,\n(b) the maximum amount for a candidate in an election of a constituency member of the London Assembly,\n(c) the maximum amount for an individual candidate in an election of the London members of the London Assembly at an ordinary election,\n(d) the maximum amount for the purposes of subsection (1A) above,\nshall be such as the Secretary of State may prescribe in an order made by statutory instrument.\n(2B) An order under subsection (2A) above shall not be made unless a draft of the order has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.\n(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\n(4) In subsection (2) above “the register of electors” means the register of parliamentary electors, or (as the case may be) local government electors, for the constituency or electoral area in question as it has effect on the last day for publication of notice of the election.\n(5) The maximum amount mentioned above for a candidate at a parliamentary election or an Authority election (including the maximum amount for the purposes of subsection (1A) above) or a local government election in England or Wales is not required to cover the candidate’s personal expenses.\n(6) Where at an election a poll is countermanded or abandoned by reason of a candidate’s death, the maximum amount of election expenses shall, for any of the other candidates who then remain validly nominated, be twice or, if there has been a previous increase under this subsection, three times what it would have been but for any increase under this subsection; but the maximum amount shall not be affected for any candidate by the change in the timing of the election or of any step in the proceedings at the election.",
  "extent": "E+W",
  "status": null,
  "version": "current",
  "annotations": [
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F1",
      "text": "S. 17(1) substituted (29.1.2001 for certain purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, s. 8(a), Sch. 1 para. 10; S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F2",
      "text": "S. 76(1) substituted (1.7.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 132(2)(6) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F3",
      "text": "S. 76(1A) inserted (14.12.1999) by 1999 c. 29, s. 17, Sch. 3 para. 20(2); S.I. 1999/3376, art. 2"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F4",
      "text": "Words in s. 76(1A) substituted (1.7.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 132(3)(6) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F5",
      "text": "S. 76(1B) inserted (1.7.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 132(4)(6) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F6",
      "text": "Word in s. 76(1B) substituted (11.9.2006) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74(1), 77, Sch. 1 para. 71; S.I. 2006/1972, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 25(a) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 4, Sch. 2)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F7",
      "text": "Words substituted by Representation of the People Act 1989 (c. 28, SIF 42), s. 6(1)(a)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F8",
      "text": "Sum in s. 76(2)(a)(i) substituted (21.11.2023) by The Representation of the People (Variation of Election Expenses, Expenditure Limits and Donation etc. Thresholds) Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/1235), arts. 1(2), 2(2)(a)(i)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F9",
      "text": "Sum in s. 76(2)(a)(i) substituted (21.11.2023) by The Representation of the People (Variation of Election Expenses, Expenditure Limits and Donation etc. Thresholds) Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/1235), arts. 1(2), 2(2)(a)(ii)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F10",
      "text": "Words in s. 76(2) repealed (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, ss. 8, 15, Sch. 1 para. 18(2); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F11",
      "text": "Sum in s. 76(2)(a)(ii) substituted (21.11.2023) by The Representation of the People (Variation of Election Expenses, Expenditure Limits and Donation etc. Thresholds) Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/1235), arts. 1(2), 2(2)(b)(i)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F12",
      "text": "Sum in s. 76(2)(a)(ii) substituted (21.11.2023) by The Representation of the People (Variation of Election Expenses, Expenditure Limits and Donation etc. Thresholds) Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/1235), arts. 1(2), 2(2)(b)(ii)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F13",
      "text": "Words in s. 76(2) repealed (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, ss. 8, 15, Sch. 1 para. 18(2); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F14",
      "text": "S. 76(2)(aa) substituted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 132(5)(6); S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F15",
      "text": "Sum in s. 76(2)(aa) substituted (21.11.2023) by The Representation of the People (Variation of Election Expenses, Expenditure Limits and Donation etc. Thresholds) Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/1235), arts. 1(2), 2(2)(c)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F16",
      "text": "Words in s. 76(2)(b) inserted (14.12.1999) by 1999 c. 29, s. 17, Sch. 3, para. 20(3); S.I. 1999/3376, art. 2"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F17",
      "text": "S. 76(2)(b)(i) repealed by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), ss. 1, 102, Sch. 17"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F18",
      "text": "S. 76(2)(b)(ia) inserted by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), s. 19(5)(6), Sch. 9 para. 1(8) and repealed by Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40, SIF 41:1), ss. 231(7), 235(6), 237, Sch. 13 Pt. I"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F19",
      "text": "S. 76(2)(b)(ib) inserted (E.W.) (22.12.2020) by The Representation of the People (Variation of Limits of Candidates’ Election Expenses) (England) Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/1634), arts. 1(1), 2"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F20",
      "text": "Sum in s. 76(2)(b)(ib) substituted (21.11.2023) by The Representation of the People (Variation of Election Expenses, Expenditure Limits and Donation etc. Thresholds) Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/1235), arts. 1(2), 2(2)(d)(i)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F21",
      "text": "Sum in s. 76(2)(b)(ib) substituted (21.11.2023) by The Representation of the People (Variation of Election Expenses, Expenditure Limits and Donation etc. Thresholds) Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/1235), arts. 1(2), 2(2)(d)(ii)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F22",
      "text": "S. 76(2)(b)(ic) inserted (W.) (1.1.2022) by The Representation of the People (Variation of Limits of Candidates’ Election Expenses) (Wales) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/1285), arts. 1, 2"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F23",
      "text": "Sum in s. 76(2)(b)(ii) substituted (E.W.) (4.8.2014) by The Representation of the People (Variation of Limits of Candidates Election Expenses) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/1870), arts. 1, 5(a)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F24",
      "text": "Sum in s. 76(2)(b)(ii) substituted (4.8.2014) by The Representation of the People (Variation of Limits of Candidates Election Expenses) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/1870), arts. 1, 5(b)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F25",
      "text": "S. 76(2A) inserted (14.12.1999) by 1999 c. 29, s. 17, Sch. 3 para. 20(4); S.I. 1999/3376, art. 2"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F26",
      "text": "S. 76(3) repealed by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), ss. 24, 28, Sch. 4 para. 25, Sch. 5"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F27",
      "text": "S. 76(4) substituted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 8, Sch. 1 para. 18(3); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F28",
      "text": "Words in s. 76(5) inserted (14.12.1999) by 1999 c. 29, s. 17, Sch. 3 para. 20(5); S.I 1999/3376, art 2"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F29",
      "text": "Words in s. 76(5) inserted (1.7.2014) by Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014 (c. 4), ss. 37(1), 45(1)(b)(v) (with s. 37(2)-(4)); S.I. 2014/1236, art. 2(2)(b)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C1",
      "text": "S. 76 modified by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 20(5)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C2",
      "text": "S. 76 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C3",
      "text": "S. 76 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C4",
      "text": "S. 76 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C5",
      "text": "S. 76 amended (17.3.2000) by S.I. 2000/789, art. 2"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C6",
      "text": "S. 76 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3, Sch. 1 (as substituted (10.2.2009) by S.I. 2009/256, arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. 1)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C7",
      "text": "S. 76 modified by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50), s. 20(5) (as substituted (15.9.2011) by Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 (c. 14), s. 7(2), Sch. para. 16 (with s. 6))"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C8",
      "text": "S. 76 applied (with modifications) (27.3.2007) by The Local Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/1024), Sch. 2 Table 1"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C9",
      "text": "Ss. 73-90D restricted (W.) (4.12.2020) by The Local Government (Coronavirus) (Postponement of Elections) (Wales) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1399), regs. 2, 7(2) (with reg. 7(8))"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C10",
      "text": "S. 76(2A) applied (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 8(3)(a); S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)"
    },
    {
      "type": "E",
      "label": "E1",
      "text": "This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; separate versions have been created for Scotland and Northern Ireland only."
    }
  ],
  "outstanding_effects": [],
  "provenance": {
    "source": "legislation.gov.uk",
    "source_url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/2/section/76",
    "retrieved_at": "2026-11-07T03:33:48.049414+00:00"
  },
  "licence": "Open Government Licence v3.0",
  "licence_url": "https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/",
  "attribution": "Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives."
}