Annual Report 2008

Expenditure limits at local elections

In its annual report for 2007, the Standards Commission referred to a submission it had made to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to a proposal to introduce spending limits at local elections. In March of this year, legislation to give effect to this proposal (the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2009) was enacted. The Standards Commission is pleased to note that the Act includes some of the recommendations made by the Standards Commission in its submission to the Minister namely - different spending limits for elections to county councils and elections to town councils; a statutory requirement on local authorities to publish details of donations disclosed and expenses incurred; and an election period with a set number of days (between 50 and 60) prior to polling day.

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