At ALDC we have the advice, resources and training you’ll need to win elections and get the best for your community.
You can visit our full advice page to find answers to your questions, from organising your team to election law.
Because election expenses start very soon we thought we’d give you a sneak peek of a very timely advice article.
When do the expenses start to count?
England and Wales
Expenses must be accounted for from the day after the date that the candidate is deemed to have legally become a candidate for a particular election and ends on polling day. However, items purchased prior to these dates and used for the purposes of the election must be included in returns.
The earliest date you can officially become a candidate is the last date for publication of the notice of election, which will be Monday, 27 March 2017.
You will become a candidate on this date if you or others have already announced your intention to stand. For example, your party may have issued a press release when you were selected, or you might have mentioned your intention at a residents’ meeting.
If your intention to stand has not been announced by 27 March, you will officially become a candidate on the earlier of:
- the date your intention to stand is announced; or
- the date when you submit your nomination papers.
This must be prior to the close of nominations, which is 4pm on Tuesday 4 April 2017.
Scotland
Expenses must be counted from the day after the date the candidate is deemed to have legally become a candidate for a particular election and ends on polling day. However, items purchased prior to these dates and used for the purposes of the election must be included in returns. The earliest date you can officially become a candidate is the last date for publication of the notice of election, which will be Wednesday 22 March 2017.
You will become a candidate on this date if you or others have already announced your intention to stand. For example, your Party may have issued a press release when you were selected, or you might have mentioned your intention at a residents’ meeting.
If your intention to stand has not been announced by 22 March, you will officially become a candidate on the earlier of:
- the date your intention to stand is announced; or
- the date when you are nominated
This must be prior to the close of nominations, which is 4pm on 29 March 2017.
ALDC members can find more information about election expenses and so much more via our advice section on our website: ask.aldc.org
P.S. Download our Expenses Tracker – it’s a great tool from our resources section to help you keep control.