Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Elections Bill: Costs

Thursday 27 January 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Electoral Commission estimates 16 million over five years for work connected with the Elections Bill.
  • The commission does not assess indirect financial costs such as administrative and enforcement expenses related to voter identity provisions.
  • The Government have not decided to split the role of the Electoral Commission but have appointed new leadership.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Owen Thompson SNP
Democracy & Elections
Context

The Committee is assessing the cost implications of proposed changes to election administration and conduct under the Elections Bill.

Question

What estimate has the Committee made regarding the potential cost of implementing the Elections Bill's changes? The MP seeks clarity on financial impacts, especially considering previous discussions about moral and democratic concerns raised by Scottish National Party members.

Answer from Chris Matheson

The Electoral Commission estimates £16 million over five years for its work connected with the Bill. It does not assess cost to others, but highlights the need for appropriate funding for realistic delivery by electoral administrators. The commission's annual funding is subject to approval through the Speaker's Committee process.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Indirect financial implications of voter identity provisions

How: If He Has Views On Increased Expenditure, He Can Raise Them With The Commission At The Next Meeting.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Owen Thompson SNP
Democracy & Elections
Context

The previous estimate did not account for indirect financial implications of voter identity provisions.

Question

Will the commission take into account indirect financial costs such as administrative and enforcement expenses related to voter identity provisions when assessing the overall cost impact of the Elections Bill?

Answer from Chris Matheson

It is not the commission's responsibility to justify such costs; it is the Government's duty as sponsors of the legislation. The hon. Gentleman can raise expenditure concerns directly with the commission at their next meeting.

Not addressed: Responsibility for justifying indirect financial implications

How: It Is Not The Commission'S Responsibility To Justify The Cost Arising From Legislation

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Peter Bone Con
Democracy & Elections
Context

The MP proposes a structural change within the Electoral Commission, separating its administrative functions from enforcement duties.

Question

Is this an opportunity to split the role of the Electoral Commission so that one body handles election administration and another enforces regulations? This would separate powers and potentially enhance governance efficiency.

Answer from Chris Matheson

The Government have not taken that decision. They have listened to recommendations from the Committee on Standards in Public Life, and appointed new leadership at the commission. The hon. Gentleman is known for challenging its position; let's give the new team time to settle.

Not addressed: Government's stance on splitting Electoral Commission role

How: The Government Have Not Taken That Decision, Let Us Give The New Leadership Team A Chance To Bed In

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)