Local Government Association company number 11177145, A short guide to publicity during the pre-election period, Annex A: Template letter for sending to councillors ahead of local elections, Membership and services for councils and councillors, LGA principal advisers and regional teams, Licences, regulations and trading standards. The decisions on the use of other Local Authority properties should be for those legally responsible for the premises. Keep any communications with local candidates/political parties/campaign groups/other politicians to a factual and apolitical basis apply the same approach to any requests for information, communications with the media and in the public sphere. The term 'purdah' comes from the Urdu or Persian word for 'veil' or 'curtain'. Official resources must not be used in support of the elections. In this period, particular care should be taken in respect of proposed visits to areas holding elections. Where observed by executive officers, the pre-election period bars entering into any transactions or carrying out any works which would clearly or directly conflict with the stated intentional commitments (manifesto) of the cabinet or shadow cabinet in any authority. This was confirmed in a High Court case called R. v Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. You have rejected additional cookies. This was evident in 2010 when the Conservatives were the largest party but did not have a majority. There are strict rules governing civil servants and local government staff in pre-election period, usually known as purdah (a term from the Persian for curtain or veil). It is for individual public bodies to apply this pre-election guidance within their own organisations, but in doing so they should not go beyond the principles set out in this guidance. If there are exceptional circumstances where launching a consultation is considered essential (for example, for safeguarding public health), advice should be sought from your Permanent Secretarys office (who may then seek advice from the Cabinet Office - see relevant paragraph). Continue to conduct normal business including board meetings where decisions need to be made and adhere to good governance and regulation. Where it is clear that it will not be possible to provide a quick response, the candidate should be given the opportunity to refine the request if they wish so that it can be responded to more quickly. National Health Service [ edit] What is election Purdah and why does it exist. But with a wide range of issues facing councils across Scotland and priorities differing from ward to ward, heres what you need to know about the Scottish council elections, when they will take place in 2022 and how they work. When does purdah kick in ahead of the May elections? Forms for the May 2022 Scottish Local Government Elections. Digital Boards: What should I be doing as a board member? Undertake any activity that could be considered politically controversial or influential, or could give rise to criticism that public resources are being used for party political/campaigning purposes. In addition there is something called Purdah, which is an important part of the election process in the UK. For example, there are restrictions on spending, with each campaign able to spend a limited amount depending on the number of candidates they are putting forward. For more information please see our cookie policy. This includes announcing any new spending, launching new strategies or publishing any form of new policy that had not been agreed before the purdah period began. Civil servants are given official guidance by the Cabinet Office on the rules they must follow in relation to Government business during this time. Subject to the principles set out below, UK Government business can continue. WebWhat you should and shouldn't do during the pre-election period. Tory Mayors unnecessary ward by-election set for June 30 Posted on May 25, 2022 by insidecroydon The South Croydon ward by-election will be held on Thursday, June 30, the council has announced. The rules are different for staff in central government and local government. In cases of doubt, you should consult your departmental Head of Profession for Statistics (who should consult the National Statistician if clarity is required) or your departmental Head of Profession for Social Research. The previously used termpurdah came into popular use across central and local government to describe the period of time immediately before elections or referendums when specific restrictions on communications activity are in place. A number of councils will have elections on Thursday 4 May 2023. You can think of it as local government 'screening itself' from controversy, by not taking certain decisions or publishing statements which could influence voters. In response to requests from council communications teams to produce simple guidance to communicating during the pre-election period (previously known as purdah), we are publishing this short, updated guide. The Secretaries of State for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (and their junior Ministers) will need to continue to carry out their ministerial duties in the nations concerned. Use of council facilities and resources; the members code of conduct, developing new policies and holding of events (including some meetings) featuring elected officials should all be carefully considered during a period of heightened sensitivity. It is important to remember that this applies to online communication such as social media, in the same way as other activity. [1] These will include district councils, unitary authorities, and directly-elected mayors in England, and all local councils in Northern Ireland. This briefing sets out considerations for NHS foundation trusts and trusts in the period of time known as the pre-election period or purdah leading up to the 2022 local government elections. In cases of doubt, further guidance should be sought from your Permanent Secretarys office (who may then seek advice from the Cabinet Office - see relevant paragraph. In short, if a "reasonable" person could conclude that public money was being spent to influence the outcome of the election through a given action, then a council cannot do said action. Councillors are still free to respond to enquiries received from the media in a personal capacity. WebRT @raycasey2003: Dirty Dozen - the Top12 #BenHouchen cronies No.8Denise McGuckin PART 2 OF 4 Denise McGuckin will do anything to please her Daddy Ben. Familiarise yourself with the official guidance from the Cabinet Office. When local elections are being held at the same time as a general election, this higher standard is usually applied. These restrictions apply to all elections happening during this period. The electoral system used to elect local councillors is Single Transferable Vote (STV), which requires voters to rank candidates in order of preference with 1 being the highest. The council can still issue media releases on factual matters provided that these do not identify individual councillors or groups of councillors. Care also needs to be taken in relation to the announcement of UK Government decisions which could have a bearing on the elections. Local council elections therefore see citizens vote for councillors, with three or four elected per ward. Consider suspending the hosting of third party material or closing public forums if these are likely to breach the codeof practice. Each local authority sets If in doubt, always refer to Cabinet Office guidance (PDF). It should be read in conjunction with any guidance produced by your own Returning Officer or Monitoring Officer, which provides specific advice depending on your local circumstances. Hints and tips for communications activity over the pre-election period. Regular pre-announced statistical releases (for example, press notices or bulletin publications) will continue to be issued and published. Westgate Road epitomises the hustle and bustle of Newcastle, but just how clean are the restaurants and takeaways on the city centre staple? Launch large-scale PR campaigns during this period. Others may get a bit of nurturing. Section 44 of the Act makes clear that councils need to have regard to the code of recommended practice. Added guidance for the May 2022 elections. Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme, Statistical and social research activities, Non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) and other arms-length bodies (ALBs), Annex A: List of elections taking place in May 2022, nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3, principles set out at the beginning of this note, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/recommended-code-of-practice-for-local-authority-publicity. In Scotland, elections will be held in all 32 local authorities. 34. With the English, Welsh and Scottish Local Elections taking place on the 5th May it is worth asking whether Purdah also applies to local elections. Care should also be taken in relation to proposed visits. This is particularly important where a consultation will require the participation of: (a) the Northern Ireland devolved administration, which is under its own pre-election restrictions during this period, or (b) Local Authorities which are under their own pre-election publicity restrictions during this period[footnote 1]. The essential points from the code are: Publicity is defined as any communication, in whatever form, addressed to the public at large or to a section of the public. The LGA would like to thank LGcommunications, Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and Eastleigh Borough Council in the creation of this document. This guidance provides advice on the publicity restrictions that should be observed during the pre-election period. After consultation with their appointing Minister, Special Advisers who wish to take part in the election campaigns may do so in their own time. Polling day. Its a very significant announcement to be made this close to polling day and is certainly contrary to the spirit of the Purdah expectations. Despite historically seeing a lower turnout and less intensity than general elections, local council elections provide a key chance for members of the public to effect tangible, on the ground change in their local community. When making your decision, you should consider the following: You should also think carefully before you: If you are in any doubt, seek advice from your returning officer and/or monitoring officer, legal or communications colleagues. Local Government Association company number 11177145, Membership and services for councils and councillors, LGA principal advisers and regional teams, Licences, regulations and trading standards, produced by the National Cyber Security Centre. London Assembly The latest date for pre-election For example, allowing certain public awareness activities that could be deemed party political, market research and public rallies, and producing election materials or canvassing. Local Elections 2022: How councillors are paid in England, Scotland and Wales, Former Tory chairman Chris Patten slams 'moral vacuum' Boris Johnson on eve of local elections, Sunderland local elections: All you need to know ahead of Thursday's city council elections, Ant McPartlin leaves Britain's Got Talent set as act's future on ITV show hangs in balance, Britain's Got Talent presenter Ant McPartlin briefly left the set of the ITV show after becoming bored of one of the auditions, Faces of 52 vile North East criminals who were locked up in April, We have rounded up all the offenders who were locked up for their crimes in April 2023 - including a man jailed for 19 years for murder, Gut health expert highlights five signs of IBS you shouldn't ignore, Here are the signs of IBS to look out for and when you should seek medical advice, Why is I'm A Celebrity not on? referring to advice published by your Returning Officer and/or Monitoring Officer, the Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity. Jeff Stelling leaving Sky Sports after 30 years with Soccer Saturday, Ryanair cancels 220 flights over May 1 bank holiday due to strikes, Hardcore coronation fans already camped outside Buckingham Palace, One dead and seven injured in Cornwall nightclub knife attack, Coronation Street actress Barbara Young dies aged 92, Eurovision acts land in Liverpool ahead of Song Contest, Council elections: Scottish Labour candidate Vanessa Shand axed after 'Catholic monarchy' comment and SNP's Siobhan Tolland urged to quit following Pope slur. This effectively means not undertaking publicity or consultation events for those consultations that are still in progress, and which have a particular emphasis on: (a) Northern Ireland issues, or (b) local issues, or (c) impact on areas where elections are being held. WebA pre election period in local government ends on the close of polls which, for ordinary elections, is usually on the first Thursday in May. Be selective if you are inviting local candidates/political parties/campaign groups/other politicians to your premises invitations should be sent to all or none. Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. The House of Commons Library has a research note out explaining the rules about Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation Darren Hughes responds to the latest NHS performance statistics in Wales. [18] This was controversial, and was seen by many[who?] 9 March 2021 In this collection 2022 2021 2019 2022 Local government elections 2022: guidance for Welsh Government staff 3 March 2022 Guidance 2021 Elections to Senedd Cymru May 2021: guidance for Welsh Government officials 9 March 2021 Guidance 2019 Conduct during the UK general election 2019 26 November 2019 For example, it is unlawful for anyone to do any of the following within 250 metres of a polling station: Orally tell someone how they should vote. They had been required to do so following an earlier court judgement. In doing so, civil servants will wish to be aware of the need to avoid any action that is, or could be construed as being, party political or otherwise controversial in the context of the elections. Requests for information should be handled in accordance with the principles set out at the beginning of this note and with the Code of Practice for Statistics. WebOn Thursday 4 May 2023, local elections are taking place across England. The pre-election period known as purdah starts tomorrow (Friday) for the English local elections and voting referendum on 5 May. [2][3][4][5][6][7], The use of purdah to refer to the period between the announcement of an election and the formation of a new elected body has fallen out of use in the UK following criticism of its sexist origins. During this period, for example: The Government are expected not to enact any new initiatives that might well be considered to be of political benefit to them. The last Scottish council elections were held in 2017 on Thursday May 4, with all 32 of Scotlands local authorities in play. These rules and regulations are set out in the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA) and are monitored and enforced by the Electoral Commission, an independent body that exists to ensure elections are transparent and fair. 21 Apr 2023 17:58:12 It is advised that local NHS organisations observe the pre-election period from 28 March, with national bodies following suit on 14 April. These elections will take place on Thursday 4 May 2023. 35. If the campaign is already running and is non-controversial (for example, on issues like recruitment, recycling or foster care) and would be a waste of public money to cancel or postpone them, then continue. The Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity is based around seven principles to ensure that all communications activity: This last principle, to ensure special care is taken during periods of heightened sensitivity, is of particular relevance during the pre-election period. Sponsor departments must ensure that staff and board members of their NDPBs and other ALBs are aware of the guidance and are applying the principles appropriately. Each case should be considered on its merits. Further guidance may be sought from the Union and Constitution Directorate and the Parliamentary Business and Legislation Team in the Cabinet Office. The rules preclude public bodies from publishing any material which, in whole, or in part, appears to be designed to affect public support for a political party. It could be argued that as a Conservative he was using the announcement to bolster support for Tory candidates in Hartlepool. With health and care issues high on the political agenda, here are some tips for any communications activity during the pre-election period. Although NHS staff are not generally regarded as civil servants, pre-election periods are increasingly enforced on NHS bodies. This is why there has been a phenomenon of taking photos of dogs are polling stations in recent years to fill the void created by the media outage on election day: Does Purdah apply to local elections too? The 2020 voting surge followed unusually high turnout in the 2018 midterm elections, when about 47.5% of the voting-age population and 51.8% of voting-age These should be organised by political parties with no cost or resource implications for the council. Social research activities should be in accordance with the Government Social Research (GSR) Code and supplementary guidance, including the GSR Publication Protocol. [15], At the national level, major decisions on policy are postponed until after the pre-election period, unless it is in the national interest to proceed, or a delay would waste public money. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. Tips and rules for social media platforms during the pre-election period. During this time, communications in the form of either announcements or activities by NHS organisations should be avoided if they could influence, or be regarded as influencing, the outcome of elections. The date may change in the event of days being appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning. At any other time - ie not during the run up to local elections - it would have appeared a positive enough tweet by Hartlepool Borough Council relaying good news to residents about new investment coming its way. Foreign Secretary 'censoring' Scottish Government and 'damaging Scotland's interests', claims Angus Robertson, MV Pentalina Incident: Dozens of passengers evacuated as Pentland FerriesMV Pentalina runs aground on Orkney, As Scotlands council elections approach, heres when they will be held, how they work and what you need to know. This helps us to understand where we can improve functionality on the website to provide visitors with a better experience. help with national political visits (as this would involve using public money to support a particular candidate or party). It also covers the requirements on central and local government, the civil service and arms length bodies during the pre-election period to maintain political impartiality in carrying out their public duties and ensuring that public resources are not used for the purposes of political parties or campaign groups. 33 organisations come together to ask Welsh Government ministers how they are working with officials to reduce the impact of inequalities and poverty. However, the High court ruled that as Purdah was not prescribed in statute and therefore could not override a court order. On Twitter, Sadiq Khan hailed the most significant addition to our transport network in decades as he claimed the line would revolutionise travel across London and the South East. In the case of General Elections the period of Purdah does not end with the close of the ballot but instead when a new Government is formed. For General Elections Purdah comes into effect at the start of the official election campaign (which by law must last for at least six weeks). What is purdah? What does Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen have to say about it? In addition a Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity published in 2011 makes clear that particular care should be taken in periods of heightened sensitivity, such as in the run up to an election. Publication of final election notice of alteration. Please register or log in to comment on this article. The by-election is a needless expense for the cash-strapped council that has been caused by Tory Mayor Jason Perry putting himself Find out what you need to know about publicity during the pre-election period. What you should and shouldn't do during the pre-election period. Launch large-scale PR campaigns during this period. 2023 local elections A number of councils will have elections on Thursday 4 May 2023. that local NHS organisations observe the pre-election period from, guidance published by the Cabinet Office and the Civil Service. It is for individual public bodies to apply this pre-election guidance within their own organisations, but in doing so they should not go beyond the principles set out in this document. Purdah does not apply to candidates for political office. This briefing sets out NHS Providers overall position on the Bill and our view on amendments 3 and 4. You have accepted additional cookies. Something that has been sorely missing for decades under the former Labour MP and Labour Council. An example might be a campaign on an issue which has been subject of local political debate and/or disagreement. Local authorities should pay particular regard to the legislation governing publicity during the period of heightened sensitivity before elections and referendums. WebWe will publish nomination papers and statutory notices for elections on this page during each election period. WebPre-election Period (Purdah) Guidance For PCC Elections May 2020 1. These are outlined in the Polling Stations (Regulation) Bill of 2007. The principles set out here are not about restricting commentary from independent sources, for example academics who may also hold public appointments or non-executive roles in government departments or public bodies. Voter ID requirement From 4 May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections. What can and cant be done during election purdah. Departments with Bills containing provisions that may impact on Northern Ireland or require Legislative Consent Motions should therefore discuss the position with the Union and Constitution Directorate and the Parliamentary Business and Legislation Team in the Cabinet Office, the Northern Ireland Office, and their policy contacts in the Northern Ireland Executive. It is still possible for the council to issue statements on behalf of a councillor holding a key political or civic position provided it relates to important events which are outside the councils control and can be shown to justify a member response. Any enquiries from the media should be handled by Departmental Press Officers. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. The Publicity Code is issued under powers conferred on the Secretary of State under section 4(1) of the Local Government Act 1986 (the 1986 Act). The process, viewed as more proportional than the Additional Members System used in Holyrood elections and First Past the Post system of UK general elections, then continues until all of a wards councillors are elected. The code mentions at the outset that it in no way detracts from the section 2 offence of the Act. In this case the Government was taken to court having taking a decision not to publish its clean air strategy. When no party has an overall majority, it may take some time before a minority or coalition government is formed. Again, in cases of doubt, further advice should be sought. WebThe election will take place the same day as elections to the London Assembly, as well as local elections across England and Wales. Web2022 local elections: pre-election period considerations for NHS providers. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/recommended-code-of-practice-for-local-authority-publicity234, Draft legislation is currently before Parliament which will, if approved: dissolve the County and district councils in the current Cumbria County Council area, replacing them with two unitary councils (Cumberland, and Westmorland and Furness); dissolve the district councils in North Yorkshire and Somerset, replacing them with a unitary council each for these County Councils areas. Particular care should be taken in relation to any such appointments, and consideration given to postponing the appointment process where it has the potential to be controversial. Civil Servants must not answer questions about the potential implementation of party manifestos. his is important in the event of there being a hung parliament and different parties considering options for coalition. She tweeted: "Riiight. [citation needed]. Join us at Manchester Central as we and NHS England unite health and care leaders and their teams at one of the biggest health and care conferences. Here's the low down. Officials should not be asked to provide new arguments for use in election campaign debates. These cookies help make the website usable by enabling basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website. Purdah is a continue to discharge normal council business (including budget consultations or determining planning applications, even if they are controversial). This note provides guidance to civil servants working in the Scottish Government, its agencies Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. It affects civil servants who must be politically impartial, preventing central and local government from making announcements about any new or controversial government initiatives that could be seen to be advantageous to any candidates or parties in the forthcoming election. It will not be possible for the Northern Ireland Executive to seek their legislatures consent for any provisions in UK Government Bills that require Legislative Consent Motions once the Northern Ireland Assembly has been dissolved on 28 March. Launch new consultations unless essential, promote or publish responses to existing consultations until after the pre-election period. #BensBoondoggles#CrabKiller. A breach of purdah before the 2022 local elections? Departments should also consider extending consultation periods after the elections to allow all parties sufficient time to respond. The future of democracy is also a voting issue for many, with 70% of registered voters saying it is very important to their midterm vote. Use of council facilities and resources; the members code of conduct, developing new policies and holding of events - including some meetings - featuring elected officials should all be carefully considered during a period of heightened sensitivity. There will also be elections to all 32 London Boroughs, as well as 6 council mayoral elections and one combined authority mayoral election. The Local Government Association has produced an exhaustive list of what councils definitively cannot do during purdah. General Elections in the UK are strictly regulated. WebThe Local Government Disqualification Act 2022 came into effect on 28 June 2022. It is the six week, pre-election period - which begin on this occasion on March 21 - between the announcement of an election and the date the election is held. This will apply to: NHS Confederation (2021), Pre-election period: dos and don'ts for the NHS. During this period, departments may continue to receive and analyse responses. For local elections in England and Wales, the activities of local authorities in the pre-election period are governed by the Recommended code of practice for local authority publicity, Circular 01/2011, issued as part of the provisions of the Local Government Act 1986. [8][9] The preferred terms are 'pre-election period' or 'heightened sensitivity' to refer to the period of electioneering.[10][11][12]. Where it is decided to agree to such visits, the key principle is that the same facilities should be available to all candidates, and that there is no disruption to services. With health and care issues high on both the political and public agenda, here are our hints and tips for any communications activity during the pre-election period. The primary restriction is on proactive publicity by the council which particularly relates to candidates and other politicians involved directly in the election. ", UK Government Election guidance for civil servants, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Purdah_(pre-election_period)&oldid=1142092824, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2017, All articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases, Articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases from October 2019, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 13:15.
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