Monthly update – concluded investigations

21 Jun 2022 03:13 PM

Details of the investigations concluded in the last month have been published today by the Electoral Commission. This is an important part of delivering transparency in political finance in the UK.

Investigations where we found offences

Name and type of regulated entity What was investigated Offences found Decision taken
Kingston Independent Residents Group (registered political party) Late delivery of annual statement of accounts Late delivery of annual statement of accounts £200 fixed monetary penalty
Let London Live (registered political party) Late delivery of quarterly donations and transactions reports Late delivery of quarterly donations and transactions reports

No sanction

Closed without further action
Scottish Green Party (registered political party) Late delivery of annual statement of accounts Late delivery of annual statement of accounts £2,300 variable monetary penalty
 
Commenting on the concluded investigations, Louise Edwards, Director of Regulation, said:

“It is important for transparency that voters have timely and accurate information about political parties’ finances. The requirements are clear, so it is always disappointing when they are not met.

“Where we find that offences have been committed, we take into consideration a range of factors when deciding the level of sanction, as set out in our Enforcement Policy.”

Investigation where we found no offence

Name and type of regulated entity What was investigated Offences found Decision taken
Scotland’s Independence Referendum Party (registered political party) Failure to deliver its quarterly donations report No determination of offence Closed without further action
 

Notes to editors

1. The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. We work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity by:

  • enabling the delivery of free and fair elections and referendums, focusing on the needs of electors and addressing the changing environment to ensure every vote remains secure and accessible
  • regulating political finance – taking proactive steps to increase transparency, ensure compliance and pursue breaches
  • using our expertise to make and advocate for changes to our democracy, aiming to improve fairness, transparency and efficiency

The Commission was set up in 2000 and reports to the UK, Welsh, and Scottish parliaments.

2. This release forms part of the Commission’s regular monthly investigations update, an important part of its commitment to deliver transparency in political finance in the UK. Information of this nature is published routinely on the third Tuesday of each month. Details for sanctions from previous months are available.

3. Penalties imposed by the Commission go into the Consolidated Fund. This is managed by HM Treasury and not the Electoral Commission.