Candidate Spending
Candidates and their agents at a Local Government Election must follow certain rules about how much they spend campaigning, who they accept donations from and what they must report after the election.
The Electoral Commission issues guidance on these rules which includes information on:
- how much you can spend, the activities covered by the rules and what information needs to be recorded
- the rules on donations, how to check if you can accept them and what records you must keep
- how to report your campaign spending and donations after the election.
The Electoral Commission guidance can be viewed here. You should read the guidance, so that you are aware of the rules and comply with your legal and regulatory obligations. The guidance reflects the current rules.
Full link to guidance: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent/local-government-elections-in-northern-ireland.
The Local Council Election 18 May 2023 Electorate for Candidates Expenses can be found here.
The guidance notes and forms for completion can be downloaded below.
Other useful documents:
Guide for Candidates and Agents - section 10.3
Election Timetable - 18 May 2023 - Page 3 After the Declaration of Result
Advice Surgeries
The Electoral Commission is running advice surgeries for candidates and agents to answer questions on the spending and donation rules and completing your candidate spending return. The surgeries will take place in May and June after close of nominations and after polling day. If you would like to book a slot please complete this form.
- Return of candidate spending for the Northern Ireland local government elections (PDF) (pdf 239 KB)
- Explanatory notes: Return of candidate spending (NI) (PDF) (pdf 157 KB)
- Declaration by a candidate as to election expenses at the Northern Ireland local government elections (PDF) (pdf 11 KB)
- Declaration by an election agent as to election expenses at the Northern Ireland local government elections (PDF) (pdf 11 KB)
- Spending and donations guidance for local government elections in Northern Ireland May 2023 (pdf 388 KB)