Want to join the conversation? While the Labour Party will continue to whinge about anything I do for the area, I haven't broken any rules by doing my job and it seems to me my opponents realise just how popular this project will be in Hartlepool.". Official support must not be given to visits and events with a party political or campaigning purpose. 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. 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. WebWe will publish nomination papers and statutory notices for elections on this page during each election period. Individual councillors can issue their own statements, write letters to the local newspaper(s) for publication, contact the media directly or say what they like in a personal capacity, but must not use council resources to do so. You are allowed to publish factual information which identifies the names, constituencies and parties of candidates at elections. We analyse the latest monthly performance data from NHS England and feature a case study from University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. Purdah The pre-election period in which rules are put in place to prevent the Government from politicising issues to their electoral advantage. Allow visits by candidates/political parties, national and local politicians or campaign groups to your organisation to interrupt services or care for patients make sure your staff are aware of any visits in advance. produce publicity on matters which are politically controversial, make references to individual candidates or parties in press releases, arrange proactive media or events involving candidates, issue photographs which include candidates, supply council photographs or other materials to political group staff unless you have verified that they will not be used for campaigning purposes, continue hosting third party blogs or e-communications. As you will be aware, the local elections are due to take place on 4 May 2023 so I thought it would be useful to remind you about the guidelines and restrictions on publicity during the pre-election period that starts on 27 March 2023. What can a council not do during the pre election period? It is also important to take care with official websites, including gov.uk, and use of social media that will be scrutinised closely by the news media and the political parties during the election period. It is acceptable to publish material relating to the subject matter of a referendum, for example to correct any factual inaccuracies which have appeared in publicity produced by third parties, so long as this is even-handed and objective and does not support or oppose any of the options which are the subject of the vote. What is election Purdah and why does it exist. UK Government departments should carefully consider the handling of primary legislation that includes provisions on Northern Ireland matters during the election period. Set out below are some key principles which Police and Crime Commissioners and Deputies should consider during the sensitive period prior to those elections commonly referred to as purdah. National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. Each case should be considered on its merits. It meant that the council, in putting out the tweet, could be in breach of purdah rules. In relation to decision making within the council, the position remains that it is business as usual unless there are very good reasons why this should not be the case. Political activity connected with the Northern Ireland election falls within the definition of national political activity. There will also be elections to all 32 London Boroughs, as well as 6 council mayoral elections and one combined authority mayoral election. These elections are different from a UK general election. However, departments should avoid taking action that will compete with candidates for the attention of the public. In this case the Government was taken to court having taking a decision not to publish its clean air strategy. Although NHS staff are not generally regarded as civil servants, pre-election periods are increasingly enforced on NHS bodies. Each case should be considered on its merits. 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. local and combined authority mayoral elections, Mayor of London and London Assembly elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales, Senedd Cymru/Welsh Parliamentary election. Local elections The latest date for pre-election period starting for local authority elections is 29 March. Local elections in Northern Ireland are taking place on 18 May 2023. On 4 May, there will be local elections in England, Wales and Scotland as well as mayoral elections in England. 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 following general principles should be observed by all civil servants, including Special Advisers: As with all UK Government Ministers, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland continues to be in charge of his department, and civil servants should continue to support him. WebThe Local Government Disqualification Act 2022 came into effect on 28 June 2022. In general you should not issue any publicity which seeks to influence voters (an exception being situations covered by legislation or regulations directing publication of information for explanatory purposes). The most frequently asked questions about the pre-election period. [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. 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. At all times, local authorities should ensure that publicity complies with all applicable statutory provisions, including the Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity 2011. Not surprisingly, it has. Special care will need to be exercised in relation to Northern Ireland from 28 March for the elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly. It is crucial that any decision you take would be seen as fair and reasonable by the public and those standing for office. 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. The period of sensitivity preceding the local elections is not fixed to any particular date, but the general convention is that special care should be taken in the three weeks preceding the elections in this case from 14 April 2022. This three-week period began on 14th April 2022 and follows the same fundamental principles as General Election Purdah. This also applies to requests from mayoral candidates. Local authorities, defined in section 6(2) of the 1986 Act, are required by section 4(1) of the 1986 Act to have regard to the Publicity Code in coming to any decision on publicity. The Government published a Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity in 2011. 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. WebNext elections. There should be even-handedness in meeting information requests from the different political parties and campaigning groups. The Cabinet Office will publish its guidance to this years purdah period. Consider whether you will allow visits from all candidates/political parties/campaign groups/other politicians and what format they will take. This helps us to understand where we can improve functionality on the website to provide visitors with a better experience. Thursday 21 October 2021 (predicted) Pre-election Period (Purdah) Guidance for PCC Elections May 2021. This guide provides advice and guidance on the publicity restrictions that should be observed by local authorities during the pre-election period. Mr Shapps accused the mayor of breaching purdah rules and claimed: This announcement is an act of breathtaking political cynicism by the mayor, breaking election rules on such announcements in an effort to garner votes the day before the local elections in London. 33. This briefing sets out the key issues discussed in the hearing and highlights where CPs are pushing for change. Purdah does not apply to candidates for political office. Each case should be considered on its merits. If you have any questions or need further information, please refer to Cabinet Office guidance (PDF). Friday 26 November 2021 Election count. The pre-election periods started on28 Marchfor both elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly and elections to local authorities (including mayoralties) in England, Wales and Scotland local authority and mayoral elections in England. General Elections in the UK are strictly regulated. [1] These will include district councils, unitary authorities, and directly-elected mayors in England, and all local councils in Northern Ireland. 14 June 2023 08:30 - 15 June 2023 17:00 GMT. I assume that this is what the Conservatives were up in arms about wrongly in my opinion as it was TfL when the Elizabeth Line opening was announced. CLEVELAND Ohio's May 3 primary election has finally arrived -- and we want Care should also be taken to avoid any intrusion into the lives of individuals using the services. Should you have any questions about the pre-election period, please do not hesitate to contact our External Affairs team. On Thursday 5 May 2022, elections will be taking place: to the Northern Ireland Assembly; to a number of local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales, The LGA would like to thank LGcommunications, Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and Eastleigh Borough Council in the creation of this document. London Assembly The latest date for pre-election The publication of press notices and information regarding the holding of polls are exempt from these restrictions as is providing factual responses to specific requests for information, for example, information about how people can register to vote. 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. 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). The period of Purdah is defined by the type of election. 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. National Health Service [ edit] 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). 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. Sponsor departments should be consulted by the NDPB/ALB in cases of doubt. The pre-election period, previously known aspurdah, describes the period of time immediately before elections or referendums when specific restrictions on communications activity are in place. During the election periods, statistical activities should continue to be conducted in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics and the Pre-release Access to Official Statistics Order 2008 (and / or the equivalent Orders made by the Devolved Administrations in relation to devolved statistics), which should be read as though it is part of that Code. Purdah, which comes from the Hindustani word (Hindi: or Urdu: , pard) means curtain or veil. The latest date that the pre-election period can start for the local elections It is the intention of the Welsh Government to bring forward legislation to permanently move the term of office for local government elected members to This was evident in 2010 when the Conservatives were the largest party but did not have a majority. On Thursday 5 May 2022, elections will be taking place: Further information on the areas affected is attached at Annex A. Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation Darren Hughes responds to the latest NHS performance statistics in Wales. Where it is clear that a candidates request is a Freedom of Information (FoI) request it must be handled in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. WebThe next full local elections in East Suffolk will be held on Thursday 4 May 2023. The Cabinet Office issues guidance before each election to civil servants, including those in the devolved national parliaments and assemblies. The Local Government Association has produced an exhaustive list of what councils definitively cannot do during purdah. 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. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. An example might be a campaign on an issue which has been subject of local political debate and/or disagreement. For UK and devolved government departments the pre-election period for local elections is not Statistic cookies help us to understand how visitors are interacting with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. Publicity is defined in section 6(4) of the 1986 Act as any communication, in whatever form, addressed to the public at large or a section of the public. ", He flagged up the fact purdah 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.. This guidance provides advice on the publicity restrictions that should be observed during the pre-election period. It highlights the practical implications around providers activities, including in relation to integrated care systems (ICSs), and with regard to communication during the pre-election period. Launch any new consultations. Allow party political meetings to take place on your organisations premises. NHS Confederation (2021), Pre-election period: dos and don'ts for the NHS. Government property should not be used by Ministers or candidates for electioneering purposes. Civil servants will continue to support their Ministers in their work. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. 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. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Subject to the principles set out below, UK Government business can continue. Purdah is a period that exists in the pre-election period in order to constrain the government and ensure it is not using its incumbency to receive an electoral advantage. But in the run-up to the UK referendum on leaving the EU, even this became politically charged, with some Eurosceptic Tory politicians arguing, successfully, that the government should not change the purdah rules. How can we best deliver out of hospital care? Official resources must not be used in support of the elections. #BensBoondoggles#CrabKiller. The rules applies to all communications, including social media. All in all, the SNP came out on top with 431 councillors in total elected in 2017, compared with the Scottish Conservatives 276 and 262 seats for Scottish Labour. 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. Particular care should be taken over official support, and the use of public resources, including publicity, for government announcements that could have a bearing on matters relevant to the elections. Political activity connected with local elections falls within the definition of local political activity. The Department for Education has published guidance for schools on political impartiality during political events, and guidance specifically relating to the pre-election period. Each local authority sets Generally, the Act says that we should not publish any material which, in whole, or in part, appears to be designed to affect public support for a political party. The Code of Practice recommends that authorities should generally not issue any publicity which seeks to influence voters and that publicity relating to individuals involved directly in the election should not be published unless expressly authorised by statute. 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). Regular pre-announced statistical releases (for example, press notices or bulletin publications) will continue to be issued and published. The date may change in the event of days being appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning. Government communicators should apply the principles set out above when planning and delivering communications activities that will take place during the election periods. 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. eCount bulletins for the 2022 Scottish 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. Elections will also take place to some town and parish councils. Social research activities should be in accordance with the Government Social Research (GSR) Code and supplementary guidance, including the GSR Publication Protocol. The term 'purdah' comes from the Urdu or Persian word for 'veil' or 'curtain'. In the event of an inconclusive election result, purdah does not end until a new government forms. Particular care should be taken between the time of publication of a notice of an election and polling day. Find out what you need to know about publicity during the pre-election period. 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. Paid-for advertising must comply with the Advertising Standards Authoritys Advertising Codes. 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. The pre-election period known as purdah starts tomorrow (Friday) for the English local elections and voting referendum on 5 May. WebThe pre-election period, previously known as purdah, describes the period of time immediately before elections or referendums when specific restrictions on Wednesday 27 April 2022 . Polling day. The Act requires public authorities to respond to requests promptly and in any event not later than 20 working days after the date of receipt. WebLocal elections are scheduled to be held in the United Kingdom in May 2023. The term'heightened sensitivity is also used. Its a double-edged sword: some favoured projects will get kicked into the long grass, never to see the light of day again. In England, elections will take place to 33 Metropolitan borough councils, 21 Unitary District Councils, and 60 District Councils. If in doubt, always refer to Cabinet Office guidance (PDF). 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. Thursday 21 October 2021 Publication of the Notice of Election. 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. Publicity relating to individuals involved directly in the election should not be published unless expressly authorised by statute. For example, allowing certain public awareness activities that could be deemed party political including open board discussions on future strategy, market research and public rallies, and producing election materials or canvassing. For more information please see our cookie policy. Councillors are still free to respond to enquiries received from the media in a personal capacity. [17] In 2017 it was decided that the financial result of the NHS provider sector, normally published in May each year, should be postponed until after the General Election. 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