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. 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. The election will take place the same day as elections to the London Assembly, as well as local elections across England and Wales. 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. These elections will take place on Thursday 4 May 2023. Row over post-Brexit cash for Teesside as mayor's funding claim rejected by powerhouse chief. Consider suspending the hosting of third party material or closing public forums if these are likely to breach the codeof practice. When does purdah kick in ahead of the May elections? While most of the everyday business of central and local government obviously continues in the run-up to the elections, all staff must be scrupulous in the pre-election period to ensure that public resources are not used for party political purposes and not to undertake any activity that could call into question their political impartiality. Statistic cookies help us to understand how visitors are interacting with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/election-guidance-for-civil-servants/may-2022-elections-guidance-on-conduct-for-civil-servants-html. We analyse the latest monthly performance data from NHS England and feature a case study from University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. 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). 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. This note provides guidance to civil servants working in the Scottish Government, its agencies Each case should be considered on its merits. 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. not to undertake any activity that could call into question their political impartiality. WebThe pre-election period, previously known as purdah, describes the period of time immediately before elections or referendums when specific restrictions on When local elections are being held at the same time as a general election, this higher standard is usually applied. 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. 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. The office of the National Statistician, and the Government Economic and Social Research Team can be contacted for further guidance. 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. In particular, civil servants are under an obligation: In all cases essential business, which includes routine business necessary to ensure the continued smooth functioning of government and public services, must be allowed to continue. Want to join the conversation? Further advice on public appointments can be sought from the Cabinet Office Public Appointments Policy team. Local elections in England The pre-election period (formerly known as Purdah (/prd/)) is the period in the United Kingdom between the announcement of an election and the formation of the new elected government. Instead it is called a period of heightened sensitivity. This guide provides advice and guidance on the publicity restrictions that should be observed by local authorities during the pre-election period. The rules on Special Advisers involvement in local and national political activities are set out in the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers. The date may change in the event of days being appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning. UK Government departments should carefully consider the handling of primary legislation that includes provisions on Northern Ireland matters during the election period. They include: You can find out what elections are taking place in your area here and the date the pre-election period commences as follows: The pre-election period has implications for NHS organisations, including the arm's-length bodies. Each case should be considered on its merits. Updated: 5:13 PM EDT May 3, 2022. Councillors are still free to respond to enquiries received from the media in a personal capacity. Publicity is defined as any communication, in whatever form, addressed to the public at large or to a section of the public.. Public consultations with a particular emphasis on: (a) Northern Ireland issues, or (b) local issues, or (c) impact on areas where elections are being held, should generally not be launched during the relevant pre-election periods. 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. The Act defines publicity as any communication, in whatever form, addressed to the public at large or to a section of the public.. Gordon Brown therefore remained a temporary Prime Minister until a Government could be formed. 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. Voter ID | Electoral Commission For UK and devolved government departments the pre-election period for local elections is not 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. I had heard of purdah but didnt realise that local elections had a period of heightened sensitivity. Confine your communication activities and announcements to those necessary for the safety and quality of patient care. Yes, I think they have a fair point. Particular care will need to be taken during this period to ensure that civil servants conduct themselves in accordance with the requirements of the Civil Service Code. Election However, in doing so, the basic test of whether the visit is for government purposes must be satisfied. 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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. Our tips for NHS organisations' activities over the pre-election period ahead of elections across the UK in May 2022. for 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. Although NHS staff are not generally regarded as civil servants, pre-election periods are increasingly enforced on NHS bodies. Some public appointments made by UKG Ministers could have an effect on the Northern Ireland devolved administration, for example where the remit of the body has specific Northern Ireland responsibilities, or there is a requirement to consult in relation to a UK wide body. Civil servants are given official guidance by the Cabinet Office on the rules they must follow in relation to Government business during this time. continue to discharge normal council business (including budget consultations or determining planning applications, even if they are controversial). What you should and shouldn't do during the pre-election period. The House of Commons Library has a research note out explaining the rules about WebOn Thursday 4 May 2023, local elections are taking place across England. The term 'purdah' comes from the Urdu or Persian word for 'veil' or 'curtain'. 2022 local elections: pre-election period considerations Digital Boards: What should I be doing as a board member? If you have any questions or need further information, please refer to Cabinet Office guidance (PDF). This event brings together those focused on keeping people well at home and in the community. to a number of local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales, including a number of directly elected Mayors. 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. #BensBoondoggles#CrabKiller. Very clearly explained. 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. 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 elections will take place to elect all of the 66 ward councillors (three councillors in each ward). It is permissible for local authorities to publish factual information which identifies the names, wards and parties of candidates at elections. Council accused of 'purdah' breach - what does it mean The terms pre-election period and heightened sensitivity are nowused instead. Put your knowledge to the test in our quiz, If you consider yourself a 'proper Geordie' then see if you can answer these questions correctly, Sunderland must repeat last season's final day heroics to reach play-offs, says Patrick Roberts, Patrick Roberts scored a stunning equaliser against Watford at the weekend, but Sunderland have work to do if they are to make this season's Championship play-offs, Newcastle mum inspired by Dame Deborah James to tackle bowel cancer after being diagnosed aged 36, Emma Campbell, of Forest Hall, was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 36 after ordering a bowel cancer screening kit she'd seen on Facebook. Allow party political meetings to take place on your organisations premises. It saw Scotlands largest local authority change hands from Scottish Labour for the first time since 1980. 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. Background The next PCC Elections are due to take place in May 2020. We'll start to publish details approximately 6 months before election day. The pre-election period (previously referred toas purdah) refers to the period shortly before an election or referendum when specific restrictions on the activity of public bodies, civil servants and local government officials are put in place. Who's to say? 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. [1] These will include district councils, unitary authorities, and directly-elected mayors in England, and all local councils in Northern Ireland. Local elections 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. The Act disqualifies individuals subject to certain sexual offence legal orders from standing for election or holding office in local authorities. #BensBoondoggles#CrabKiller. This will be fantastic for the people of Hartlepool and the wider area and will see significant investment and jobs coming to the town. Ministers will wish to be aware of the potential sensitivities in this regard and might decide, on advice, to postpone making certain announcements until after the elections. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. 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. The pre-election period known as purdah starts tomorrow (Friday) for the English local elections and voting referendum on 5 May. In cases of doubt, in the first instance you should consult your Permanent Secretarys Office. 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. This document provides advice on the publicity restrictions that should be observed during the pre-election period. This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. You have accepted additional cookies. election It may be necessary to suspend the hosting of material produced by third parties, or to close public forums during this period to avoid breaching any legal restrictions. 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). 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. You can think of it as local government 'screening itself' from controversy, by not taking certain decisions or publishing statements which could influence voters. [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. The pre-election period has implications for NHS organisations, including the arm's-length bodies. The LGA would like to thank LGcommunications, Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and Eastleigh Borough Council in the creation of this document. This spring will see council elections held across the UK to determine which new councillors will support and run local authorities. The pre-election period will run from 21 March 2022 until the close of polls on 5 May at 10pm. 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 Where a court determines that actual advantage has been given to a candidate, this may amount to a breach of Section 2 of the Local Government Act 1986. Additional care should therefore be taken around press and marketing activity concerning: (a) Northern Ireland issues or (b) local issues. official guidance from the Cabinet Office. If you do, remember to keep your policy around visits consistent and impartial. Transport for London, which is controlled by the mayor, revealed on Wednesday that the long-awaited London-spanning rail link, which will connect the centre of London to Berkshire in the west and Essex in the east, will finally open on May 24. They had been required to do so following an earlier court judgement. This is not the case, and the ordinary functions of councils can continue, but some restrictions may be imposed by law. In England, elections will take place to 33 Metropolitan borough councils, 21 Unitary District Councils, and 60 District Councils. In some cases it may be better to defer an announcement until after the elections, but this would need to be balanced carefully against any implication that deferral could itself influence the political outcome. Thursday 25 November Election day. 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. Confine your communication activities and announcements to those necessary for the safety and quality of patient care. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Here's the low down. Ultimately, you must always be guided by the principle of fairness.

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