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Written question asked by Lord Pack (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 28 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 July 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Returning Officers: Finance

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage on 16 July 2025 (HL9088), whether any payments to Returning Officers for costs related to the (1) 2024 Police and Crime Commissioner elections, and (2) 2024 UK parliamentary general election, are yet to be settled; and if so, how many such payments are outstanding, and for which election.

Answer

The settlement of election claims depends on a range of factors, including the timing of claim submissions and the resolution of queries arising during the scrutiny process.

As of 15 July 2026, approximately 125 claims relating to the 2024 Police and Crime Commissioner elections and 600 claims relating to the 2024 UK Parliamentary General Election remain outstanding.

As set out previously, Returning Officers are not required to meet election costs upfront or wait until claims are settled before receiving funding. An advance payment, typically equivalent to 75% of the estimated cost of the poll, is issued ahead of the election.

The Department continues to work with Returning Officers to resolve outstanding queries and settle claims as promptly as possible.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL2098
Session
2026-27
Related items
Returning Officers: Finance
Wednesday, 16 July 2025
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Consolidated Fund Finance Returning officers
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk