Declaration and Return of Expenses

This information is applicable and limited to the post of parish and town councillor.

During elections, candidates and political parties are subject to limits on their spending. All candidates at an election must submit a Declaration and Return of Expenses to the Returning Officer within 28 days following the election. This is a statutory timescale.

All nominated candidates, including those that are not subsequently elected must complete a Declaration and Return of Expenses. This includes all cases where there was no expenditure incurred or in an uncontested election.

Where can I get a copy of the correct Declaration and expense form return?

• Template copies of the Declaration and of the accompanying Return of Expenses can be downloaded directly from the Electoral Commission website

Where do I send completed Declaration and Expense Returns?

• Completed forms must be submitted within 28 days following the election to the Returning Officer. These can be submitted by email or by post
• If sending by email, where possible, please try and send as a single pdf attachment to [email protected]
• Ensure your document is clearly readable. Returns that are partially unreadable or incomplete will be rejected and you will be asked to resubmit
• You can post returns to:
  Elections Officer
  Electoral Services
  West Northamptonshire Council
  St Giles Square
  Northampton
  NN1 1DE

Points to remember

• If you have a nil expenditure, you must still complete the declaration and return to that effect. The expenditure should clearly state nil expenditure in the relevant areas on the return and declaration
• Candidates are reminded that an expenditure of £10 or more will require an attached copy of the invoice or receipt
• If an invoice is split across different candidates and the expenditure is shared, you should state this clearly on all applicable invoices/receipts
• Ensure you provide a contact number with your submission in case we need to clarify anything following your submission
• The current spending limit is £806.00, plus 7p per local government elector within the respective parish or town council area
• You can find out the electorate, which is the number of people registered to vote on the last day for publication of the Notice of Election from your Elections Office
• The Representation of the People Act 1983 sets out the penalties that can be applied to successful candidates who fail to submit election expenses returns and declarations within 28 days after the day on which the election result is declared

How do I inspect completed parish expenses?

• Once submitted, declarations and expense returns are made available for inspection for a statutory period. In the case of parish and town council elections, the statutory period is 1 year from receipt of the return
• Prior to public inspection, personal information such as home addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers are redacted
• Inspection is by appointment only and the location is dependent on which candidate expenses you wish to inspect. Appointment will take place at either:
  • West Northamptonshire Council, Lodge Road, Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 4FP
  • West Northamptonshire Council, The Guildhall, St Giles Square, Northampton, NN1 1DE
• To request an appointment, please contact [email protected] or call 0300 126 7000. Please include your name and contact telephone number. Please also include the name of the candidate(s) return you wish to inspect. This will allow us to direct your enquiry to the correct office

Last updated 06 July 2023