Not a problem! The rules applies to all communications, including social media. They had been required to do so following an earlier court judgement. 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. 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. These are outlined in the Polling Stations (Regulation) Bill of 2007. 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. 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. This is particularly important where a consultation will require the participation of: (a) the Northern Ireland devolved administration, which is under its own pre-election restrictions during this period, or (b) Local Authorities which are under their own pre-election publicity restrictions during this period[footnote 1]. 34. WebNext elections. 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. 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. A short guide to publicity during the pre-election period. The deadline for publication of the report fell within the purdah period before the 2017 General Election and the government said that it could not publish it during this period. The Cabinet Office will publish its guidance to this years purdah period. WebDate: Monday 28 March 2022. Unless it is a statutory duty or considered normal council business, such as budget consultations. Continue to run campaign material to support your own local campaigns. 14 June 2023 08:30 - 15 June 2023 17:00 GMT. Allow party political meetings to take place on your organisations premises. [1] [2] Background [ edit] The LGA would like to thank LGcommunications, Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and Eastleigh Borough Council in the creation of this document. 21 Apr 2023 17:58:12 The rules are different for staff in central government and local government. 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, [1][16], Care during periods of heightened sensitivity. 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. If in doubt, always refer to Cabinet Office guidance (PDF). Elections to all 32 Scottish local authorities take place on 5 May 2022. Confine your communication activities and announcements to those necessary for the safety and quality of patient care. Officials should not be asked to provide new arguments for use in election campaign debates. 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. On Thursday 5 May 2022, elections will be taking place: Further information on the areas affected is attached at Annex A. If a consultation is ongoing during this period, it should continue as normal. 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. In Scotland, elections will be held in all 32 local authorities. 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. From the start of the pre-election period, the council must comply with restrictions outlined in Section 2 of the Local Government Act 1986. Want to join the conversation? Elections in England are scheduled to be held on 4 May, with the Northern Ireland election scheduled to be held on 18 May. 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. 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. Ultimately, you must always be guided by the principle of fairness. Government property should not be used by Ministers or candidates for electioneering purposes. 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. Do not publish any publicity on controversial issues or report views on proposals in a way which identifies them with candidates or parties. Find out more about becoming a Herefordshire It affects civil servants, who must be politically impartial,[1] preventing central and local government from making announcements about any new or controversial government initiatives that could be seen to be advantageous to any candidates or parties in the forthcoming election. 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. The pre-election period has implications for NHS organisations, including the arm's-length bodies. There will also be elections to all 32 London Boroughs, as well as 6 council mayoral elections and one combined authority mayoral election. 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. Any enquiries from the media should be handled by Departmental Press Officers. In this period, particular care should be taken in respect of proposed visits to areas holding elections. The pre-election period has been imposed in ministerial guidance since at least the early 20th century reflecting an earlier "self-denying ordinance", and has considerable moral authority, its breach carrying with it in worst cases the possibility of actions for abuse of power and misconduct in public office. 25 March 2021. Well send you a link to a feedback form. With the English, Welsh and Scottish Local Elections taking place on the 5th May it is worth asking whether Purdah also applies to local elections. Further advice on public appointments can be sought from the Cabinet Office Public Appointments Policy team. Alternatively, you can choose the type of cookie you would like to accept by clicking 'manage cookies' below. This includes announcing any new spending, launching new strategies or publishing any form of new policy that had not been agreed before the purdah period began. It meant that the council, in putting out the tweet, could be in breach of purdah rules. Local elections in Northern Ireland are taking place on 18 May 2023. For example, allowing certain public awareness activities that could be deemed party political, market research and public rallies, and producing election materials or canvassing. The latest date that the pre-election period can start for the local elections is Monday 27 March 2023. [8][9] The preferred terms are 'pre-election period' or 'heightened sensitivity' to refer to the period of electioneering.[10][11][12]. Purdah, which comes from the Hindustani word (Hindi: or Urdu: , pard) means curtain or veil. 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. Wednesday 27 April 2022. Background The next PCC Elections are due to take place in May 2020. 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. Hints and tips for communications activity over the pre-election period. The essential points from the code are: Publicity is defined as any communication, in whatever form, addressed to the public at large or to a section of the public. NHS Confederation (2021), Pre-election period: dos and don'ts for the NHS. National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. Web2022 local elections: pre-election period considerations for NHS providers. This guidance does not apply to Local Authorities, who are subject to their own restrictions during the pre-election period. 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 affects civil servants who must be politically impartial, preventing central and local government from making announcements about any new or controversial government initiatives that could be seen to be advantageous to any candidates or parties in the forthcoming election. as an attempt by the government of the day to gag NHS bodies from publishing information it saw as a threat to its general election campaign.[19]. 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. Public funds cannot be used for any form of political campaigning. What can and cant be done during election purdah. The pre-election period known as purdah starts tomorrow (Friday) for the English local elections and voting referendum on 5 May. In England, elections will take place to 33 Metropolitan borough councils, 21 Unitary District Councils, and 60 District Councils. In Muslim or Hindu societies, it referred to the practice of screening women from men or strangers, often involving a curtain or women being covered in certain garments. This helps us to understand where we can improve functionality on the website to provide visitors with a better experience. Purdah does not apply to candidates for political office. The UK Government will remain in office whatever the outcome of the elections. The first question to ask is could a reasonable person conclude that you are spending public money to influence the outcome of the election? In other words it must pass the is it reasonable test. #BensBoondoggles#CrabKiller. With health and care issues high on the political agenda, here are some tips for any communications activity during the pre-election period. Read more: Row over post-Brexit cash for Teesside as mayor's funding claim rejected by powerhouse chief. 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. Local Government Association company number 11177145, A short guide to publicity during the pre-election period, Annex A: Template letter for sending to councillors ahead of local elections, Membership and services for councils and councillors, LGA principal advisers and regional teams, Licences, regulations and trading standards.
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when is purdah for local elections 2022