Electoral Commission: Performance Standards for Returning Officers and Electoral Registration Office

Wednesday 7th December 2022 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (Lee Rowley)]

In accordance with section 9A of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, I am laying before Parliament the Electoral Commission’s new performance standards for returning officers and updated performance standards for electoral registration officers.

The Electoral Administration Act 2006, through amendments to PPERA, gave the Electoral Commission powers to set and monitor performance standards for electoral services. Under these provisions, the commission can determine and publish standards of performance for relevant electoral officers in Great Britain.

Following a consultation, the Electoral Commission has established a new set of standards for returning officers and made updates to the existing standards for electoral registration officers. The new standards reflect changes made by the Elections Act 2022, including measures to strengthen electoral integrity and prevent electoral fraud and ensuring the accessibility of voting in polling stations.

I welcome the Electoral Commission’s updates to the performance standards to reflect the current legislative requirements, which will support the delivery of well-run electoral services and elections, and effective and consistent implementation of measures in the Elections Act 2022.

A copy of the performance standards will be deposited in the Libraries of both Houses.

The attachments can be viewed online at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electoral-commission-performance-standards.

[HCWS421]