Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether organisations affiliated with political parties, elected representatives or political campaigns will be eligible to receive grants from the Democratic Engagement Fund; and what due diligence procedures will be undertaken before grants are awarded.

The Democratic Engagement Fund is open to applications from civil society organisations delivering community-based, politically neutral projects in England. As set out in the Fund’s eligibility criteria, organisations must operate independently of political parties and avoid any activity that promotes or endorses a political agenda. Organisations during their applications are required to demonstrate that their activities are impartial and not used for party-political campaigning or lobbying. Organisations must not use grant funding for lobbying, campaigning for elected office, or influencing legislation.

Applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria, including requirements on independence and impartiality, will not progress. This ensures that public funding is used appropriately and supports politically neutral activity that strengthens democratic participation.