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Jake Atkinson Chief Officer, LRALC

Formed by Parish Councils - Run for Parish Councils - Delivering to Parish Councils Parish &Town Councils and Referendums. Jake Atkinson Chief Officer, LRALC. Publicity.

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Jake Atkinson Chief Officer, LRALC

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  1. Formed by Parish Councils - Run for Parish Councils - Delivering to Parish CouncilsParish &Town Councils and Referendums Jake Atkinson Chief Officer, LRALC

  2. Publicity • The council may publicise the referendum to encourage electors to vote and supply factual information with regard to the Neighbourhood Plan within the area. • There is a purdah period of 28 days prior to the referendum when the publicity is restricted but information and encouragement of voters as above would be exempt. • They must be mindful that the publicity is not directed at electors to promote a ‘Yes’ campaign etc.

  3. Expenses • But if members of the parish council wish to act independently using independent funds to promote a yes campaign they can do so. • The council and any independent campaigners are restricted to the following expenses for the Referendum and should ensure that the maximum limit is not exceeded – • £2,362 plus 5.9pence for each entry in the register of electors used for the Neighbourhood Planning Referendum.

  4. Expenses e.g. a parish with 1200 electors would be 1200 x 5.9 = £70.80 plus £2362 = £2432.80.

  5. Expenses………. .........mean the expenses incurred by or on behalf of any individual or body during the referendum period in relation to • Advertising of any nature • Unsolicited material addressed to voters • Information about the referendum, information about the question, arguments for and against • Market research or canvassing • Provision of any property, services or facilities in connection with press conferences or dealings with the media • Transport of persons to anywhere with a view to obtaining publicity in connection with a referendum campaign • Rallies and other events, including public meetings.

  6. Key points - publicity • Some key issues that apply to publicity during the period leading up to the N’hood Plan Referendum. • Period runs from publication date of the information statement (a minimum of 28 days before the date of the referendum) to the date of the referendum. • Councillors can create their own publicity, provided Council resources are not used. • All Councillors must comply with the provisions of the adopted Code of Conduct.

  7. Key points - publicity • Must be careful to ensure Council “machinery” is not allowed to be used by anyone in relation to the referendum. “Purdah” rules apply. • Cllrs in the N’hood Plan Area must maintain a clear distinction between their official duties as a serving Cllr and their involvement with a campaign relating to the referendum. • For details of purdah rules see “Publicity Code: Code of Recommended Practice” here: www.leicestershireandrutlandalc.gov.uk/elections.html

  8. Finally…… If you are unsure then the parish council should take advice from: • LRALC – 0116 2353800 • Harborough District Council – 01858 828282

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