Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000

7 Commission to be consulted on changes to electoral law

(1) Before making an instrument to which this section applies, the authority making the instrument shall consult the Commission.

(2) This section applies to an instrument containing—

(a) regulations under paragraph 2 of Schedule 1 to the [1978 c. 10.] European Parliamentary Elections Act 1978 (conduct and questioning of European Parliamentary elections);

(b) an order under paragraph 4(1)(a) or (b) of that Schedule (designations of regional returning officers);

(c) an order under section 24(1)(c), (cc) or (e), 25(1)(b), 28(1)(b) or 35(2B) of the Representation of the [1983 c. 2.] People Act 1983 (designations of returning officers and acting returning officers);

(d) rules under section 36 of that Act (local government elections in England and Wales);

(e) regulations under that Act (“the 1983 Act”), or under the Representation of the [1985 c. 50.] People Act 1985, in relation to which section 201(2) of the 1983 Act (regulations which may not be made unless a draft of them has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament) has effect;

(f) an order under section 11 or 36(4) or (5) of the [1998 c. 38.] Government of Wales Act 1998 (conduct of elections to the National Assembly for Wales and of polls held by the Assembly);

(g) an order under section 12(1) or (6) of the [1998 c. 46.] Scotland Act 1998 (conduct of elections to the Scottish Parliament);

(h) an order under section 34(4) of the [1998 c. 47.] Northern Ireland Act 1998 (conduct of elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly);

(i) an order under section 17A(3) of the [1999 c. 29.] Greater London Authority Act 1999 (free delivery of election addresses at elections to the Greater London Authority).

(3) No draft Order shall be laid before Parliament under section 84(4) of the [1998 c. 47.] Northern Ireland Act 1998 (power to make provision with respect to elections in Northern Ireland) except after consultation with the Commission.