Politics: 2.1 Political Parties: funding Flashcards
(49 cards)
What is the maximum state funding available per party from the Electoral Commission?
Up to £2 million in grants (Policy Development Grants).
What is ‘Short Money’?
‘Short Money’ is annual funding given to opposition parties to fund their parliamentary work.
Who qualifies for ‘Short Money’?( In terms of votes and seats)
All parties in the House of Commons that secure either two seats or one seat and more than 150,000 votes at the previous General Election.
What is the general funding amount for opposition parties per seat
£21,401 for every seat won
What is the funding available for the Leader of the Opposition’s office for the financial year starting April 2022?
£998,817 is available for the running costs of the Leader of the Opposition’s office.
What was the source of income for parties in the 1950s and 1960s?
High membership numbers provided a good source of income for parties.
What significance has party membership fees been in party funding since the 2000s?
Membership fees have once again become an important source of funding for parties like Labour and SNP.
How did the Conservatives traditionally attract donations?
From wealthy individuals and big businesses.
How did Labour traditionally attract funding?
From trade unions, which also played an important role in shaping its policies.
What was the scandal involving Bernie Ecclestone and Labour?
Ecclestone donated £1M to Labour, allegedly contributing to the delay in implementing a ban on tobacco advertising.
What did Tony Blair say in defense of the Ecclestone donation?
“I’m a pretty straight sort of guy” and the money was returned.
What powers did the Electoral Commission gain from the Political Parties and Elections Act (2009)?
The power to investigate breaches of the law and impose fines.
What cap did the Political Parties and Elections Act (2009) place on declared donations?
Parties must declare all donations over £5000 to party HQ and £1000 t o local party organisations to the ElectoralCommission.
What was one recommendation of the Committee of Standards in Public Life (2011)?
A 15% reduction in campaign spending.
What is an argument for state funding of political parties?
It will reduce the huge financial advantage that large parties enjoy.
What could reform of state funding improve in the UK’s democracy?
It could reduce the influence of donors and create a more level playing field for smaller parties.
When was short money introduced?
1975
Whta is Cranborne money
Introduced in 1996, allocated funds to the two main opposition parties in the House of Lords
How much are PM’s payed?
£91,346 (2024)
What can MP’s clai additional money for?
MPs are able to claim allowances to cover the costs of running an office and employing staff, and maintaining a constituency residence or a residence in London.
