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Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act 2025

Type Act of the Scottish Parliament

Publication 2025-01-29

Last updated 2026-04-01

State In force

Jurisdiction Scotland

Department Statute Law Database

Source legislation.gov.uk

articles Not indexed

Reform history JSON API

(5) The Scottish Ministers may only designate a person in accordance with subsection (3)(b) if a draft of the designation has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, the Scottish Parliament.

(6) The duties mentioned in subsections (1) and (3) may be fulfilled by the continuation of any existing fund which is established and maintained administratively by the Scottish Ministers, including continuing with the administrative arrangements for that fund and with the person responsible for administering that fund (without the need for designation under subsection (5)) .

(7) As soon as reasonably practicable after each ordinary general election for membership of the Parliament (see section 2 of the Scotland Act 1998) and each ordinary local election (within the meaning of section 43(1C) of the Representation of the People Act 1983), the Scottish Ministers must—

(a) prepare a report on the operation of the Fund,

(b) publish the report in such manner as they consider appropriate.

(8) Nothing in this section affects any other power of the Scottish Ministers to make arrangements for or in connection with providing financial support to disabled persons participating as candidates at any election mentioned in paragraphs (i) to (iii) of subsection (1)(b).

Part 8 — Information to be included with certain electronic material at Scottish elections

Introduction

Application of this Part

47

(1) This Part applies in relation to electronic material published in connection with a relevant Scottish election which meets the conditions of this Part.

(2) This Part applies in addition to the requirements in relation to electronic material which are set out in Part 6 of the Elections Act 2022 (information to be included with electronic material) or which are set out in any other enactment.

Interpretation

Key definitions

48

(1) The following definitions have effect for the purposes of this Part—

“electronic material” means material in electronic form which consists of or includes— text or moving or still images, or speech or music,

“promoter”, in relation to electronic material, means the person causing the material to be published (but does not include any person who publishes the material as part of that person’s ordinary course of business),

“published” means transmitted to the public at large, or any section of the public,

“relevant third party” means any person who undertakes campaigning activities in relation to an election for a relevant Scottish elective office and who is not— an individual, a recognised third party, or a registered party.

(2) In subsection (1) “electronic material” does not include material to the extent that it is received by a person in the form of—

(a) a telephone call made to the person at a telephone number allocated to them in accordance with a national or international numbering plan, or

(b) a short message service text message sent to such a telephone number.

(3) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations amend this section so as to modify the definition of “electronic material”, “promoter” or “published”, or “relevant third party” that for the time being has effect for the purposes of this Part.

Further definitions relating to candidates, parties and elections

49

The following definitions have effect for the purposes of this Part—

“candidate” means a candidate at an election for a relevant Scottish elective office, including a person who is included in a list of candidates submitted in connection with such an election,

“future candidate” means a person who, in relation to an election for a relevant Scottish elective office, has been declared, whether by the person or by others, to be a candidate at the election, where— the election is the next scheduled election for the office, the notice of the election has not been published, and that declaration has not been withdrawn,

“recognised third party” has the meaning given in section 85(5) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000,

“registered party” has the same meaning as in the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (see section 160(1) of that Act),

“relevant Scottish election” means— an election to the Scottish Parliament, or a local government election within the meaning of section 204 of the Representation of the People Act 1983,

“relevant Scottish elective office” means the office of— member of the Scottish Parliament, or member of a council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994.

Electronic material to which the requirements apply

Electronic material: conditions for application of section 52

50

(1) Section 52 applies to electronic material which meets the following conditions.

(2) The first condition is that the electronic material can reasonably be regarded as intended to achieve either purpose mentioned in section 51 (whether or not it can reasonably be regarded as intended to achieve any other purpose as well).

(3) The second condition is that the promoter of the material, or the person on behalf of whom it is published, is a relevant third party.

(4) The third condition is that neither the promoter of the material, nor the person on behalf of whom the material is published, has paid for the material to be published as an advertisement.

Purpose of the electronic material

51

(1) The first purpose is promoting or procuring electoral success at one or more relevant Scottish elections for—

(a) a registered party,

(b) registered parties who advocate (or do not advocate) particular policies or who otherwise fall within a particular category of such parties, or

(c) candidates or future candidates who hold (or do not hold) particular opinions or who advocate (or do not advocate) particular policies or who otherwise fall within a particular category of candidates or future candidates.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)—

(a) the reference to electoral success at a relevant Scottish election is a reference—

(i) in relation to a registered party, to the return at the election of any candidate or future candidate who is standing, or is to stand, in the name of the party or is included, or is to be included, in a list of candidates submitted by the party in connection with the election, and

(ii) in relation to any candidate or future candidate, to their return at the election, and

(b) the reference to doing any of the things mentioned in that subsection includes doing so by prejudicing the electoral prospects at the election of other parties, candidates or future candidates.

(3) For the purposes of determining whether electronic material can reasonably be regarded as intended to achieve the purpose mentioned in subsection (1), it is immaterial that it does not expressly mention the name of any party, candidate or future candidate.

(4) The second purpose is promoting or procuring the election of a particular candidate, or a particular future candidate, at one or more relevant Scottish elections.

(5) For the purposes of determining whether electronic material—

(a) can reasonably be regarded as intended to achieve the purpose mentioned in subsection (4), it is immaterial that it does not expressly mention the name of any candidate or future candidate, and

(b) is to be regarded as being published on behalf of a candidate or future candidate—

(i) is not to be so regarded merely because it can be regarded as promoting or procuring the election of a candidate or future candidate at an election, but

(ii) may be regarded as being published on behalf of the party mentioned in subsection (6).

(6) This subsection applies to electronic material which can reasonably be regarded as promoting or procuring the election of—

(a) two or more candidates or future candidates who are standing, or are to stand, in the name of a party, or

(b) two or more candidates or future candidates who are included, or are to be included, in a list of candidates submitted by the party in connection with an election.

Requirements when publishing electronic material

Requirement to include information

52

(1) Electronic material to which this section applies must not be published unless, in accordance with this section—

(a) the information mentioned in subsection (2) is included as part of the electronic material, or

(b) if it is not reasonably practicable to comply with paragraph (a), the information mentioned in that subsection is displayed in text form in a location that is directly accessible from the electronic material.

(2) That information is—

(a) the name and address of the relevant third party who is the promoter of the material, and

(b) the name and address of any person on behalf of whom the material is being published (and who is not the promoter).

(3) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations amend subsection (2) so as to—

(a) add a description of information, or

(b) modify or remove a description of information that is for the time being specified in that subsection.

(4) Information is included as part of electronic material for the purposes of subsection (1)(a) only if—

(a) where the material consists of or includes text or moving or still images, it is displayed in text form as part of that material,

(b) where the material consists only of speech or music, it forms an audible part of that material.

(5) Information that is included as part of electronic material—

(a) must be legible or audible (as the case may be) regardless of the device used to access the material, and

(b) must be such that, if the electronic material were to be republished by a person who did not alter the material, the information would be retained as part of the material when republished.

(6) Information that is directly accessible from electronic material—

(a) must be legible regardless of the device used to access the information, and

(b) must be such that, if the electronic material were to be republished by a person who did not alter the material, access to the information would be retained as part of the material when republished.

Exceptions to requirement in section 52

53

(1) Section 52 does not apply to the republication of electronic material if—

(a) when it was previously published—

(i) section 52 applied to it, and

(ii) it was published in compliance with that section, and

(b) it is not materially altered when it is republished.

(2) In subsection (1)(b) the reference to electronic material not being materially altered includes a reference to the electronic material retaining—

(a) the information within section 52 (2), or

(b) the access to such information,

as a result of which its previous publication complied with section 52.

(3) Section 52 does not apply to the publication of electronic material on a website or mobile application whose primary purpose, or one of whose primary purposes, is the publication of journalism created for publication on the website or mobile application.

(4) In subsection (3) “mobile application” means application software designed and developed for use by the general public on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

(5) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations amend this section so as to add, modify or remove cases to which section 52 does not apply.

Offences

Offence of breaching section 52

54

(1) Where any electronic material to which section 52 applies is published in contravention of that section, the following persons commit an offence—

(a) the relevant third party who is the promoter of the material, and

(b) any person on behalf of whom the material is being published (and who is not the promoter).

(2) A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

(3) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (1) to prove—

(a) that the contravention arose from circumstances beyond the person’s control, and

(b) that the person took all reasonable steps, and exercised all due diligence, to ensure that the contravention would not arise.

(4) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (1) to prove that the person acted in accordance with guidance issued under section 58.

(5) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (1) in relation to the republication of electronic material to prove that—

(a) the electronic material had previously been published,

(b) the person reasonably believed that when it was previously published—

(i) section 52 applied to it, and

(ii) it was published in compliance with that section, and

(6) In subsection (5)(c), the reference to electronic material not being materially altered includes a reference to the electronic material retaining—

(a) the information within section 52 (3), or

(b) the access to such information,

as a result of which the person reasonably believed its previous publication complied with section 52.

(7) The court by or before which a person is convicted of an offence under subsection (1) must notify the Electoral Commission of the person’s conviction and the sentence imposed on the conviction as soon as is practicable.

Individual culpability where organisation commits an offence

55

(1) This section applies where—

(a) an offence under section 54 (1) is committed by a relevant organisation, and

(b) the commission of the offence—

(i) involves consent or connivance on the part of a responsible individual, or

(ii) is attributable to neglect on the part of a responsible individual.

(2) The responsible individual (as well as the relevant organisation) commits the offence.

(3) For the purposes of this section—

“relevant organisation” means an organisation listed in the first column of the table in subsection (4),

“responsible individual” means, in relation to a relevant organisation— an individual falling within the corresponding entry in the second column of the table in subsection (4), or an individual purporting to act in the capacity of an individual falling within the corresponding entry.

(4) The table is as follows—

Organisation	Individual
Company as mentioned in section 1 of the Companies Act 2006	Director, manager, secretary or other similar officer, or, where the company’s affairs are managed by its members, member
Limited liability partnership	Member
Other partnership	Partner
Any other body or association	Individual who is concerned in the management or control of its affairs

Enforcement and investigation

Enforcement by the Electoral Commission

56

(1) Parts 1 to 4 and 6 of Schedule 19C of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (civil sanctions) and the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums (Civil Sanctions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/2860) apply (subject to the following provisions of this section) in relation to an offence to which this section applies as they apply in relation to a prescribed offence under that Act.

(2) This section applies to an offence under section 54 (1) which relates to the publication of electronic material which can reasonably be regarded as intended to achieve a purpose within section 51 (1).

(3) In the application of paragraph 23 of schedule 19C of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (use of statements made compulsorily) by virtue of this section, the reference in sub-paragraph (1) of that paragraph to schedule 19B of that Act is to be read as including a reference to schedule 12 of the Elections Act 2022 (as applied by section 57 (1)).

(4) In the application of paragraph 13(1)(a) of Schedule 1 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums (Civil Sanctions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/2860) by virtue of this section, the reference to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 and that Order is to be read as a reference to that Act and that Order as they are applied by this section.

Supply of information

57

(1) Schedule 12 of the Elections Act 2022 (supply of information etc.) applies (subject to the following provisions of this section) in relation to an offence under section 54 as it applies in relation to an offence under Part 6 of that Act.

(2) In the application of Schedule 12 of the Elections Act 2022 by virtue of this section, the references in paragraphs 1(1)(b)(i), 1(2)(b) and 3(2)(b) to section 41 of that Act are to be read as including references to section 52 of this Act.

(3) Paragraphs 3 to 13 and 15 of schedule 19B of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (investigatory powers of the Electoral Commission) apply in relation to an offence mentioned in section 56 (2) as they apply in relation to an offence under that Act.

Guidance and Electoral Commission Report

Guidance

58

(1) The Electoral Commission must prepare guidance about—

(a) the operation of this Part, and

(b) the exercise of functions by the Electoral Commission in relation to a breach or suspected breach of this Part.

(2) The Electoral Commission must have regard to guidance issued under this section in exercising those functions.

(3) Once the Electoral Commission has prepared draft guidance under this section, it must submit it to the Scottish Ministers for approval by the Scottish Ministers.

(4) The Scottish Ministers may approve draft guidance either without modifications or with such modifications as the Scottish Ministers may determine.

(5) Once the Scottish Ministers have approved draft guidance, they must lay a copy of the draft before the Scottish Parliament, whether—

(a) in its original form, or

(b) in a form which incorporates any modifications determined under subsection (4).

(6) If the draft guidance incorporates modifications, the Scottish Ministers must at the same time lay before the Scottish Parliament a statement of their reasons for making them.

(7) If, within the 40-day period, the Scottish Parliament resolves not to approve the draft guidance, the Scottish Ministers must take no further steps in relation to it.

(8) Subsection (7) does not prevent new draft guidance from being laid before the Scottish Parliament.

(9) If no resolution of the kind mentioned in subsection (7) is made within the 40-day period—

(a) the Scottish Ministers must issue the guidance in the form of the draft laid before the Scottish Parliament,

(b) the guidance comes into force on the date appointed by the Scottish Ministers by regulations, and

(c) the Electoral Commission must arrange for the guidance to be published in such manner as the Electoral Commission consider appropriate.

(10) References in this section (other than in subsection (1)) to guidance or draft guidance include revised guidance or draft revised guidance.

(11) In this section “the 40-day period”, in relation to draft guidance, means the period of 40 days beginning with the day on which the draft is laid before the Scottish Parliament, no account being taken of any period during which the Scottish Parliament is dissolved or is in recess for more than four days.

Electoral Commission’s annual report

59

(1) Each report by the Electoral Commission under paragraph 20A of schedule 1 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 must contain information about—

(a) the convictions notified to the Electoral Commission under section 54 (7) during the year in question, and

(b) the use made by the Electoral Commission of its powers under section 57 (1) during that year.

(2) The report must, in particular, specify—

(a) the cases in which a notice was given under paragraph 1 of Schedule 12 of the Elections Act 2022 (as applied by section 57),

(b) the cases in which an order under paragraph 2 or 3 of that schedule was applied for or made.

(3) This section does not require the Electoral Commission to include in a report any information that, in its opinion, it would be inappropriate to include on the ground that to do so—

(a) would or might be unlawful, or

(b) might adversely affect any current investigation or proceedings.

Final provisions

Scottish Ministers regulation making powers

60

(1) The Scottish Ministers may make regulations under this Part only—

(a) if the regulations give effect to a recommendation of the Electoral Commission, or

(b) after consultation with the Electoral Commission.

(2) Regulations under this Part may make consequential, incidental, supplementary, transitional, transitory or saving provision.

(3) Regulations under this Part are subject to the affirmative procedure.

(4) But this section does not apply to regulations under section 58 (9)(b).

Consequential revocations

61

(1) The Scottish Elections (Details to appear on Election Material) Regulations 2020 (S.S.I. 2020/297) are revoked.

(2) The Scottish Elections (Details to appear on Election Publications) Regulations 2020 (S.S.I. 2020/298) are revoked.

Part 9 — Boundaries

Boundaries Scotland: changing date of next review of local government wards and number of councillors

62

(1) The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 is modified as follows.

(2) In section 14 (duty and power to review local government areas), after subsection (4) insert—

(5) Any review under this section must be completed no less than 18 months before the date of the next ordinary local election (within the meaning of section 43(1C) of the Representation of the People Act 1983).

(3) In section 16 (wards and councillors: substantive changes in electoral arrangements)—

(a) in subsection (2A)(a), for “31 December 2028” substitute “31 October 2030”, and

(b) after subsection (3), insert—

(4) Boundaries Scotland may not submit a report in accordance with subsection (2A)(b) or make a proposal to the Scottish Ministers following a review under subsection (3) during any period of 18 months immediately preceding the date of each ordinary local election (within the meaning of section 43(1C) of the Representation of the People Act 1983) held after 6 May 2032.

Boundaries Scotland: reports on Parliament boundaries before a general election

63

(1) Schedule 1 of the Scotland Act 1998 is modified as follows.

(2) After paragraph 3(7), insert—

(7A) Boundaries Scotland may not submit to the Scottish Ministers— (a) a report mentioned in sub-paragraph (5), or (b) a report under sub-paragraph (6), during the period of 18 months immediately preceding the date of the next ordinary general election for membership of the Parliament.

Part 10 — Electoral commission

Education about electoral and democratic systems

64

(1) The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 is modified as follows.

(2) In section 13 (education about electoral and democratic systems), after subsection (1)(a) insert—

(aa) marking of ballot papers in any election mentioned in section 9A(5A)(a) to (c).

Electoral Commission’s annual report: spoilt ballot papers

65

(1) Each report by the Electoral Commission under paragraph 20A of schedule 1 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (“PPERA”) must contain information about what steps the Electoral Commission has taken to reduce the number of spoilt ballot papers in devolved Scottish elections.

(2) In this section—

“devolved Scottish elections” means any election mentioned in section 9A(5A)(a) to (c) of PPERA,

“spoilt ballot paper” means a ballot paper that the voter has inadvertently dealt with in such a manner that it cannot be conveniently used as a ballot paper.

Five-year plan: devolved Scottish elections and referendums

66

(1) The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 is modified as follows.

(2) In schedule 1 (the Electoral Commission)—

(a) in paragraph 14, after sub-paragraph (8), insert—

(9) An estimate prepared under this paragraph must not include income or expenditure that is attributable to the exercise of the Commission’s functions in relation to Scottish devolved functions (as to which, see paragraph 14A)

(b) in paragraph 14A, in sub-paragraph (4)—

(i) for “Before the start of” substitute “For”,

(ii) for “by such date as the SPCB determines” substitute “at least 6 months before the start of the financial year to which the estimate relates (or such later date as the Commission and the SPCB may agree)”,

(7) A plan prepared under this paragraph must not include aims, objectives or estimated requirements for the exercise of the Commission’s functions in relation to Scottish devolved functions (as to which, see paragraph 15A).

(d) for paragraph 15A, substitute—

(15A) (1) When the Commission send to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (in this paragraph, the “SPCB”) an estimate under paragraph 14A(4) in respect of the first financial year to begin after the day on which the Scottish Parliament meets for the first time following a general election for membership of the Scottish Parliament, the Commission must at the same time submit to the SPCB a plan prepared by the Commission setting out the Commission’s— (a) aims and objectives for the exercise of the Commission’s devolved Scottish functions during the period of 5 years beginning with the start of the financial year to which the estimate relates, and (b) estimated requirements for resources for the exercise of those functions during that 5 year period. (2) A plan under sub-paragraph (1) must include how the Commission will aim to reduce the number of spoilt ballot papers at the elections mentioned in sub-paragraph (11)(a) during the period. (3) In sub-paragraph (2) a “spoilt ballot paper” means a ballot paper that the voter has inadvertently dealt with in such a manner that it cannot be conveniently used as a ballot paper. (4) The SPCB may require the Commission to submit a plan under sub-paragraph (1) when the Commission send such an estimate as is mentioned in paragraph 14A in respect of a financial year other than one mentioned in that sub-paragraph. (5) The SPCB— (a) must examine each plan submitted to it, (b) must decide whether it is satisfied that the plan is consistent with the economical, efficient and effective discharge by the Commission of their devolved Scottish functions, and (c) if it is not so satisfied, may recommend such modifications to the plan as it considers appropriate for the purpose of achieving such consistency. (6) Before deciding whether it is so satisfied or making any such recommendations, the SPCB may provide a draft of the plan and invite, and (if any are given) consider, comments on it from— (a) a committee of the Scottish Parliament, (b) such other persons as the SPCB consider appropriate. (7) The SPCB must, as soon as reasonably practicable after concluding its examination and making its recommendations (if any) under sub-paragraph (5) in relation to the plan, report to the Commission on its findings and recommendations. (8) After the SPCB has reported to the Commission under sub-paragraph (7), the Commission must— (a) make whatever modifications to the draft plan the Commission consider necessary in light of the SPCB’s findings and recommendations, (b) lay the plan before the Scottish Parliament, and (c) if the Commission do not follow any of the SPCB’s recommendations for modifications to the plan under this paragraph, lay before the Scottish Parliament a document describing its reasons for so doing. (9) The Commission may, at any time during the period of 5 years to which a plan relates, review the plan for that period and submit a revised plan to the SPCB setting out the matters mentioned in sub-sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of sub-paragraph (1). (10) Sub-paragraphs (5) to (8) apply to a revised plan submitted under sub-paragraph (9) as they apply to a plan submitted under sub-paragraph (1). (11) In this paragraph, “Scottish devolved functions”, in relation to the Commission, means the functions of the Commission— (a) under Part 1 in relation to— (i) Scottish Parliamentary general elections, (ii) elections held under section 9 of the Scotland Act 1998 (constituency vacancies), and (iii) local government elections in Scotland, and (b) under the Referendums (Scotland) Act 2020 in relation to any referendum held throughout Scotland in pursuance of provision made by or under an Act of the Scottish Parliament, in so far as those functions do not relate to reserved matters (within the meaning of the Scotland Act 1998).

(e) the cross-heading immediately preceding paragraph 15A of schedule 1 becomes “Five-year plan: devolved Scottish elections and referendums”.

Reports on promotion of public awareness about elections

67

(1) The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 is modified as follows.

(2) In section 5 (reports on elections and referendums)—

(a) after subsection (2D) insert—

(2DA) Subsections (2DB) and (2DC) apply where a report under this section relates to one of the following elections— (a) a Scottish Parliamentary general election, or (b) an ordinary election of councillors for local government areas in Scotland. (2DB) The report must include a description of the steps taken by— (a) the Commission in performing their functions under section 13(1), and (b) returning officers, to promote public awareness about the election and how to vote in it (including, in particular, how to fill in a ballot paper). (2DC) The report may also include a description of steps taken by any other person to promote public awareness about the election and how to vote in it.

(b) in subsection (2E), for “subsection (2D)” substitute “subsections (2D) and (2DB)”.

Electoral Commission strategy: spoilt ballot papers

68

(1) The Electoral Commission must, before each ordinary local election—

(a) prepare a strategy for reducing the number of spoilt ballot papers at the election, and

(b) publish the strategy in such manner as the Commission thinks fit.

(2) In this section—

“ordinary local election” has the meaning given in section 43(1C) of the Representation of the People Act 1983,

“spoilt ballot paper” means a ballot paper that the voter has inadvertently dealt with in such a manner that it cannot be conveniently used as a ballot paper.

Part 11 — Electoral management board for Scotland

Constitution of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland

69

(1) The Local Electoral Administration (Scotland) Act 2011 is modified as follows.

(2) In section 1 (Electoral Management Board for Scotland)—

(a) for subsection (1) substitute—

(1) The committee established and known as the Electoral Management Board for Scotland continues to exist and becomes a body corporate to be known under the same name.

(b) after subsection (3) insert—

(4) The schedule makes further provision about the status, membership, etc. of the Board and about other administrative matters in connection with the Board.

(3) Sections 2 to 4 are repealed.

(4) After section 7, insert—

(7A) (1) The Board must, at least 6 months before the start of a 5 year period, submit to the Parliamentary corporation a plan (referred to in this section as a “strategic plan”) setting out, for that 5 year period— (a) the Board’s strategic and policy priorities relating to those of its functions mentioned in section 1(3), (b) how it proposes to achieve them, (c) timetables for doing so, and (d) estimates of the costs of doing so. (2) The Parliamentary corporation— (a) must examine each strategic plan submitted to it, (b) must decide whether it is satisfied with the plan, and (c) if it is not so satisfied, may recommend such modifications to the plan as it considers appropriate. (3) Before deciding whether it is so satisfied or making any such recommendations, the Parliamentary corporation may provide the strategic plan to invite, and (if any are given) consider, comments on it from— (a) a committee of the Scottish Parliament, and (b) such other persons as the Parliamentary corporation consider appropriate. (4) The Parliamentary corporation must, as soon as reasonably practicable after concluding its examination and making its recommendations (if any) under subsection (2), report to the Board on its findings and recommendations. (5) After the Parliamentary corporation has reported to the Board under subsection (4), the Board must— (a) make whatever modifications to the strategic plan the Board consider necessary in light of the Parliamentary corporation’s findings and recommendations, (b) lay the plan before the Scottish Parliament, and (c) if the Board do not follow any of the Parliamentary corporation’s recommendations for modifications to the plan under this section, lay before the Scottish Parliament a document describing its reasons for so doing. (6) The Board may, at any time during the 5 year period to which a plan relates, review the strategic plan for that period and submit a revised plan to the Parliamentary corporation setting out the matters mentioned in subsection (1). (7) Subsections (2) to (5) apply to a revised plan submitted under subsection (6) as they apply to a strategic plan submitted under subsection (1). (8) In this section, “5 year period” means each period of 5 years beginning on the first day of the financial year following each ordinary local election (within the meaning of section 43(1C) of the Representation of the People Act 1983). (7B) (1) The Scottish Ministers may request that the Board— (a) review, and (b) submit a report to them on, any matter relating to the Board’s functions mentioned in section 1(3). (2) Before making a request under subsection (1), the Scottish Ministers must consult the Parliamentary corporation. (3) The Board must comply with a request under subsection (1) within such time as the Scottish Ministers may request, or such later time as Ministers and the Board may agree. (4) The Board may, after submitting a report under this section, publish the report in such manner as it considers appropriate.

(5) Section 8 and the cross heading immediately preceding it are repealed.

(6) In section 9 (interpretation of Part 1)—

(a) after “Part” insert “and in the schedule”,

(b) after the definition of “electoral registration officer”, insert—

“former depute returning officer” means an individual who no longer holds the office but who was previously—a depute returning officer, ora RUK depute returning officer,

“former electoral registration officer” means an individual who no longer holds the office but who was previously—an electoral registration officer, ora RUK electoral registration officer,

“former returning officer” means an individual who no longer holds the office but who was previously—a returning officer, ora RUK returning officer,

“Parliamentary corporation” means the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body,

(d) after the definition of “returning officer”, insert—

“RUK depute returning officer” means a person appointed as a depute section 35(4) of the 1983 Act,

“RUK electoral registration officer” means an officer appointed under, or holding office in accordance with, section 8(2), (2A) or (4) of the 1983 Act,

“RUK returning officer” means an officer holding office in accordance with section 24, 26 or 35 of the 1983 Act and includes a person discharging the duties of such an officer in accordance with section 28 of that Act,

, and

(e) in the section title, after “Part 1” insert “and the schedule”.

(7) After section 22 (short title), insert as a schedule—

Schedule (1) (1) The Board, its members and staff— (a) are not servants or agents of the Crown, and (b) have no status, immunity or privilege of the Crown. (2) The Board’s property is not property of, or property held on behalf of, the Crown. (2) (1) The Board is to consist of— (a) a convener, who must be either— (i) a returning officer, (ii) a RUK returning officer, or (iii) a former returning officer, and (b) 8 other members of whom— (i) 5 are to be from the RO category, and (ii) 3 are to be from the ERO category. (2) In this schedule— (a) a person is part of “the RO category” if the person is— (i) a returning officer, (ii) a depute returning officer, (iii) a RUK returning officer, (iv) a RUK depute returning officer, (v) a former returning officer, (vi) a former depute returning officer, and (b) a person is part of “the ERO category” if the person is— (i) an electoral registration officer, (ii) a RUK electoral registration officer, or (iii) a former electoral registration officer. (3) The convener is to be appointed by the Parliamentary corporation on the nomination of the Scottish Parliament. (4) The convener holds office on such terms and conditions as the Parliamentary corporation may determine. (5) The convener is to appoint the other members. (6) The other members hold office on such terms and conditions as the convener, with the approval of the Parliamentary corporation, may determine. (7) When appointing members, the convener is to have regard to the desirability of the membership taken as a whole having a broad range of experience in relation to— (a) different local authority areas (including different kinds of areas) throughout Scotland, and (b) the different constituencies and regions provided for Scottish parliamentary elections by schedule 1 of the Scotland Act 1998 (including different kinds of constituencies and regions). (8) A person may not be appointed as a member of the Board if that person has a relevant connection to a political party. (9) In this schedule, a person has “a relevant connection to a political party” if that person would be ineligible for appointment as a member of the staff of the Electoral Commission in accordance with— (a) paragraph 11A(1)(a) or (b) of schedule 1 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, or (b) paragraph 11A(1)(c) of that schedule, taking the relevant period mentioned there to be the last 12 months. (3) (1) The convener may, from the members of the Board who are in the RO category— (a) appoint a depute convener to act for such period, not exceeding 5 years, as the convener, at the time of the appointment, may determine, and (b) reappoint that depute convener for one further period, not exceeding 5 years, as the convener, at the time of the reappointment, may determine. (2) The convener may, from any other of the members of the Board— (a) appoint a second depute convener to act for such period, not exceeding 5 years, as the convener, at the time of the appointment, may determine, and (b) reappoint that second depute convener for one further period, not exceeding 5 years, as the convener, at the time of the reappointment, may determine. (3) A period of appointment under sub-paragraph (1) or (2) must be approved by the Parliamentary corporation. (4) A depute convener appointed under sub-paragraph (1) may carry out any of the convener’s relevant functions where— (a) the office of convener is vacant, or (b) the person holding the office is for any reason unable to perform the convener’s functions. (5) In sub-paragraph (4) the convener’s relevant functions are— (a) the convener’s functions under this Act, and (b) the convener’s functions under section 43A of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (in relation to fixing another day for the holding of the poll at an ordinary local election). (6) A second depute convener appointed under sub-paragraph (2) may perform such of the convener’s functions under this Act (and to such extent) as the convener may determine, but may not issue directions under sections 4A, 5, 5A or 6. (4) (1) The convener— (a) holds office for such period, not exceeding 5 years, as the Parliamentary corporation, at the time of appointment, may determine, and (b) may be reappointed for one further period, not exceeding 5 years, as the Parliamentary corporation at the time of the reappointment, may determine. (2) Other members of the Board— (a) may be appointed for such period, not exceeding 5 years, as the Parliamentary corporation, at the time of appointment, may determine, and (b) may be reappointed to the Board (once or more) for such further period, not exceeding 5 years, as the Parliamentary corporation at the time of the reappointment, may determine. (3) An appointment as depute convener under paragraph 3(1) or (2) ends when the person appointed is no longer a member of the Board. (5) (1) The convener may be relieved of office by the Parliamentary corporation at the request of the convener. (2) The other members may, by notice in writing to the convener, resign office as a member. (3) The convener may be removed from office by the Parliamentary corporation— (a) if— (i) the Parliamentary corporation is satisfied that the convener has breached the terms and conditions of office and the Parliament resolves that the convener should be removed from office for that breach, or (ii) the Parliament resolves that it has lost confidence in the convener’s willingness, suitability or ability to perform the functions of the convener, and, in either case, the resolution is voted for by a number of members not fewer than two thirds of the total number of seats for members of the Parliament, or (b) if the convener becomes connected to a political party. (4) Any other member may be removed from office by the convener if— (a) the member has been absent, without reasonable excuse from meetings of the Board for a period of longer than 6 consecutive months, or (b) the convener considers that the member is— (i) unable to perform the functions of a member, or (ii) unsuitable to continue as a member, or (c) the member becomes connected to a political party. (5) In this schedule, a person “becomes connected to a political party” on the occurrence, in relation to that person, of such an event as is mentioned in any of paragraphs (a) to (ca) of paragraph 3(3) of schedule 1 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. (6) (1) The Parliamentary corporation may— (a) pay to the convener such remuneration, allowances and expenses as the Parliamentary corporation may determine, (b) pay, or make arrangements for the payment of, such pensions, allowances and gratuities to, or in respect of, any individual who holds or has held the office of the convener as the Parliamentary corporation may determine. (2) The Board may, with the approval of the Parliamentary corporation— (a) pay its members (other than the convener) such remuneration, allowances and expenses as the Board may determine, (b) pay, or make arrangements for the payment of, such pensions, allowances and gratuities to, or in respect of any individual who holds or has held the office of a member of the Board (other than the office of convener) as the Board may determine. (3) The arrangements mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) and (2) may include— (a) making payments towards the provision of those pensions, allowances and gratuities, (b) providing and maintaining schemes for the payment of those pensions, allowances and gratuities. (4) The reference in sub-paragraph (3) to pensions, allowances and gratuities includes pensions, allowances and gratuities by way of compensation for loss of office. (7) (1) The Board may appoint staff. (2) The staff are to be employed on terms and conditions (including any payments of remuneration, pensions, allowances and expenses) as may, with the approval of the Parliamentary corporation, be determined by the Board. (3) A person may not be appointed as a member of the staff of the Board if the person— (a) is a member of the Board, or (b) has a relevant connection to a political party. (4) The appointment of any member of the staff of the Board is to terminate if the person becomes connected to a political party. (8) (1) It is for the Board to regulate its own procedure (and quorum). (2) The convener may (with the agreement of the other members of the Board) invite a person to attend a meeting of the Board for the purpose of providing advice or otherwise assisting the Board in carrying out its functions. (9) (1) The Board may obtain advice, assistance or any other service from any person who, in the opinion of the Board, is qualified to give it. (2) The Board may pay to that person such fees and allowances as the Board determines. (3) Any payment under sub-paragraph (2) is subject to the approval of the Parliamentary corporation. (10) (1) The Board may do anything which appears to it— (a) to be necessary or expedient for the purposes of, or in connection with, the performance of its functions, or (b) be otherwise conductive to the performance of its functions. (2) The validity of anything done by the Board is not affected by— (a) a vacancy in membership, (b) a defect in the appointment of a member, (c) the removal or disqualification of a person as a member after appointment. (11) The Board must comply with any direction given by the Parliamentary corporation as to the sharing of premises, staff, services or other resources with any other public body or any officeholder. (12) (1) The Board must, before the start of each financial year, prepare proposals for the Board’s use of resources and expenditure during the year (a “budget”) and, by such date as the Parliamentary corporation determines, send the budget to the Parliamentary corporation for approval. (2) The Board may, in the course of a financial year, prepare a revised budget for the remainder of the year and send it to the Parliamentary corporation for approval. (3) In preparing a budget or revised budget, the Board must ensure that the resources of the Board will be used economically, efficiently and effectively. (4) A budget or revised budget must contain a statement that the Board has complied with the duty under sub-paragraph (3). (13) (1) The Parliamentary corporation is to pay any expenditure properly incurred by the Board in the exercise of the functions of the Board. (2) Sub-paragraph (1) does not require the Parliamentary corporation to pay any expenses which exceed or are otherwise not covered by a budget or, as the case may be, a revised budget approved under paragraph 12. (3) However, the Parliamentary corporation may pay those expenses. (14) (1) The Parliamentary corporation is to designate the convener, a member of the Board, or a member of the Board’s staff as the accountable officer for the purposes of this paragraph. (2) The functions of the accountable officer are— (a) those specified in sub-paragraph (3), and (b) where the accountable officer is not the convener, the duty set out in sub-paragraph (4), and the accountable officer is answerable to the Parliament for the exercise of those functions. (3) The functions referred to in sub-paragraph (2)(a) are— (a) signing the accounts of the expenditure and receipts of the Board, (b) ensuring the propriety and regularity of the finances of the Board, (c) ensuring that the resources of the Board are used economically, efficiently and effectively. (4) The duty referred to in sub-paragraph (2)(b) is a duty, where the accountable officer is required to act in some way but considers that to do so would be inconsistent with the proper performance of the functions specified in sub-paragraph (3), to— (a) obtain written authority from the convener before taking the action, and (b) send a copy of that authority as soon as possible to the Auditor General for Scotland. (15) (1) The Board must— (a) keep proper accounts and accounting records, and (b) prepare annual accounts in respect of each financial year. (2) The Board must send a copy of the annual accounts to the Auditor General for Scotland for auditing. (16) (1) The convener must, prepare a report on the carrying out of the Board’s functions during each financial year. (2) After securing the Board’s approval of the report, the convener must— (a) lay the report before the Scottish Parliament, and (b) send a copy of the report to the Scottish Ministers. (3) The report must be laid before the Parliament within 7 months of the end of each financial year.

(8) In section 7(2) of the Referendums (Scotland) Act 2020 (chief counting officer), after “section 2 of” insert “, or paragraph 2 of the schedule of,”.

Application of public bodies legislation to the Electoral Management Board for Scotland

70

(1) In the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, in Part 7 of schedule 1 (others), after paragraph 63A insert—

(63B) Electoral Management Board for Scotland.

(2) In the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010—

(a) In schedule 5, after the entry relating to David MacBrayne Ltd insert—

Electoral Management Board for Scotland

(b) In schedule 8, after the entry relating to the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland insert—

Electoral Management Board for Scotland

(3) In schedule 1 of the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018, after the entry relating to David MacBrayne Limited (company number SC015304) insert—

Electoral Management Board for Scotland

Transitional provision: membership of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland

71

(1) A person who holds the office of convener of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland immediately before the coming into force of the amendments made by section 69(7) continues to hold that office.

(2) The duration of that person’s appointment is to be calculated as if that person was appointed as convener for the first time for a period of 5 years on the day that the amendments made by section 69(7) came into force.

(3) Any other person who is a member of the Board immediately before the coming into force of the amendments made by section 69(7) continues as a member of the Board.

(4) The duration of the appointment of a person mentioned in subsection (3) is to be calculated as if that person was appointed as a member for a period of 5 years on the day that the amendments made by section 69(7) came into force.

(5) Accordingly, a person continuing as a convener or as a member of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland in accordance with this section—

(a) remains eligible to be reappointed in accordance with paragraph 4 of the schedule of the Local Electoral Administration (Scotland) Act 2011, but

(b) may be removed from office in accordance with paragraph 5 of that schedule.

Part 12 — General provision

Ancillary provision

72

(1) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make any incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision they consider appropriate for the purposes of, in connection with or for giving full effect to this Act or any provision made under it.

(2) Regulations under this section may—

(a) make different provision for different purposes,

(b) modify any enactment (including this Act).

(3) Regulations under this section—

(a) are subject to the affirmative procedure if they add to, replace or omit any part of the text of an Act,

(b) otherwise are subject to the negative procedure.

Commencement

73

(1) This section and sections 72 and 74 come into force on the day after Royal Assent.

(2) The other provisions of this Act come into force on such day as the Scottish Ministers may by regulations appoint.

(3) Regulations under this section may—

(a) include transitional, transitory or saving provision,

(b) make different provision for different purposes.

Short title

74

The short title of this Act is the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act 2025.

Schedule

Part 1 — Solemn procedure

1

An offence tried on indictment.

Part 2 — Summary procedure

Chapter 1 — Common law offences

2

Kidnapping.

3

Abduction.

4

Assault to the danger of life.

5

Assault to severe injury.

6

Assault with intent to rape or ravish.

7

Assault other than a kind listed in paragraphs 4 to 6.

8

Breach of the peace.

9

Culpable homicide.

10

Culpable and reckless conduct.

11

Culpable and reckless endangering of the public.

12

Culpable and reckless fire-raising.

13

Drugging.

14

Extortion.

15

Malicious mischief.

16

Mobbing and rioting.

17

Uttering threats.

18

Wilful fire-raising.

Chapter 2 — Statutory offences

Explosive Substances Act 1883

19

An offence under either of the following provisions of the Explosive Substances Act 1883—

(a) section 2 (causing explosion likely to endanger life or property),

(b) section 3 (attempt to cause explosion, or making or keeping explosive with intent to endanger life or property).

Criminal Law Act 1977

20

An offence under section 51 (bomb hoaxes) of the Criminal Law Act 1977.

Taking of Hostages Act 1982

21

An offence under section 1 of the Taking of Hostages Act 1982 (hostage taking).

Rent (Scotland) Act 1984

22

An offence under section 22 of the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 (unlawful eviction and harassment of occupier).

Public Order Act 1986

23

An offence under any of the following provisions of the Public Order Act 1986—

(a) section 18 (racial hatred: use of words or behaviour or display of written material),

(b) section 19 (racial hatred: publishing or distributing written material),

(d) section 21 (racial hatred: distributing, showing or playing a recording),

(e) section 22 (racial hatred: broadcasting or including programme in programme service).

Criminal Justice Act 1988

24

An offence under section 134 (torture) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992

25

An offence under section 241 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (intimidation or annoyance by violence or otherwise).

Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995

26

An offence under either of the following provisions of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995—

(a) section 50A (racially aggravated harassment),

(b) section 52 (vandalism).

Communications Act 2003

27

An offence under section 127 of the Communications Act 2003 (improper use of public electronic communications network).

Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009

28

An offence under any of the following provisions of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009—

(a) section 2 (sexual assault by penetration),

(b) section 3 (sexual assault),

Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010

29

An offence under either of the following provisions of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010—

(a) section 38 (threatening or abusive behaviour),

(b) section 39 (stalking).

Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021

30

An offence under either of the following provisions of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021—

(a) section 3 (racially aggravated harassment),

(b) section 4 (offences of stirring up hatred).

Part 3 — Other

Inchoate offences

31

An offence committed by aiding, abetting, counselling, procuring or inciting the commission of any offence listed in paragraphs 1 to 30 of this schedule.

32

An offence committed by attempting or conspiring to commit any offence listed in paragraphs 1 to 30 of this schedule.

Superseded offences

33

An offence superseded (whether directly or indirectly) by any offence listed in paragraphs 1 to 30 of this schedule (and any qualification in relation to a listed offence applies to the superseded offence as it applies to the listed offence).

Scottish Parliament elections

Local government elections

Scottish Parliament: disqualification of MPs

Scottish Parliament: disqualification of members of the House of Lords

Scottish Parliament: disqualification of councillors

Scottish Parliament: disqualification relating to sexual offences etc.

Local authorities: disqualifications relating to sexual offences etc.

Scottish disqualification orders

Returning officers

Registration officers

Counting officers

Effect of order: Scottish Parliament

Effect of order: local government

Power to amend the schedule

Scottish Parliament: disqualification from membership

Local authorities: disqualifications for nomination, election and holding office

Disqualification orders: aggravation

Persons holding office: temporary relief from effect of disqualification

Transitional provision: disqualifications relating to sexual offences etc.

Ending ambulatory effect of section 15 of the Scotland Act 1998

Notional and third party expenditure: Scottish Parliament elections

Third parties capable of giving notification

Restriction on which third parties may incur controlled expenditure

Transitional provision: offences relating to third party expenditure

Code of practice on controls relating to third parties

Notional expenditure: local government elections

Power of Presiding Officer to postpone ordinary election

Power of Presiding Officer to schedule extraordinary general elections

Election of new Presiding Officer: extension of period

Choice of new First Minister after changed election date

Rescheduling of by-elections

Power of convener of Electoral Management Board to postpone ordinary local election

Power of returning officers to postpone election for their area

Power of returning officer to postpone or cancel by-election

Review of order of candidates on ballot papers used at elections

Nomination of candidate in local government elections: home address form

Election agent and sub-agent in Scottish Parliament elections: public notice of home address

Election agent and sub-agent in local government elections: public notice of home address

Pilot schemes under the Scottish Local Government (Elections) Act 2002

Registration of electors pilot provision: power to make temporary provision

Proposals for registration of electors pilot provision

Evaluation of registration of electors pilot provision by Electoral Commission

Power to permanently modify provision about registration of electors

Funding to increase democratic engagement

Scottish Ministers’ power to make provision about elections under the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004

Access to Elected Office Fund

Application of this Part

Key definitions

Further definitions relating to candidates, parties and elections

Electronic material: conditions for application of section 52

Purpose of the electronic material

Requirement to include information

Exceptions to requirement in section 52

Offence of breaching section 52

Individual culpability where organisation commits an offence

Enforcement by the Electoral Commission

Supply of information

Guidance

Electoral Commission’s annual report

Scottish Ministers regulation making powers

Consequential revocations

Boundaries Scotland: changing date of next review of local government wards and number of councillors

Boundaries Scotland: reports on Parliament boundaries before a general election

Education about electoral and democratic systems

Electoral Commission’s annual report: spoilt ballot papers

Five-year plan: devolved Scottish elections and referendums

Reports on promotion of public awareness about elections

Electoral Commission strategy: spoilt ballot papers

Constitution of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland

Application of public bodies legislation to the Electoral Management Board for Scotland

Transitional provision: membership of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland

Ancillary provision

Commencement

Short title

Explosive Substances Act 1883

Criminal Law Act 1977

Taking of Hostages Act 1982

Rent (Scotland) Act 1984

Public Order Act 1986

Criminal Justice Act 1988

Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992

Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995

Communications Act 2003

Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009

Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010

Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021

Inchoate offences

Superseded offences

Editorial notes

[^key-4b06a9ead081fc9f3264eb30357c4e46]: S. 1 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-ea177e02e8dba5a11565d3b1dfc845d7]: S. 2 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-b61ccd0ed88e6047ca1c2df512ea47e9]: S. 3 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-d1d2288bedfb05b7c5a96ba8b9dcb260]: S. 4 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-fe254c427d9769a7911e8da0486f8de7]: S. 5 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-c1c9e24ebb8cf13399ad5fb2eeb594bc]: S. 6 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-4dcaae073d58b4182ecbc352352c6808]: S. 7 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-70da117ae549f190b89b4322e26b6807]: S. 8 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-98df7b52940b1363f4bff5baecc15d78]: S. 9 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-3256d762ac2d46edb249359b16dc163d]: S. 10 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-d3f92894c28ec622dcefda8d33d0a59e]: S. 11 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-171985cf57aaa066a37bdac195055a1f]: S. 12 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-648b7f272dce544ad7ee2a52ba6006c0]: S. 13 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-a904915ee1f7714bd0fbd15e4fc8fae9]: S. 14 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-2a785e5837b44f98522070c41dd57a83]: S. 15 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-d28ec3fa0e62cf5dafd50ff6823a42c1]: S. 16 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-4348af76c6dbffe607896b8888624af3]: S. 17 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-cad6286fef090b99e02c55274b587ca7]: S. 18 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-80bd9c5d116d121b66156f06b4d06989]: S. 19 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-ab0040731cf7c49184c50b519db6a081]: S. 20 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-2e8735a80e0944be0e0eff67dc734dfb]: S. 21 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-c33e9874ad8fae6871415a3fbff6757b]: S. 22 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-7963150b33115bb974bb34ad920c8670]: S. 23 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-55844445d94fb1ee75c087b29d6c9d5f]: S. 24 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-0d1d05f2af54d3354373e603292950b1]: S. 25 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-ba0020019c4165311b3ba4ffb5152e13]: S. 26 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-acb77de921bc489fb56578b823fc5019]: S. 27 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-afa52bbafc34ef687961d30bb761f25e]: S. 28 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-08f24adbc89e22389ba898fbda94e8be]: S. 29 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-2550784373be6a7c1250df9e0ca8f8b8]: S. 30 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-23b29a1bd1a8a7b3fc54c981de548322]: S. 31 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-7bc4d82938e5496e2d9889d5ae02231e]: S. 32 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-482d552d9017056371bbacc299e8466a]: S. 33 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-673356213e9754779ada2d4a6071f477]: S. 34 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-6bc72d533c02de1b979ccd36bf14146f]: S. 35 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-1d1f4fe3f933da83a6b1519e46283b77]: S. 36 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-b9de6d9153f0c64ffb8016b3201d9bef]: S. 37 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-aba9fe398fc509e37750450b0d9e482c]: S. 38 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-9b8b0da98bed9f68af11e34822dac694]: S. 39 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-d3b5a9e0e1fbe6f1432554f4a2b63930]: S. 40 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-77cade5a0d692b5c04bd606af7c8e4d2]: S. 41 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-56cb5a6948782697c7aa5e55eb64e872]: S. 42 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-8bc71a2a97f15984f4004a485cc86a9e]: S. 43 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-05617fd8680d46ef3fb03b9d107e1a0b]: S. 44 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-34fdaa174b30612e2fb54cf6b5f07ed2]: S. 45 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-3d4593d11e6167753fb58b39f00c41a4]: S. 46 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-0d0f73e3382950ec47dd0ae469b9232f]: S. 47 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-8166ca9a34ca69b945fb9fbc141d62c6]: S. 48 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-577546752b24a57e74730e4fab856d71]: S. 49 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-517366ada2ac6edbd941fe6359f23345]: S. 50 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-0b2ce3a80ec1eb12149c7ef60b7fee03]: S. 51 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-284e1a147cb2be97015ab75ebe6df9cb]: S. 52 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-567fd7902a358adffe1ae543fb8c6941]: S. 53 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-35bf643a18edb26eb2f371e8551586fb]: S. 54 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-9e4a9c56aa3eb179bad744d41bd03b42]: S. 55 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-0ec1cc4d5639aceea43aba01dc6ae7b1]: S. 56 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-2fc056b9291ee33a995970941d38c8bc]: S. 57 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-c7cfcf5b9554a2ae0cac56b637f44015]: S. 58 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-5ea7b3829a445922d7ac2d7e93869b93]: S. 59 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-5e4eba818e484b322e7099697214cad4]: S. 60 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-de7f2637a740d88926371dfe866a967c]: S. 61 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-039ac4e5e392357a0d3454f75702ff36]: S. 62 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-7a7c0a74b5cf72abfa407cfa09ab61b0]: S. 63 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-5464c0a5a1c8054555a37d10a6da797c]: S. 64 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-095f2896d153047be7414d5e3d40bf22]: S. 65 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-2b983b4130142252cf79fef1e519043d]: S. 66 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-7d0ae64d75ff23b03256dcf5e1254001]: S. 67 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-565480de6b64fe08d42396188f79065b]: S. 68 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-8ad110568c5f6ed1e85a7866edfd1759]: S. 69 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-7872c16b97f83c4fd099cb4e7e8283ae]: S. 70 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-3a441e41f467449b7985e5ab0b64c19d]: S. 71 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-f355a14d217b4c5900173efc76232267]: S. 72 in force at 30.1.2025, see s. 73(1)

[^key-219fb1655bd46d8011a688f3497b1df3]: S. 73 in force at 30.1.2025, see s. 73(1)

[^key-271ca191bd2f7f667d7d983a244cd9d8]: S. 74 in force at 30.1.2025, see s. 73(1)

[^key-4ce5ccff5e1d5ce4e56cd65b6906ac81]: Sch. para. 1 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-bbaf8b7c2b2607fa6d37f04000c1e75c]: Sch. para. 2 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

[^key-a56614d51659f5db9f4be20b75744929]: Sch. para. 3 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 73(2)

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