Political funds

Political fund ballots must be conducted every 10 years. The law on political fund ballots is found in Chapter VI of TULRCA There is a right of complaint to the Certification Officer or the courts if any member believes a ballot has not followed the rules. The Certification Officer has prime responsibility for checking the finances and independence of unions and for assisting individuals with complaints against their unions.

From September 2014, new laws have imposed extra restrictions on unions’ power to campaign during elections. There has always been a cap on election spending by third parties, including unions. However, using fresh powers under the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014, the last government cut the maximum spending cap for third parties by 60%.

In addition, under the new rules, any union must register with the Electoral Commission if it intends to spend more than £20,000 in England or £10,000 in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland and must account in detail for its spending.

In any event, only money from a trade union’s political fund can be spent on political campaigning.