Government agrees to compensate councils for EU elections spending
0Local authorities will be reimbursed for “reasonable spending” preparing for next month’s European Parliament elections in which the UK could still participate.
Uncertainty over the date of Brexit means that the UK could still participate in the elections on 23 May if the UK seeks and is granted a long extension to agree a withdrawal agreement with the European Union.
Cabinet Office minister David Lidington wrote this week to councils, reassuring them that they would not lose out if they spent money on preparations for a poll.
However, he warned: “Returning officers will want to be particularly mindful of the need to use public money appropriately.
“This is particularly the case in the current circumstances.
“For example, thought should be given to what actions are strictly necessary ahead of the start of an election timetable and what can be undertaken on a contingency basis given that circumstances may continue to change.”
