Statement: Elections Bill
Our response to the Government's publication of the Representation of the People Bill.
Commenting on the publication of the Representation of the People Bill, Will Snell, Chief Executive of the Fairness Foundation said:
“The Representation of the People Bill is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make our democracy fairer and fit for the future.
Yet by refusing to include a cap on political donations, the Government has stopped short of the reforms needed to genuinely rebalance power in our politics.
It is right that the Bill strengthens checks on political donations, and ensures donors have a genuine connection to the UK. But stronger checks are not the same as a fair say.
Without limits on donations, wealth will still continue to buy disproportionate influence.
Our polling shows that 75% of the public believe the very wealthy already have too much sway over politics.
Yet our political system remains dependent on a tiny number of affluent donors.
A cap on donations has been recommended by the Committee on Standards in Public Life, endorsed by the Hayden Phillips Review and backed by a clear majority of the public.
Ignoring it is a missed opportunity to restore trust, strengthen democracy and ensure equality of voice in our politics.”