Election meetings

Schools and other community rooms

Under the Representation of the People Act 1983 candidates have a right to use certain rooms free of hire charge for election meetings. Section 95 makes provision for this right for the purpose of holding public meetings in respect of Parliamentary elections and section 96 makes equivalent provision for local elections.

Use of a room will be granted provided:

• reasonable notice is given
• the booking does not interfere with the use of the room for educational purposes
• if prior agreement for the letting of the room has not been made

It should also be noted that candidates are not entitled to use a room outside of the constituency or electoral area if a suitable room exists within the constituency or electoral area for which they are nominated candidates.

Expenses

Candidates using the rooms are required to meet expenses incurred in the use of the room including restoring it to its usual condition after the meeting, and should any damage be done to the room the cost of this must also be met.

Lists of rooms

The local authority has prepared lists of rooms which candidates are entitled to use. See a list of school premises.

If you wish to enquire as to availability of a room in school premises maintained by the local authority please contact

In the case of a room in the premises of a foundation school, you must contact the governing body of the school.