Search Legislation

Companies Act 2006

Changes to legislation:

There are outstanding changes not yet made by the legislation.gov.uk editorial team to Companies Act 2006. Any changes that have already been made by the team appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

Close

Changes to Legislation

Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. Changes and effects are recorded by our editorial team in lists which can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area. Where those effects have yet to be applied to the text of the legislation by the editorial team they are also listed alongside the legislation in the affected provisions. Use the ‘more’ link to open the changes and effects relevant to the provision you are viewing.

View outstanding changes

Changes and effects yet to be applied to the whole Act associated Parts and Chapters:

  • Act amendment to earlier affecting provision S.I. 2008/373 reg. 11(1) by S.I. 2013/1971 reg. 9(a) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Amending Regulations revoked (1.10.2013) without ever being in force by S.I. 2013/2224, reg. 2)
  • Act amendment to earlier affecting provision S.I. 2008/373 reg. 3(4) by S.I. 2013/1971 reg. 4 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Amending Regulations revoked (1.10.2013) without ever being in force by S.I. 2013/2224, reg. 2)

Whole provisions yet to be inserted into this Act (including any effects on those provisions):

  • s. 156A-156C inserted by 2015 c. 26 s. 87(4)
  • s. 479A(2)(c)(zi) inserted by S.I. 2019/177 reg. 4(b)(i) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Reg. 4 substituted by regs. 4, 4A immediately before IP completion day by S.I. 2019/1392, regs. 1(2), 4)
  • s. 1110E-110G applied by S.I. 2009/1804, reg. 60 (as amended) by S.I. 2024/234 reg. 26
  • s. 11989A applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2009/1804, reg. 79A (as inserted) by S.I. 2024/234 reg. 46
  • Sch. 10 para. 6(2D) inserted by S.I. 2019/177 reg. 28(e) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Reg. 28(e) omitted immediately before IP completion day by virtue of S.I. 2020/523, regs. 1(2), 14(e)(iv))
  • Sch. 10 para. 7(2A) inserted by S.I. 2019/177 reg. 29(b) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Reg. 29 substituted immediately before IP completion day by S.I. 2020/523, regs. 1(2), 14(f))

Part 14U.K.Control of political donations and expenditure

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1Pts. 1-39 modified (31.12.2020) by Regulation (EC) No. 2157/2001, Art. AAA1(3) (as inserted by The European Public Limited-Liability Company (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1298), regs. 1, 97 (with regs. 140-145) (as amended by S.I. 2020/523, regs. 1(2), 5(a)-(f)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1))

C2Pt. 14 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2009) by The Unregistered Companies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2436), regs. 3-5, Sch. 1 para. 16 (with transitional provisions and savings in regs. 7, 9, Sch. 2)

IntroductoryU.K.

362IntroductoryU.K.

This Part has effect for controlling—

(a)political donations made by companies to political parties, to other political organisations and to independent election candidates, and

(b)political expenditure incurred by companies.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4Ss. 362-379 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2009) by The Unregistered Companies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2436), regs. 3-5, Sch. 1 para. 9 (with transitional provisions and savings in regs. 7, 9, Sch. 2)

Commencement Information

I1S. 362 wholly in force at 1.10.2008; s. 362 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 1300; s. 362 in force for certain purposes at 1.10.2007 (E.W.S.) and 1.11.2007 (N.I.) and in force otherwise at. 1.10.2008 by S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(2), 3(1), 5(1)(a) (with saving in art. 12 and with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 3)

Donations and expenditure to which this Part appliesU.K.

363Political parties, organisations etc to which this Part appliesU.K.

[F1(1)This Part applies to a political party if it is registered under Part 2 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c. 41).]

(2)This Part applies to an organisation (a “political organisation”) if it carries on, or proposes to carry on, activities that are capable of being reasonably regarded as intended—

(a)to affect public support for a political party to which, or an independent election candidate to whom, this Part applies, or

(b)to influence voters in relation to any national or regional referendum held under the law of the United Kingdom F2....

(3)This Part applies to an independent election candidate at any election to public office held in the United Kingdom F3....

(4)Any reference in the following provisions of this Part to a political party, political organisation or independent election candidate, or to political expenditure, is to a party, organisation, independent candidate or expenditure to which this Part applies.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5Ss. 362-379 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2009) by The Unregistered Companies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2436), regs. 3-5, Sch. 1 para. 9 (with transitional provisions and savings in regs. 7, 9, Sch. 2)

Commencement Information

I2S. 363 wholly in force at 1.10.2008; s. 363 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 1300; s. 363 in force for certain purposes at 1.10.2007 (E.W.S.) and 1.11.2007 (N.I.) and in force otherwise at. 1.10.2008 by S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(2), 3(1), 5(1)(b)-(d) (with saving in art. 12 and with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 3)

364Meaning of “political donation”U.K.

(1)The following provisions have effect for the purposes of this Part as regards the meaning of “political donation”.

(2)In relation to a political party or other political organisation—

(a)political donation” means anything that in accordance with sections 50 to 52 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000—

(i)constitutes a donation for the purposes of Chapter 1 of Part 4 of that Act (control of donations to registered parties), or

(ii)would constitute such a donation reading references in those sections to a registered party as references to any political party or other political organisation,

and

(b)section 53 of that Act applies, in the same way, for the purpose of determining the value of a donation.

(3)In relation to an independent election candidate—

(a)political donation” means anything that, in accordance with sections 50 to 52 of that Act, would constitute a donation for the purposes of Chapter 1 of Part 4 of that Act (control of donations to registered parties) reading references in those sections to a registered party as references to the independent election candidate,

and

(b)section 53 of that Act applies, in the same way, for the purpose of determining the value of a donation.

(4)For the purposes of this section, sections 50 and 53 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c. 41) (definition of “donation” and value of donations) shall be treated as if the amendments to those sections made by the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (which remove from the definition of “donation” loans made otherwise than on commercial terms) had not been made.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6Ss. 362-379 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2009) by The Unregistered Companies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2436), regs. 3-5, Sch. 1 para. 9 (with transitional provisions and savings in regs. 7, 9, Sch. 2)

Commencement Information

I3S. 364 wholly in force at 1.10.2008; s. 364 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 1300; s. 364 in force for certain purposes at 1.10.2007 (E.W.S.) and 1.11.2007 (N.I.) and in force otherwise at. 1.10.2008 by S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(2), 3(1), 5(1)(e) (with saving in art. 12 and with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 3)

365Meaning of “political expenditure”U.K.

(1)In this Part “political expenditure”, in relation to a company, means expenditure incurred by the company on—

(a)the preparation, publication or dissemination of advertising or other promotional or publicity material—

(i)of whatever nature, and

(ii)however published or otherwise disseminated,

that, at the time of publication or dissemination, is capable of being reasonably regarded as intended to affect public support for a political party or other political organisation, or an independent election candidate, or

(b)activities on the part of the company that are capable of being reasonably regarded as intended—

(i)to affect public support for a political party or other political organisation, or an independent election candidate, or

(ii)to influence voters in relation to any national or regional referendum held under the law of [F4the United Kingdom].

(2)For the purposes of this Part a political donation does not count as political expenditure.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7Ss. 362-379 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2009) by The Unregistered Companies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2436), regs. 3-5, Sch. 1 para. 9 (with transitional provisions and savings in regs. 7, 9, Sch. 2)

Commencement Information

I4S. 365 wholly in force at 1.10.2008; s. 365 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 1300; s. 365 in force for certain purposes at 1.10.2007 (E.W.S.) and 1.11.2007 (N.I.) and in force otherwise at. 1.10.2008 by S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(2), 3(1), 5(1)(f) (with saving in art. 12 and with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 3)

Authorisation required for donations or expenditureU.K.

366Authorisation required for donations or expenditureU.K.

(1)A company must not—

(a)make a political donation to a political party or other political organisation, or to an independent election candidate, or

(b)incur any political expenditure,

unless the donation or expenditure is authorised in accordance with the following provisions.

(2)The donation or expenditure must be authorised—

(a)in the case of a company that is not a subsidiary of another company, by a resolution of the members of the company;

(b)in the case of a company that is a subsidiary of another company by—

(i)a resolution of the members of the company, and

(ii)a resolution of the members of any relevant holding company.

(3)No resolution is required on the part of a company that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a UK-registered company.

(4)For the purposes of subsection (2)(b)(ii) a “relevant holding company” means a company that, at the time the donation was made or the expenditure was incurred—

(a)was a holding company of the company by which the donation was made or the expenditure was incurred,

(b)was a UK-registered company, and

(c)was not a subsidiary of another UK-registered company.

(5)The resolution or resolutions required by this section—

(a)must comply with section 367 (form of authorising resolution), and

(b)must be passed before the donation is made or the expenditure incurred.

(6)Nothing in this section enables a company to be authorised to do anything that it could not lawfully do apart from this section.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8Ss. 362-379 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2009) by The Unregistered Companies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2436), regs. 3-5, Sch. 1 para. 9 (with transitional provisions and savings in regs. 7, 9, Sch. 2)

Commencement Information

I5S. 366 wholly in force at 1.10.2008; s. 366 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 1300; s. 366 in force for certain purposes at 1.10.2007 (E.W.S.) and 1.11.2007 (N.I.) and in force otherwise at. 1.10.2008 by S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(2), 3(1), 5(1)(g) (with saving in art. 12 and with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 3)

367Form of authorising resolutionU.K.

(1)A resolution conferring authorisation for the purposes of this Part may relate to—

(a)the company passing the resolution,

(b)one or more subsidiaries of that company, or

(c)the company passing the resolution and one or more subsidiaries of that company.

(2)A resolution may be expressed to relate to all companies that are subsidiaries of the company passing the resolution—

(a)at the time the resolution is passed, or

(b)at any time during the period for which the resolution has effect,

without identifying them individually.

(3)The resolution may authorise donations or expenditure under one or more of the following heads—

(a)donations to political parties or independent election candidates;

(b)donations to political organisations other than political parties;

(c)political expenditure.

(4)The resolution must specify a head or heads—

(a)in the case of a resolution under subsection (2), for all of the companies to which it relates taken together;

(b)in the case of any other resolution, for each company to which it relates.

(5)The resolution must be expressed in general terms conforming with [F5subsection (3)] and must not purport to authorise particular donations or expenditure.

(6)For each of the specified heads the resolution must authorise donations or, as the case may be, expenditure up to a specified amount in the period for which the resolution has effect (see section 368).

(7)The resolution must specify such amounts—

(a)in the case of a resolution under subsection (2), for all of the companies to which it relates taken together;

(b)in the case of any other resolution, for each company to which it relates.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9Ss. 362-379 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2009) by The Unregistered Companies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2436), regs. 3-5, Sch. 1 para. 9 (with transitional provisions and savings in regs. 7, 9, Sch. 2)

Commencement Information

I6S. 367 wholly in force at 1.10.2008; s. 367 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 1300; s. 367 in force for certain purposes at 1.10.2007 (E.W.S.) and 1.11.2007 (N.I.) and in force otherwise at. 1.10.2008 by S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(2), 3(1), 5(1)(h) (with saving in art. 12 and with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 3)

368Period for which resolution has effectU.K.

(1)A resolution conferring authorisation for the purposes of this Part has effect for a period of four years beginning with the date on which it is passed unless the directors determine, or the articles require, that it is to have effect for a shorter period beginning with that date.

(2)The power of the directors to make a determination under this section is subject to any provision of the articles that operates to prevent them from doing so.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10Ss. 362-379 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2009) by The Unregistered Companies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2436), regs. 3-5, Sch. 1 para. 9 (with transitional provisions and savings in regs. 7, 9, Sch. 2)

Commencement Information

I7S. 368 wholly in force at 1.11.2007; s. 368 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 1300; s. 368 in force at 1.10.2007 (E.W.S.) and at 1.11.2007 (N.I.) by S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(2), 3(1), (with saving in art. 12 and with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 3)

Remedies in case of unauthorised donations or expenditureU.K.

369Liability of directors in case of unauthorised donation or expenditureU.K.

(1)This section applies where a company has made a political donation or incurred political expenditure without the authorisation required by this Part.

(2)The directors in default are jointly and severally liable—

(a)to make good to the company the amount of the unauthorised donation or expenditure, with interest, and

(b)to compensate the company for any loss or damage sustained by it as a result of the unauthorised donation or expenditure having been made.

(3)The directors in default are—

(a)those who, at the time the unauthorised donation was made or the unauthorised expenditure was incurred, were directors of the company by which the donation was made or the expenditure was incurred, and

(b)where—

(i)that company was a subsidiary of a relevant holding company, and

(ii)the directors of the relevant holding company failed to take all reasonable steps to prevent the donation being made or the expenditure being incurred,

the directors of the relevant holding company.

(4)For the purposes of subsection (3)(b) a “relevant holding company” means a company that, at the time the donation was made or the expenditure was incurred—

(a)was a holding company of the company by which the donation was made or the expenditure was incurred,

(b)was a UK-registered company, and

(c)was not a subsidiary of another UK-registered company.

(5)The interest referred to in subsection (2)(a) is interest on the amount of the unauthorised donation or expenditure, so far as not made good to the company—

(a)in respect of the period beginning with the date when the donation was made or the expenditure was incurred, and

(b)at such rate as the Secretary of State may prescribe by regulations.

Section 379(2) (construction of references to date when donation made or expenditure incurred) does not apply for the purposes of this subsection.

(6)Where only part of a donation or expenditure was unauthorised, this section applies only to so much of it as was unauthorised.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C11Ss. 362-379 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2009) by The Unregistered Companies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2436), regs. 3-5, Sch. 1 para. 9 (with transitional provisions and savings in regs. 7, 9, Sch. 2)

Commencement Information

I8S. 369 wholly in force at 1.11.2007; s. 369 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 1300; s. 369 in force for specified purposes at 20.1.2007 by S.I. 2006/3428, art. 3(3) (subject to art. 5, Sch. 1 and with arts. 6, 8, Sch. 5); s. 369 in force at 1.10.2007 (E.W.S.) and at 1.11.2007 (N.I.) by S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(2), 3(1), (with saving in art. 12 and with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 3)

370Enforcement of directors' liabilities by shareholder actionU.K.

(1)Any liability of a director under section 369 is enforceable—

(a)in the case of a liability of a director of a company to that company, by proceedings brought under this section in the name of the company by an authorised group of its members;

(b)in the case of a liability of a director of a holding company to a subsidiary, by proceedings brought under this section in the name of the subsidiary by—

(i)an authorised group of members of the subsidiary, or

(ii)an authorised group of members of the holding company.

(2)This is in addition to the right of the company to which the liability is owed to bring proceedings itself to enforce the liability.

(3)An “authorised group” of members of a company means—

(a)the holders of not less than 5% in nominal value of the company's issued share capital,

(b)if the company is not limited by shares, not less than 5% of its members, or

(c)not less than 50 of the company's members.

(4)The right to bring proceedings under this section is subject to the provisions of section 371.

(5)Nothing in this section affects any right of a member of a company to bring or continue proceedings under Part 11 (derivative claims or proceedings).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12Ss. 362-379 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2009) by The Unregistered Companies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2436), regs. 3-5, Sch. 1 para. 9 (with transitional provisions and savings in regs. 7, 9, Sch. 2)

Commencement Information

I9S. 370 wholly in force at 1.11.2007; s. 370 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 1300; s. 370 in force at 1.10.2007 (E.W.S.) and at 1.11.2007 (N.I.) by S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(2), 3(1), (with saving in art. 12 and with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 3)

371Enforcement of directors' liabilities by shareholder action: supplementaryU.K.

(1)A group of members may not bring proceedings under section 370 in the name of a company unless—

(a)the group has given written notice to the company stating—

(i)the cause of action and a summary of the facts on which the proceedings are to be based,

(ii)the names and addresses of the members comprising the group, and

(iii)the grounds on which it is alleged that those members constitute an authorised group; and

(b)not less than 28 days have elapsed between the date of the giving of the notice to the company and the bringing of the proceedings.

(2)Where such a notice is given to a company, any director of the company may apply to the court within the period of 28 days beginning with the date of the giving of the notice for an order directing that the proposed proceedings shall not be brought, on one or more of the following grounds—

(a)that the unauthorised amount has been made good to the company;

(b)that proceedings to enforce the liability have been brought, and are being pursued with due diligence, by the company;

(c)that the members proposing to bring proceedings under this section do not constitute an authorised group.

(3)Where an application is made on the ground mentioned in subsection (2)(b), the court may as an alternative to directing that the proposed proceedings under section 370 are not to be brought, direct—

(a)that such proceedings may be brought on such terms and conditions as the court thinks fit, and

(b)that the proceedings brought by the company—

(i)shall be discontinued, or

(ii)may be continued on such terms and conditions as the court thinks fit.

(4)The members by whom proceedings are brought under section 370 owe to the company in whose name they are brought the same duties in relation to the proceedings as would be owed by the company's directors if the proceedings were being brought by the company.

But proceedings to enforce any such duty may be brought by the company only with the permission of the court.

(5)Proceedings brought under section 370 may not be discontinued or settled by the group except with the permission of the court, which may be given on such terms as the court thinks fit.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13Ss. 362-379 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2009) by The Unregistered Companies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2436), regs. 3-5, Sch. 1 para. 9 (with transitional provisions and savings in regs. 7, 9, Sch. 2)

Commencement Information

I10S. 371 wholly in force at 1.11.2007; s. 371 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 1300; s. 371 in force at 1.10.2007 (E.W.S.) and s. 371 in force at 1.11.2007 (N.I.) by S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(2), 3(1), (with saving in art. 12 and with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 3)

372Costs of shareholder actionU.K.

(1)This section applies in relation to proceedings brought under section 370 in the name of a company (“the company”) by an authorised group (“the group”).

(2)The group may apply to the court for an order directing the company to indemnify the group in respect of costs incurred or to be incurred by the group in connection with the proceedings.

The court may make such an order on such terms as it thinks fit.

(3)The group is not entitled to be paid any such costs out of the assets of the company except by virtue of such an order.

(4)If no such order has been made with respect to the proceedings, then—

(a)if the company is awarded costs in connection with the proceedings, or it is agreed that costs incurred by the company in connection with the proceedings should be paid by any defendant, the costs shall be paid to the group; and

(b)if any defendant is awarded costs in connection with the proceedings, or it is agreed that any defendant should be paid costs incurred by him in connection with the proceedings, the costs shall be paid by the group.

(5)In the application of this section to Scotland for “costs” read “expenses” and for “defendant” read “defender”.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14Ss. 362-379 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2009) by The Unregistered Companies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2436), regs. 3-5, Sch. 1 para. 9 (with transitional provisions and savings in regs. 7, 9, Sch. 2)

Commencement Information

I11S. 372 wholly in force at 1.11.2007; s. 372 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 1300; s. 372 in force at 1.10.2007 (E.W.S.) and at 1.11.2007 (N.I.) by S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(2), 3(1), (with saving in art. 12 and with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 3)

373Information for purposes of shareholder actionU.K.

(1)Where proceedings have been brought under section 370 in the name of a company by an authorised group, the group is entitled to require the company to provide it with all information relating to the subject matter of the proceedings that is in the company's possession or under its control or which is reasonably obtainable by it.

(2)If the company, having been required by the group to do so, refuses to provide the group with all or any of that information, the court may, on an application made by the group, make an order directing—

(a)the company, and

(b)any of its officers or employees specified in the application,

to provide the group with the information in question in such form and by such means as the court may direct.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15Ss. 362-379 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2009) by The Unregistered Companies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2436), regs. 3-5, Sch. 1 para. 9 (with transitional provisions and savings in regs. 7, 9, Sch. 2)

Commencement Information

I12S. 373 wholly in force at 1.11.2007; s. 373 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 1300; s. 373 in force at 1.10.2007 (E.W.S.) and s. 373 in force at 1.11.2007 (N.I.) by S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(2), 3(1), (with saving in art. 12 and with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 3)

ExemptionsU.K.

374Trade unionsU.K.

(1)A donation to a trade union, other than a contribution to the union's political fund, is not a political donation for the purposes of this Part.

(2)A trade union is not a political organisation for the purposes of section 365 (meaning of “political expenditure”).

(3)In this section—

  • trade union” has the meaning given by section 1 of Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52) or Article 3 of the Industrial Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 (S.I. 1992/807 (N.I. 5));

  • political fund” means the fund from which payments by a trade union in the furtherance of political objects are required to be made by virtue of section 82(1)(a) of that Act or Article 57(2)(a) of that Order.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16Ss. 362-379 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2009) by The Unregistered Companies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2436), regs. 3-5, Sch. 1 para. 9 (with transitional provisions and savings in regs. 7, 9, Sch. 2)

Commencement Information

I13S. 374 wholly in force at 1.11.2007; s. 374 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 1300; s. 374 in force at 1.10.2007 (E.W.S.) and s. 374 in force at 1.11.2007 (N.I.) by S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(2), 3(1), (with saving in art. 12 and with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 3)

375Subscription for membership of trade associationU.K.

(1)A subscription paid to a trade association for membership of the association is not a political donation for the purposes of this Part.

(2)For this purpose—

  • trade association” means an organisation formed for the purpose of furthering the trade interests of its members, or of persons represented by its members, and

  • subscription” does not include a payment to the association to the extent that it is made for the purpose of financing any particular activity of the association.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C17Ss. 362-379 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2009) by The Unregistered Companies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2436), regs. 3-5, Sch. 1 para. 9 (with transitional provisions and savings in regs. 7, 9, Sch. 2)

Commencement Information

I14S. 375 wholly in force at 1.11.2007; s. 375 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 1300; s. 375 in force at 1.10.2007 (E.W.S.) and s. 375 in force at 1.11.2007 (N.I.) by S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(2), 3(1), (with saving in art. 12 and with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 3)

376All-party parliamentary groupsU.K.

(1)An all-party parliamentary group is not a political organisation for the purposes of this Part.

(2)An “all-party parliamentary group” means an all-party group composed of members of one or both of the Houses of Parliament (or of such members and other persons).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C18Ss. 362-379 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2009) by The Unregistered Companies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2436), regs. 3-5, Sch. 1 para. 9 (with transitional provisions and savings in regs. 7, 9, Sch. 2)

Commencement Information

I15S. 376 wholly in force at 1.11.2007; s. 376 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 1300; s. 376 in force at 1.10.2007 (E.W.S.) and s. 376 in force at 1.11.2007 (N.I.) by S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(2), 3(1), (with saving in art. 12 and with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 3)

377Political expenditure exempted by orderU.K.

(1)Authorisation under this Part is not needed for political expenditure that is exempt by virtue of an order of the Secretary of State under this section.

(2)An order may confer an exemption in relation to—

(a)companies of any description or category specified in the order, or

(b)expenditure of any description or category so specified (whether framed by reference to goods, services or other matters in respect of which such expenditure is incurred or otherwise),

or both.

(3)If or to the extent that expenditure is exempt from the requirement of authorisation under this Part by virtue of an order under this section, it shall be disregarded in determining what donations are authorised by any resolution of the company passed for the purposes of this Part.

(4)An order under this section is subject to affirmative resolution procedure.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19Ss. 362-379 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2009) by The Unregistered Companies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2436), regs. 3-5, Sch. 1 para. 9 (with transitional provisions and savings in regs. 7, 9, Sch. 2)

Commencement Information

I16S. 377 wholly in force at 1.11.2007; s. 377 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 1300; s. 377 in force for specified purposes at 20.1.2007 by S.I. 2006/3428, art. 3(3) (subject to art. 5, Sch. 1 and with arts. 6, 8, Sch. 5); s. 377 in force at 1.10.2007 (E.W.S.) and s. 377 in force at 1.11.2007 (N.I.) by S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(2), 3(1), (with saving in art. 12 and with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 3)

378Donations not amounting to more than £5,000 in any twelve month periodU.K.

(1)Authorisation under this Part is not needed for a donation except to the extent that the total amount of—

(a)that donation, and

(b)other relevant donations made in the period of 12 months ending with the date on which that donation is made,

exceeds £5,000.

(2)In this section—

  • donation” means a donation to a political party or other political organisation or to an independent election candidate; and

  • other relevant donations” means—

    (a)

    in relation to a donation made by a company that is not a subsidiary, any other donations made by that company or by any of its subsidiaries;

    (b)

    in relation to a donation made by a company that is a subsidiary, any other donations made by that company, by any holding company of that company or by any other subsidiary of any such holding company.

(3)If or to the extent that a donation is exempt by virtue of this section from the requirement of authorisation under this Part, it shall be disregarded in determining what donations are authorised by any resolution passed for the purposes of this Part.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20Ss. 362-379 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2009) by The Unregistered Companies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2436), regs. 3-5, Sch. 1 para. 9 (with transitional provisions and savings in regs. 7, 9, Sch. 2)

Commencement Information

I17S. 378 wholly in force at 1.10.2008; s. 378 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 1300; s. 378 in force for certain purposes at 1.10.2007 (E.W.S.), 1.11.2007 (N.I.) and otherwise in force at. 1.10.2008 by S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(2), 3(1), 5(1)(i) (with saving in art. 12 and with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 3)

Supplementary provisionsU.K.

379Minor definitionsU.K.

(1)In this Part—

  • director” includes shadow director; and

  • organisation” includes any body corporate or unincorporated association and any combination of persons.

(2)Except as otherwise provided, any reference in this Part to the time at which a donation is made or expenditure is incurred is, in a case where the donation is made or expenditure incurred in pursuance of a contract, any earlier time at which that contract is entered into by the company.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C21Ss. 362-379 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2009) by The Unregistered Companies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2436), regs. 3-5, Sch. 1 para. 9 (with transitional provisions and savings in regs. 7, 9, Sch. 2)

Commencement Information

I18S. 379 wholly in force at 1.11.2007; s. 379 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 1300; s. 379 in force at 1.10.2007 (E. W. S.) and s. 379 in force at 1.11.2007 (N.I.) by S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(2), 3(1), (with saving in art. 12 and with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 3)

Back to top

Options/Help

Print Options

You have chosen to open The Whole Act

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open The Whole Act as a PDF

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open The Whole Act without Schedules

The Whole Act without Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open The Whole Act without Schedules as a PDF

The Whole Act without Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open the Whole Act

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open the Whole Act without Schedules

The Whole Act without Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open Schedules only

The Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

Close

Legislation is available in different versions:

Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.

Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.

Close

See additional information alongside the content

Geographical Extent: Indicates the geographical area that this provision applies to. For further information see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

Show Timeline of Changes: See how this legislation has or could change over time. Turning this feature on will show extra navigation options to go to these specific points in time. Return to the latest available version by using the controls above in the What Version box.

Close

Opening Options

Different options to open legislation in order to view more content on screen at once

Close

Explanatory Notes

Text created by the government department responsible for the subject matter of the Act to explain what the Act sets out to achieve and to make the Act accessible to readers who are not legally qualified. Explanatory Notes were introduced in 1999 and accompany all Public Acts except Appropriation, Consolidated Fund, Finance and Consolidation Acts.

Close

More Resources

Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • correction slips
  • links to related legislation and further information resources
Close

Timeline of Changes

This timeline shows the different points in time where a change occurred. The dates will coincide with the earliest date on which the change (e.g an insertion, a repeal or a substitution) that was applied came into force. The first date in the timeline will usually be the earliest date when the provision came into force. In some cases the first date is 01/02/1991 (or for Northern Ireland legislation 01/01/2006). This date is our basedate. No versions before this date are available. For further information see the Editorial Practice Guide and Glossary under Help.

Close

More Resources

Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • correction slips

Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including:

  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • links to related legislation and further information resources