Campaign spending on Scottish referendum

The start of the formal “referendum period” began on 30 May, which means spending rules are now in force for campaigners on the Scottish referendum, says the Electoral Commission. The period runs for 16 weeks, until the close of the poll on Thursday 18 September.

Rules set by the Scottish Parliament as part of the referendum legislation mean that no individual or organisation can spend more than £10,000 on campaigning during the referendum period unless they are registered with the Electoral Commission as a "permitted participant".

In addition, campaigners must keep to spending limits set out in law, and campaigners that are registered with the spending watchdog, the Electoral Commission, must report any donations over £7,500 that they have received. These will be published by the commission over the summer.

“Yes Scotland” and “Better Together” — as designated lead campaigners — have a maximum spending limit of £1.5 million. Political parties have spending limits based on their share of the vote at the last Scottish Parliament election. Other campaigners who register with the Electoral Commission can spend up to £150,000.

www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/journalist/news-releases