Overview

This bill establishes a Political Opinion Polling Regulation Authority to oversee and regulate political opinion polling across the UK. The aim is to ensure accuracy and fairness in polling practices, particularly in relation to the publication of polls before elections and referendums.

Description

The bill creates a Political Opinion Polling Regulation Authority (the Authority). This Authority will be established by the Secretary of State, after consulting with political party leaders, and will be responsible for creating rules governing political opinion polling.

These rules will cover aspects such as:

• Approved sampling methods
• Guidance on question wording
• Publication timing of polls before elections/referendums

The Authority's governing board will include representatives from polling organizations, political parties, and the media. The rules created by the Authority will be subject to parliamentary scrutiny and can be annulled by either House of Parliament. Breaches of these rules will result in penalties, the amount of which will be specified in the regulations.

The bill defines "political opinion polling" to include polls related to local, national, and devolved elections, and referendums.

Government Spending

The bill mandates that the Secretary of State will cover all expenses, remuneration, and allowances for the Authority. No specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Polling organizations: Subject to new regulations and oversight; potential impact on operational costs and procedures.
• Political parties: Represented on the Authority's board; potential influence on polling regulation.
• Media outlets: Represented on the Authority's board; potential changes to how and when they can publish polls.
• The public: May see changes in the types of polls conducted and when they are released; potential for increased trust in polling data due to increased regulation.

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