Overview

This bill proposes to change the day of all UK elections to a Saturday, starting with the next general election. The Secretary of State would be responsible for implementing this change through regulations.

Description

This bill mandates that all future elections in the UK (national, local, etc.) will be held on a Saturday. The Secretary of State will create regulations to achieve this, which will be subject to parliamentary approval (they can be overturned by either the House of Lords or the House of Commons). The change will take effect immediately upon the bill becoming law.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify any direct government spending figures. However, there would likely be costs associated with the implementation of the new regulations (e.g., informing voters, adjusting polling station arrangements), but the exact amount is unknown.

Groups Affected

• Voters: May experience increased convenience (or inconvenience) depending on their individual circumstances and availability on Saturdays.
• Election Officials: Will need to adapt to holding elections on Saturdays, potentially impacting staffing and logistical arrangements.
• Political Parties: May need to adjust their campaigning strategies to account for the change in polling day.
• Businesses and Employers: May face challenges related to employee availability on a Saturday, particularly those whose staff are involved in election administration or who experience a drop in trade due to lower customer footfall.

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