Pre-election publicity guidance Senedd Elections 2026

Legislation and Statutory Guidance

The Local Government Act 1986

Section 2 of the Local Government Act 1986 prohibits Local Authorities from publishing any material "which, in whole or in part, appears to be designed to affect public support for a political party."

Publicity is defined in section 6 Local Government Act 1986 as “any communication, in whatever form, addressed to the public at large or to a section of the public.” 

It is important to note that pre election rules restrict a wider range of activity than just publicity. The use of council facilities and resources (any such requests must be referred to the designated Single Point of Contact (SPOC) as set out below), the development of new policies, and the holding of events — including certain meetings involving elected officials — should all be carefully considered during the pre election period.

Code of Recommended Practice for Local Authority Publicity 

There is statutory guidance regarding publicity, for local authorities in Wales issued under section 4 of the Local Government Act 1986, and the Council must have regard to it. 

The key requirements of the both the Local Government Act 1986 and the Code of Recommended Practice are encapsulated below in the Pre-Election Guidance.