Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When was the report published?
It was published on 15 March 2007. Please read Sir Hayden's statement or download the report entitled: "Strengthening Democracy: Fair and Sustainable Funding of Political Parties".
When was the Interim Assessment published?
The Interim Assessment was published on this website on 19 October 2006. You may download the Interim Assessment from this website.
Why was the Review set up?
The Prime Minister announced the Review on 16 March 2006 in order to examine the issues surrounding the future funding of political parties.
What are its Terms of Reference?
The Terms of Reference were announced on 20 March 2006.
Who appointed Sir Hayden?
The Prime Minister appointed Sir Hayden.
Why was Sir Hayden chosen?
The Prime Minister chose Sir Hayden as he wanted an independent figure to conduct the Review.
Who did Sir Hayden report to?
Sir Hayden reported to the Prime Minister.
Who did Sir Hayden meet as part of the Review?
Sir Hayden worked closely with stakeholders including, especially, the political parties and the Electoral Commission.
At the start of the Review, Sir Hayden invited all parties represented in the UK Parliament, the European Parliament, the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales, and the parties based in Northern Ireland to meet him.
Sir Hayden has met all the parties represented in the devolved administrations, the European Parliament and the UK Parliament that have requested a meeting. This has included travelling to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to meet parties represented there.
Sir Hayden also had regular meetings with Sam Younger, Chairman of the Electoral Commission, in his role as regulator of the system, and with Sir Alistair Graham, Chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, which has undertaken a review of the role of the Electoral Commission.
In addition there have been meetings with academic experts and other interested parties.
How did the public contribute to the Review?
Members of the public were encouraged to contribute to the Review and were directly involved in the process of the Review. For further information, see how the public were involved and how the process of the Review.
Will the Government accept and act upon the Review's recommendations?
This is a matter for the Government to decide. It is also up to the political parties themselves if there is to be a consensus.
Page last updated: 11 May 2007