Sir Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, for what reason future candidates for a directly elected mayoral post are required to pay (a) a deposit of £5,000 and (b) another £5,000 towards a candidates' booklet; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of these payments on participation in mayoral elections.  [58906]

[Due for Answer on 16 June]

ANSWER

The Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution (Jim McMahon): Under electoral law, candidates are required to pay a deposit in certain elections, reflecting the scale of the role, including budget responsibility, role as chair of the Combined Authority or Combined County Authority, and the ability to raise a levy; as well as the size of the electorate and electoral area. This has been set at £5000 for Mayoral candidates for Combined Authorities and Combined County Authorities. A deposit is returned if a candidate receives more than 5% of the valid votes cast.

A Mayoral candidate for a Combined Authority or Combined County Authority who wishes to have an election address included in the election booklet may be required by the Returning Officer to pay towards the cost of the production of the booklet, at an amount to be set by the Returning Officer. The cost of delivery of such booklets to electors will be met by the Combined Authority or Combined County Authority.