BBC Trust

The BBC is required by its 2006 Charter and Agreement to ensure that matters of political controversy and matters of public policy are covered with due impartiality. It is also required to carry party political broadcasts (which include Party Election Broadcasts) in some or all of its UK public services.

The following elections are due to take place on 5 May 2016*:

• In Scotland – Scottish Parliament
• In Wales – National Assembly for Wales
• In Northern Ireland – Northern Ireland Assembly
• In England (outside London) – Local government
• In London – Greater London Authority including the Mayor of London.

* Elections for Police and Crime Commissioners are also due to take place on the same day in England (outside London) and Wales, but no Party Election Broadcasts are proposed for them.

The BBC will use published criteria that have been approved by the BBC Trust for allocating Party Election Broadcasts in respect of these elections. This consultation seeks views on a draft of those criteria.

Details of the proposed amended criteria, together with information on how to make a submission, can be found below. The closing date for submissions is 7 January 2016.