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Charities and campaigning on political issues: guidance

Published: 23/04/2025
Updated: 23/04/2025

This guidance includes helpful information for charities planning to campaign on political issues, including:

  • how can charities engage with political parties and politicians?
  • can charities take part in joint or local political campaigns?
  • what do charities in Scotland need to do to comply with electoral and charity law?

Please click on each section below to read more about these topics: 

What does Scottish charity law say about campaigning on political issues?

What does this mean in practice?

What about joint campaigning with another organisation?

Can we engage with political parties and politicians?

What about local campaigns?

What about the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016 (the 2016 Act)?

When does electoral law apply to charities?

What does my charity need to do to comply with electoral law?

Do we have to comply with electoral law and charity law?

What happens if someone thinks my charity has broken the law?

Where can I get more information?

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