what are the arguments for and against state funding of political parties?

a03

against state funding

theme 1

democracy

weak 1

curb corruption and elitism (wealthy donors having political influence/ benefits)

• 2017 Sadiq Khan was donated to by a union representing black cab drivers and led to a London uber ban temporarily

• Bernie Ecclestone gave Labour £1M before the election 1997 and led to the F1 being exempt from tobacco advertising ban

strong 1

parties need to engage with the electorate to gain donations and membership, promoting democratic intercourse

• 2024 Reform UK gained over £1.62M in donations, helping the party to gain a footing in UK politics → democratic, more parties in political process

theme 2

equality of funding

weak 2

it would help minor parties to have more money to spend in elections- now there is a huge disparity in donations and election spending

• 2024 GE= SNP declared over £120,000

• 2024 GE= Labour declared over £9.5M

strong 2

state funding would be based on past election performance which could reinforce inequalities as Labour and Conservatives will always get the most and newer parties would get very little funding

• Labour and Conservatives have been the largest party in every election since 1922 so would therefore always receive the most

theme 3

tax payers money

weak 3

the use of tax payers money would mean transparency to create public trust in politics - would be a good use of money to support and promote democracy

• would avoid cash for honours eg. 2006, 4 wealthy businessmen who lent Labour a total £5M were nominated by Blair for peerages

strong 3

state funding would require money from the state (taxpayers)

• income tax rising would be unpopular with the general public

Many would be unhappy funding extremist parties who they do not like

• BNP 2010 (racist ideologies)