What is in the Representation of the People Bill?

It proposes two big changes: extend the franchise to 16- and 17-year-olds and tighten donor verification to curb foreign money, backed by stronger Electoral Commission fines. It aims to improve trust in campaign finance and widen participation before the next election, with further details expected during parliamentary scrutiny.

How could votes at 16 UK affect investors?

It may refocus party platforms toward education, housing, skills, and transport, which can influence sector outlooks. Stricter verification also affects campaign funding flows and compliance costs. Investors should track committee changes, party fundraising updates, and guidance from the Electoral Commission that could alter timing and operational risk.

What should companies and UHNW donors do now?

Create a donations register, standardise ID and provenance checks, and enforce record retention. Test third-party and cross-border channels, including any crypto exposure. Engage party treasurers early on acceptance procedures. Prepare for spot checks and higher penalties by training finance and legal teams and aligning communications with updated verification rules.

Are crypto-linked donations still allowed under the bill?

Crypto-linked channels are under review, and verification standards are likely to rise. Until guidance is issued, treat such routes as high risk. Require clear origin and beneficiary data, confirm compliant fiat conversion paths, and be ready to pause transactions that cannot meet donor identity and provenance checks.

Law and Government

UK Parliament February 13: Bill Lowers Voting Age, Tightens Donation Rules

ByDanny Kontos February 13, 2026February 13, 2026

The Representation of the People Bill puts votes at 16 UK on today’s agenda. The bill would extend the franchise to 16- and 17-year-olds and tighten Know Your Donor checks to stop foreign money, backed by stronger Electoral Commission fines. We explain how these changes could reshape UK political donations rules, alter campaign funding, and raise compliance stakes for companies and ultra-high-net-worth donors. We also flag crypto-linked channels under review and outline practical steps investors and boards should take now.