Parties’ funds come from subscriptions from party members, from local party fund-raising, and from individual and corporate donations. Political parties may receive contributions from business, commerce, trade unions and other organisations.

One of the functions of the UK Electoral Commission is to maintain a register of donations made to registered political parties. Under the provisions of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendum Act, the following controls apply to political parties:

• Donations of £5,000 at a national level must be registered;
• Donations of £1,000 or more at a local level must be registered;
• Control of donations to election candidates, individual party members, member associations and third parties (individuals or organisations other than political parties or candidates e.g., trade unions or individuals);
• A ban on most donations from outside the United Kingdom.