Challenge an election result
Pay 'security for costs'
After you apply, the Election Petitions Office will tell you how much to pay for ‘security for costs’. The maximum is:
- £5,000 for a UK Parliament election
- £2,500 for a local government election
- £1,500 for a parish council election
You can sometimes get help with court fees if you have little or no savings, are on certain benefits or have a low income.
You can pay cash or give the names of up to 4 people (‘sureties’) who will guarantee to pay. You must do this within 3 working days of handing in the petition.
You’ll usually get the ‘security for costs’ back if you win the case.
You might have to pay more if you lose the case or you decide to stop it.