Voting, consular and statistics: review of the balance of competences
Download the full outcome
Detail of outcome
This report examines the balance of competences between the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) in the areas of voting, consular and statistics, and is led by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in conjunction with Cabinet Office and the National Statistician’s Office. It is a reflection and analysis of the evidence submitted by experts, non-governmental organisations, businesspeople, Members of Parliament and other interested parties, either in writing or orally, as well as a literature review of relevant material.
Where appropriate, the report sets out the current position agreed within the Coalition Government for handling this policy area in the EU. It does not predetermine or prejudge proposals that either Coalition party may make in the future for changes to the EU or about the appropriate balance of competences.
Feedback received
Detail of feedback received
We received a number of submissions to the voting, consular and statistics call for evidence. The submissions, which were received from a broad range of stakeholders, were either in writing or made orally at engagement events. We also conducted a literature review of relevant material.
Original consultation
Consultation description
The government is carrying out a review of the EU’s competences. The review will provide an analysis of what the EU does and how it affects the UK. See this detailed guide for full details of the review programme.
The Voting, Consular and Statistics review covers three distinct policy areas, each of which is being led by the relevant department (Cabinet Office (voting), the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (consular) and the National Statistician on behalf of the UK Statistics Authority (statistics)).
The voting strand seeks views on the balance of competences on subjects including how to vote and stand as a candidate at elections, who can vote, and EU democratic engagement initiatives.
The consular strand will consider the EU’s limited competence in Consular Services, which extends to the coordination of efforts between Member States and the requirement that, in consular matters, Member States must treat unrepresented EU citizens in the same way as they would treat their own nationals. The consular strand will not cover the standards or quality of the UK’s provision of consular assistance to its citizens. An online response form is here.
The objective of the statistics strand of the review is to explore the impact of the balance of competences on issues such as data collection, respondent burden and an increase in demand for information. More information about this strand is available here
How to respond
Please send written evidence as detailed below to the relevant email / postal address below. The closing date for the submission of responses is 2 July 2014. Responses can be returned by email (preferable) or post.
Voting
BalanceofCompetences.voting@cabinet-office.gsi.gov.uk
Balance of Competences Review
C/o Matt Carey
4th Floor Orange Zone
Cabinet Office
1 Horse Guards Road
London
SW1A 2HQ
Consular
balanceofcompetences.consular@fco.gsi.gov.uk
Balance of Competences Review
Consular Directorate
Room WH4.2
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street
London
SW1A 2AH
Statistics
balanceofcompetences@statistics.gsi.gov.uk
Balance of Competences (Statistics) Team
Room 1004
National Statistician’s Office
UK Statistics Authority
Statistics House
Cardiff Road
Newport
NP10 8XG
You may wish to submit your answers on the consultation forms found below (for voting and consular) and on statistics.
