mySociety report launch: 'Leaky Pipes: Better Election Donation Data'

Leaky Pipes: Better Election Donation Data uncovers the gaps, inconsistencies, and missed opportunities in how the UK records and discloses election donations.

The report maps the three parallel reporting systems (local authorities, Parliament, and the Electoral Commission), shows where crucial information is lost or delayed, and makes the case for a clearer, more unified “report once” system that strengthens transparency while reducing administrative burden.

In this session, we’ll explore:

• What the current donation reporting pipelines look like — and where they leak
• How thresholds and record-keeping differ across institutions
• Evidence of missing, inconsistent, or inaccessible donation data
• Practical reforms that could improve transparency before the next general election
• The role of research, data sharing, and civic tech in making change happen

There will be time for audience questions and discussion.

Whether you work in electoral administration, journalism, research, democracy reform, or simply want to understand how political money is tracked (or not tracked) in the UK, this session will offer a clear, informed walkthrough of the system, and how it can be improved.

Photo by Meg on Unsplash.