When and where is the Labour Party Annual Conference 2010?
Annual Conference will be taking place in Manchester from 2pm on Sunday 26 September to lunchtime on Thursday 30 September 2010.  For information please visit our home page at www.labour.org.uk/conference

How can I apply to attend Conference?
The quickest and easiest way to apply for Conference is online.  Please ensure you choose the correct pass when applying as we are unable to downgrade your pass once the application has been completed.
 
For online applications and to apply now, please click here.  If you have any queries please contact Conference Services on 0870 043 5533 or email conferenceservices@new.labour.org.uk
 
I have been to Conference before, do I need to apply again?
Anyone wishing to attend Conference, whether or not they have been before, must apply.  This ensures that we have the most up to date information for you and should help with the application process.  Please see ‘How do I apply to attend Conference’ above.

Do you really need a photograph for my registration?
All applications must include an up to date passport style photograph of yourself – the guidelines for photographs are outlined on the application forms.  This is a security requirement from the police.
 
Can I fax my application form to you?
We do not accept faxed versions of application forms as we require an original colour passport photograph of you for your conference pass.

We can only accept the paper application forms by post. Please post forms to Conference Services, The Labour Party, Eldon House, Regent Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3PW.
 
Can I be invoiced for my application?
We do not offer an invoicing service for any applications.

You can either pay by debit/credit card (but please note Diners Club cards are not acceptable) or by cheque.  Please make cheques payable to The Labour Party and post to Conference Services, The Labour Party, Eldon House, Regent Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3PW.  Please ensure you clearly marking on the back of the cheque the full name of the application the cheque relates to. 
 
I have completed my application form for Conference, what happens next?
Your application will now go through a series of security checks.  If your application is successful, we will inform you that your credential will be dispatched via the post.

Credentials are despatched from the middle of August.   If your application is late, your credential may have to be collected from Conference Services in Manchester.  We will inform you if this is the case.

If we have any queries with your application, we will contact you directly.
 
Will I receive a receipt for my application payment?
If you require a receipt for your application, please click on the VAT receipt link after you have submitted your payment to download one.  If you have any queries please contact Conference Services on 0870 043 5533 or email conferenceservices@new.labour.org.uk
 
Can I upgrade my pass or add additional days?
In most cases, you can upgrade your pass at any time prior to your pass being dispatched. Please contact Conference Services on 0870 043 5533 or email conferenceservices@new.labour.org.uk who will be able to advise you further.  If you receive your pass in the post before you upgrade, you will need to visit Conference Services onsite and details of this will be available in the Conference Guide you will receive with your credential.  We are unable downgrade any passes, please ensure you choose the correct pass when applying.
 
My application arrived after the deadline, can the late fee be waived?
Deadlines are in place to give us adequate time to process your application.  All deadlines and price increases are strictly adhered to.
 
I have submitted my application and have now changed some of my details, who do I contact?
You must contact Conference Services as soon as possible on 0870 043 5533 or email conferenceservices@new.labour.org.uk who will update your contact details.  You may need to collect a replacement pass from Conference Services onsite if your pass has already been printed and dispatched.
 
I am speaking/working at a fringe event – how do I get access to the event?
Anyone attending a fringe event inside the secure site must have a valid credential.  Please contact the organisation holding the fringe event and they will advise you on how to apply.  Please also see ‘How do I apply to attend Conference’ above.  If the fringe event you are attending is outside the secure site no credential is required.
 
Who can apply as a Charity Visitor?
Charity Visitor passes are only available to registered charities with a valid charity number. Organisations without a charity number must apply as Commercial Visitors.

Where can I find information about accommodation?
Marketing Manchester can help with any accommodation queries.  You can contact them on 0871 226 2467 or email them at abs@marketing-manchester.co.uk

How do I book a fringe event?
You can request a fringe event by visiting our website www.labour.org.uk/conference and following the fringe request instructions.

What are the rules on donating to political parties?
Please see below section for information on donations to political parties.

Can I see what’s on at conference?
In August we publish the Conference Guide online.  This allows you to see what fringe events and plenary sessions are taking place.  This also allows you to make your own diary of events which you can then print.

What are the deadlines for applications?
The deadlines for applications can be viewed when you start the relevant application here.

When and where is the Labour Party Annual Conference 2011?
We are delighted that Labour Annual Conference 2011 will be taking place in Liverpool from 25 to 29 September 2011.

Donations

Donations from companies to political parties, including sponsorship, are regulated by the Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act 2000 and the Companies Acts 1985 and 2006

The Labour Party may only accept donations from permissible donors. These are: individuals on a UK electoral register, UK Trade Unions, companies incorporated within the EU and registered and trading in the UK, Limited Liability Partnerships, UK unincorporated associations and UK building or friendly societies.

A donation is:

• A gift of money or other property. This includes at least part of the ticket price for fundraising dinners.
• Sponsorship where money or other property is given to the Party to help it meet any defined expenses or to avoid incurring such expenses.
• Defined expenses are costs in connection with:
  
  - any conference, meeting, reception or other event organised by or on behalf of the Party;
  - the preparation, production or dissemination of any publications by or on behalf of the Party; or
  - any study or research organised by or on behalf of the Party.
  
  
• Paying expenses which would otherwise have to be met by the Party.

Company donations:

• Donations from companies may only be accepted by the Party if the company is a UK or EU incorporated company registered and carrying on business in the UK.
• Companies must seek prior shareholder approval for donations of more than £5000 to political parties.
• Companies are also required to publish details of donations of more than £2000 made to political parties in the Directors Report included in its Annual Accounts.  

Disclosure

• Donations of more than £7500 from the same donor to the national Labour Party (including to the English and Welsh regional offices) in a calendar year will be reported to the Electoral Commission. This applies to single donations of more than £7500 or cumulative smaller donations which exceed £7500 in the calendar year. The threshold for public disclosure of donations to local parties and the Scottish Labour Party is £1500.
• The name and address of the donor and the amount of the donation will be published on the Electoral Commission website. Addresses of individuals are not published.

Exemptions – payments which are not donations include:

• Charges for admission to any conference, meeting or other event
• The purchase price of (or any other charge for access to) any publication
• Payment for inclusion of an advertisement in any publication where the payment is made at the commercial rate
• Hire of a stand at a conference subject to a maximum limit agreed with the Electoral Commission

For more details about political donations by companies see the Companies Act 1986, the Companies Act 2006 and the Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act 2000. The Electoral Commission also publishes guidance for companies on its website: www.electoralcommission.org.uk