Communications during the pre-election period
The guiding test
Ask: Could a reasonable person see this communication as influencing voters or supporting a political position?
Housing associations should apply this test consistently, even though they are not formally bound by local authority publicity rules.
What to continue
- Essential safety updates
- Repairs and service communications
- Statutory resident information
- Routine reporting already in the public domain.
What to pause or reframe
- Celebratory launches
- Regeneration announcements without urgent need
- Opinion-led commentary on housing policy
- Councillor or candidate quotes in organisational channels.
Candidate engagement
Recommended approach
- Apply a single, written policy to all candidates.
- Prefer private, factual briefings over public visits.
- Avoid photos, endorsements or social media amplification.
Suggested wording
“We are happy to share factual information about our services and plans, but we are not able to support campaign activity or public events during the election period.”
Holding lines (ready to use)
“We are not party political. Our focus is on providing safe, good quality-homes and services for residents, regardless of the election outcome.”
“We work constructively with councillors of all parties where it helps us deliver for residents.”
“We do not comment on party manifestos or proposals.”
Internal controls – simple and workable
Traffic light signoff (mid-April to polling day)
- Green: safety, repairs, resident support
- Amber: development updates, media interviews
- Red: political commentary, candidate references
Escalation
- Frontline → Comms
- Comms → Exec lead
- Pause if uncertain – silence is safer than correction