The UK Government has introduced the Representation of the People Bill, which would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in UK general elections, marking the most significant expansion of the electorate since the voting age was lowered to 18 in 1969.

Ministers say lowering the voting age would increase democratic participation among young people and ensure their voices are heard, while critics have questioned whether 16-year-olds have sufficient life experience to vote.

The proposals would bring UK general elections closer in line with existing arrangements in Scotland and Wales, where 16- and 17-year-olds can already vote in devolved and local elections, though the voting age would remain 18 for local elections in England unless changed separately.

Alongside voting age reform, the bill includes measures to tighten rules on political donations, requiring companies to demonstrate a genuine connection to the UK, which the Electoral Commission said could help close long-standing loopholes, though it raised concerns about enforcement.

The legislation also proposes expanded voter ID options, automatic voter registration, and pilot schemes using alternative polling locations, changes which councils would be responsible for delivering locally if approved

read response from The Electoral Commission Read our full response to the Bill