Expenses
Overview
The Expenses page records all campaign spending associated with the currently selected election.
Each expense entry stores detailed information about the transaction, including supplier details, payment status, category classification, and supporting documentation.
The expense table contains the following fields:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | The statutory expense category. |
| Item Name | Description of the purchased item or service. |
| Date Incurred | The date the expense was incurred. |
| Supplier | The supplier providing the goods or services. |
| Paid? | Indicates whether the expense has been paid. |
| Value | Total value of the expense. |
| Actions | Edit or manage the expense entry. |
All expenses are linked to the currently selected election.
Expenses cannot currently be transferred between elections. Always confirm that the correct election is selected before entering expense data.
Recording Expenses
To add a new expense record:
- Navigate to the Expenses page.
- Click Add+ in the top-right corner.
- Upload a supporting receipt or document if available.
- Enter the expense details including supplier information and value.
- Select the correct statutory category.
- Save the expense.
The expense will immediately appear in the expense table.
Each expense record may include:
- Item description
- Supplier details
- Dates incurred, received and paid
- Expense value
- Assigned percentage (if only partially applicable)
- Payment status
- Supporting receipt or invoice
Expense Categories
Campaign expenses must be recorded under the correct statutory category.
AgentAid supports the following categories:
- A – Advertising
- B – Unsolicited material to electors
- C – Transport
- D – Public meetings
- E – Agent and staff costs
- F – Accommodation and administration
Additional classifications include:
- Other authorised spending
- Personal expenses
Correct categorisation is required for generating compliant election returns.
Searching & Filtering
The expenses list can be filtered to help locate specific entries.
Available filters include:
- Category type filter (A–F)
- Search by item description
- Search by supplier name
Results update automatically as filters are applied.
Special Expense Types
AgentAid provides additional workflows for certain types of campaign spending.
Candidate Expenses
Candidate expenses are payments made directly by the candidate rather than the campaign.
To record a candidate expense:
- Open the Expenses page.
- Select More → Candidate Expense.
- Enter the item description and payment details.
- Provide the relevant dates.
- Save the record.
Other Authorised Spending
Other authorised spending refers to expenses incurred by individuals authorised by the candidate or agent.
To record authorised spending:
- Select More → Other Authorised.
- Enter the authorised person's name.
- Enter the value of the spending.
- Save the record.
Disputed Expenses
An expense can be flagged as disputed if there is uncertainty regarding the payment or supplier details.
Disputed items will appear in the dashboard status table until resolved.
Disputed expenses should be reviewed promptly to avoid compliance issues when generating election returns.
Editing Expenses
Existing expense records can be updated if corrections are required.
- Locate the expense in the table.
- Click the Edit option under the Actions column.
- Update the relevant information.
- Save the changes.
Changes will be reflected immediately in the expense list.
Deleting Expenses
If an expense has been recorded incorrectly, it can be removed.
- Locate the expense entry in the table.
- Select the delete option under Actions.
- Confirm the deletion.
Deleting an expense permanently removes it from the election record. Ensure the entry is no longer required before deleting it.
Best Practice Recommendations
- Record expenses as soon as they are incurred.
- Upload receipts or invoices when adding expenses.
- Ensure each expense is categorised correctly.
- Review unpaid or disputed expenses regularly.
- Perform a full audit before generating election returns.