The Government has today released its draft regulations consultation for the proposed Statutory Register of Lobbyists. The consultation on the register, which the Government claims will be “an important way of increasing the transparency between people who lobby on behalf of a third party and senior officials in government” is released on the same day as their nominated candidate, Alison White, went before the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee.
The purpose of the consultation, according to the Cabinet Office, is to give all interested parties the opportunity to comment on the draft regulations to be made in advance of the establishment of the Register of Consultant Lobbyists.
The Cabinet Office are inviting submissions before the deadline on Friday 17th October. Details of how to submit comments can be found in the original document here.
Iain Anderson, Chairman of the APPC, responded to the release by saying: “I am pleased we have now seen the publication of the draft regulations. The consultation raises important questions about the format of the register and the costs for agencies to be listed.
“At this stage the consultation is proposing a flat fee – regardless of consultancy size for funding the register. This is likely to be concerning for many of our members. At this stage we will be consulting all APPC members on their views and meeting directly with the Cabinet Office and the newly formed Office of the Lobbying Registrar.”
The Cabinet OfficeThe register will be an important way of increasing the transparency between people who lobby on behalf of a third party and senior officials in government. It will:
The regulations relate to:
We are inviting comments on the draft regulations that will complete the statutory framework needed to implement the register. We are also seeking information from lobbyists to help set an appropriate charge in the draft regulation for the first year. |