On Monday 20 January, a PRCA poll revealed that only 4% of lobbyists believe that the Government’s Lobbying Bill will significantly enhance transparency in the industry. The poll surveyed 46 agency and in-house lobbyists.
Part 1 of the Bill introduces a statutory register of consultant lobbyists and establishes a Registrar to enforce the registration requirements.
The Bill has been widely criticised by the lobbying industry, with many practitioners claiming that it is being rushed through Parliament without the necessary scrutiny.
In particular, the Bill is criticised for including only agencies, representing 20% of the industry. Lord Hardie’s amendment to include the other 80%, which consists of in-house lobbyists, was defeated at Report Stage in the House of Lords last week.
The poll, however, reveals that 91% of lobbyists believe the majority of the industry should also be included in the Bill.
Francis Ingham, PRCA Director, pointed out: “When the people who work in the industry overwhelmingly state that this Bill will not increase transparency, the Government should listen. The Government should try talking to the industry, and then they would realise just how wrong the current situation is.”
The Lobbying Bill will return to the House of Lords for a Third Reading on Tuesday 21 January. It will present a final chance to amend the Bill.