Overview

This bill proposes the creation of a public register for organisations lobbying Parliament for commercial gain. The register will require these organisations to disclose their lobbying activities, including meetings with MPs and ministers, and expenses paid. This aims to increase transparency around commercial lobbying efforts in the UK.

Description

The bill amends the House of Commons (Administration) Act 1978. The key changes are:

• Creation of a Register: A new register will be established, housed in the House of Commons Library, listing organisations whose primary, major, or subsidiary aim is commercial lobbying of Parliament.
• Register Updates: The register will be updated quarterly, with any alterations published alongside the updated register.
• Information Required: Registered organisations must submit quarterly information including a list of meetings with MPs and ministers, fees paid to MPs, and statements of expenses paid on behalf of clients.
• Enforcement: The House of Commons Commission can remove organisations from the register for non-compliance or breaches of guidelines issued by the Commission.
• Guidelines: The Commission has the power to issue guidelines for registered organisations.

The Act will come into force one month after being passed and applies across the United Kingdom.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify direct government spending figures. However, it will likely involve costs associated with establishing and maintaining the register, including staffing and administrative resources within the House of Commons Commission. No figures are currently available.

Groups Affected

This bill will affect:

• Commercial Lobbying Organisations: These organisations will be required to register and disclose information about their lobbying activities, potentially impacting their strategies and operational costs.
• Members of Parliament (MPs) and Government Ministers: They will have their interactions with registered lobbying organisations made more transparent.
• The Public: The public will gain increased access to information about commercial lobbying activities in Parliament.
• House of Commons Commission: They will be responsible for managing and overseeing the register.

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