Overview

This bill proposes creating a public register of organisations that lobby Parliament for commercial gain. The register will require these organisations to disclose their lobbying activities, including meetings with MPs and Ministers, fees paid, and expenses incurred.

Description

The Registration of Commercial Lobbying Interests Bill amends the House of Commons (Administration) Act 1978. The key changes are:

• Creation of a Register: A public register will be established, housed in the House of Commons Library, listing all organisations whose primary, major, or subsidiary aim is commercial lobbying of Parliament.
• Quarterly Updates and Reviews: The register will be updated and reviewed every three months, with any alterations added to the register.
• Disclosure Requirements: Registered organisations must disclose details of meetings with MPs and Ministers, fees paid to MPs, and expenses paid on behalf of clients, all on a quarterly basis. This information will be included in the register.
• Enforcement: The Commission will have the power to remove organisations from the register if they fail to provide information or violate issued guidelines. Guidelines for registered organisations may be issued from time to time by the Commission.

The bill will come into force one month after it is passed and applies to the whole of the United Kingdom.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. The cost will likely involve setting up and maintaining the register, including staffing and IT infrastructure. The exact cost is not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Organisations engaged in commercial lobbying of Parliament: These organisations will be required to register and disclose their activities, potentially impacting their operations and transparency.
• Members of Parliament and Government Ministers: They will be more readily able to see who is lobbying them and the extent of commercial lobbying activities.
• The Public: The public will gain greater transparency into commercial lobbying efforts directed at Parliament.

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