PRCA calls for in-house lobbyists to be included in statutory register of lobbyists

London, 29 February – The PRCA this week, following consultation with the PRCA public affairs group, submitted to the Political and Constitutional Reform Select Committee its views on the Government’s proposed statutory register of lobbyists.

While the PRCA supports the statutory register of lobbyists in principle, it believes that any register that does not include in-house lobbyists and other similar professional lobbyists that do not work for multi-client consultancies would be unsustainable. The PRCA currently operates its own quarterly in-house register.

The PRCA responded to the Select Committee - which is currently holding an inquiry into the lobbying industry to run alongside the Government’s consultation process - that any statutory register must operate on a universal definition of lobbying in order to capture all those who lobby in a professional capacity. The PRCA was also unequivocal that any statutory register must be administered by a new and independent operator that is credible with the industry, Parliament, and the public alike.

Francis Ingham, PRCA Chief Executive, said: “Statutory registration is a necessary step forward in increasing transparency in the industry that we support. However, to only include multi-client consultancies would mean that the register would only capture around 20% of the lobbying industry.

“The register must be founded on a universal definition that is based on the professional act of lobbying itself – not a specific type of lobbyist. Otherwise it appears as an unjustifiable tax on consultancies.”

Darren Caplan, Chairman of PRCA Public Affairs Group, commented: “The Government’s reason for a register appears to be based on ministers’ uncertainty over what clients lobbyists represent in meetings. The latest reports show that out of 6,700 ministerial meetings only 20 were with lobbying organisations. The Government is attempting to tackle the wrong problem that barely exists.”

The PRCA will be responding in full to the Government’s consultation in the coming month.

 

- ENDS -

Notes to editors

For further information please contact:

Tom Hawkins, Policy and Research Executive
T: 020 7233 6026 ¦ E: tom.hawkins@prca.org.uk
 

About the PRCA

Who we are: Founded in 1969, the PRCA is the professional body that represents UK PR consultancies, in-house communications teams, PR freelancers and individuals. The PRCA promotes all aspects of public relations and internal communications work, helping teams and individuals maximise the value they deliver to clients and organisations.

What we do: The Association exists to raise standards in PR and communications, providing members with industry data, facilitating the sharing of communications best practice and creating networking opportunities.

How we do it and make a difference: All PRCA members are bound by a professional charter and codes of conduct, and benefit from exceptional training. The Association also works for the greater benefit of the industry, sharing best practice and lobbying on the industry's behalf e.g. fighting the NLA's digital licence.

Who we represent: The PRCA represents many of the major consultancies in the UK, and currently has more than 250 agency members from around the world, including the majority of the top 100 UK consultancies. We also represent over 70 in-house communications teams from multinationals, UK charities and leading UK public sector organisations.

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