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PACAC misses opportunity to improve lobbying, says PRCA

Press release -

PACAC misses opportunity to improve lobbying, says PRCA

The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) – the professional body that represents the lobbying industry – is disappointed that proposals issued by the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC), won’t deliver transparency to members of the public, while adding to requirements placed on, and only on, consultant lobbyists.

PACAC’s report, Lobbying and Influence, follows their two-year investigation during which PRCA provided evidence and made proposals for greater transparency.

PRCA chief executive James Hewes said:

“PACAC have missed an opportunity to increase transparency in lobbying. They rightly recognise that the current system is inadequate, with major gaps in reporting requirements. We welcome recommendations that more officials should declare meetings, and WhatsApp messages should be disclosed. PACAC haven’t challenged the failed patchwork approach whereby consultant lobbyists must, rightly, publish their public affairs activity, but others can lobby government without declaring it. This means that the majority of lobbying activity is not visible to the public.

“PRCA believes that the public wants all lobbying activity to be carried out to the same high standards. We are calling for the Lobbying Act to be expanded to cover all of those engaged in lobbying, including those working in-house in charities, campaigning groups, think tanks, trade unions, business, organisations and private companies. The current register fails to capture activity accurately and comprehensively.

“PRCA members are wondering why PACAC are calling for more disclosure from consultant lobbyists but none at all from others, even though, through the PRCA’s Public Affairs Register, PRCA members already provide more details about lobbying activity than required by the Lobbying Act.

“PACAC are right to say that wider scrutiny of this issue is needed, but they have missed the chance to call for it right now. The issue is not settled.”

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The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) is the world’s largest professional PR body.

Representing 35,000 PR professionals in 82 countries worldwide, we are a global advocate for excellence in public relations. Our teams across Europe, the Middle-East and Asia-Pacific work with professionals around the world to co-ordinate our operations across six continents.

Our mission is to create a more professional, ethical, and prosperous PR industry. We champion - and enforce - professional standards around the world through our Professional Charter and Code of Conduct. The Code compels members to adhere to the highest standards of ethical practice.

We deliver exceptional training, authoritative industry data, and global networking, and development opportunities.

We also manage the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) - the umbrella body for 41 PR associations and 3,000 agencies across the world. Additionally, we support the delivery of the Motor Industry Communicators Association (MICA).

Contacts

Gabriela Weiss Clarke

Gabriela Weiss Clarke

Press contact Communications Manager +44 (0) 207 233 6026
Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu

Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu

Press contact Content Marketing Strategist +44 20 4548 9436

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The PRCA is the world’s largest professional PR association, representing more than 35,000 PR professionals in 82 countries worldwide. Our mission is to create a more professional, ethical, and prosperous global PR industry.

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