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Written question asked by Greg Smith (Conservative) on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 July 2026. It was answered by Anna Turley (Labour) on Thursday, 9 July 2026 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Lobbying: Finance

Question

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has issued guidance to departments and arm's length bodies on the use of public funds for public affairs, external affairs and lobbying activities.

Answer

The Cabinet Office has not issued specific additional guidance on the use of public funds for public affairs and lobbying activities. Section 4.1 of the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies states that it is an improper use of public funds for public bodies to employ consultants or other companies to lobby Parliament, government, or political parties. Public bodies are required to adhere to this Code, and responsibility for monitoring compliance rests with the relevant sponsoring department as part of the established accountability framework.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
14432
Session
2026-27
Related items
Subjects
Finance Government departments Lobbying Arms length bodies
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk