Department for Transport: Public Relations
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has undertaken any review of whether expenditure by its arm's length bodies on external affairs and public affairs complies with Cabinet Office guidance on lobbying using public funds since 4 July 2024.
Answered by Simon Lightwood
Accounting Officers of DfT public bodies are bound by Managing Public Money and Cabinet Office guidance. Section 4.1 of the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies also states, 'it will always be an improper use of public funds for public bodies to employ consultants or other companies to lobby Parliament, Government or political parties'.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →