VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Arms Length Bodies: Lobbying

Asked by Joe RobertsonConservativeCabinet OfficeTabled Answered 2 July 2026UIN 14171

The question

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department monitors compliance by arm's length bodies with Cabinet Office guidance on the use of public funds for lobbying.

Answered by Anna Turley

The Cabinet Office sets standards for public bodies, including the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies, which 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. Responsibility for ensuring compliance with these standards rests with the Accounting Officer of each arm's length body and their respective sponsoring department.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim