A NEW policy designed to bring greater transparency to work carried out by lobbyists who seek to influence States Members could be introduced after the forthcoming election.
Proposed guidance on lobbying and an engagement code for elected Members have been put forward by the Privileges and Procedures Committee, the body responsible for the procedures and facilities of the Assembly and the code of conduct for politicians.
The proposals are set to be debated next month, ahead of the current parliamentary term concluding in early April as part of the build-up to the election scheduled for 7 June. If supported, the new measures would be in place when those elected on that date take up their roles the week after polling day.
Lobbying is defined in the report accompanying the PPC proposition as “a person(s) representing an organisation, body, or group, with a shared purpose, who seeks to influence a States Member to support a particular outcome”.
The report states: “The key aim of the lobbying register is to increase transparency and public trust in States Members by providing a public record of who is seeking to influence decisions made by States Members and revealing potential conflicts of interest or unethical practices.”
Those covered by the proposed new register and code could include representatives of businesses, trade bodies, unions, charities and non-profit organisations, as well as any other group of people with a shared interest or purpose.
Ahead of this summer’s election, Value Jersey – which describes itself as a political movement – has formed. The group has said it is not a party but is instead looking for prospective candidates to endorse its shared vision.
Politicians would be required to log details of all formal interactions with lobbyists, including the names of those they engaged with and the dates on which this occurred.
The report notes that lobbying may be “an important, legitimate and valuable practice in democracies, helping towards more informed, balanced and fair decisions”, but also that lobbying efforts may be “highly organised, targeted and repeated, and typically focused on legislative and policy matters with direct local impact”.
The report also states: “Lobbying in a small jurisdiction an carry risks such as where government might begin to act in the interests of an industry or activity it might reasonably be expected to regulate, at the cost of the more general protection of the public interest and institutional integrity.
“These risks can be increased in a small area such as Jersey where there are fewer regulatory bodies and greater potential for close relationships between lobbyists, Members, and government personnel.
“In addition, a few well-resourced lobbyists may have disproportionate access to States Members and influence on them.”
The proposition is scheduled to be debated during the sitting starting on Tuesday 24 March.
