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Freedom of Information

The Registrar is committed to the provisions and principles of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (‘FoIA’), and has adopted without modification the model publication scheme produced by the Information Commissioner. The Registrar will also look to make information available in response to requests, unless there is good reason to apply an exemption.

Although each request will be considered on its own merits, the Registrar will generally not release papers from an investigation into whether an organisation or individual has complied with the requirements of the Transparency of Lobbying [etc] Act 2014. Section 31 of FoIA (Law enforcement) will apply to these cases, and section 30(2) will also often be engaged where information is provided to the Registrar in confidence during the investigation.

Making a Freedom of Information request

Prior to making an FoI request, you may find it helpful to read the general guidance on how to make a request. However, when making an FoI request to the Registrar, please use the email address office@orcl.gov.uk.

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee – Oral Evidence Given by Registrar

Category: News - Published on: Tuesday 15th November 2022

The Registrar gave oral evidence to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee on 15 November, as part of their inquiry into lobbying and influence: post-legislative scrutiny of the Lobbying Act 2014 and related matters. 


Summary of Investigation – The Rt Hon Owen Paterson

Category: Investigation summaries - Published on: Thursday 10th November 2022

November 2021 – November 2022 Organisation or person investigated The Rt Hon Owen Paterson (“Mr Paterson”) Matter(s) investigated Whether Mr Paterson is an unregistered consultant lobbyist Registrar’s decision That Mr Paterson did not undertake consultant lobbying activities during the period October 2016 – January 2017. Note: This replaces the Registrar’s proposed decision, published in his […]


The Registrar’s evidence to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee’s Lobbying and Influence inquiry

Category: News - Published on: Monday 24th October 2022

Introduction Policy context Information in quarterly returns Published transparency data Special advisers VAT registration requirement Incidental exception Employees Positions equivalents to Permanent Secretary Incapacity or conflict of interest of Registrar 1. Introduction As Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists, I am an independent statutory office holder appointed under the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning and Trade Union […]


Annual Report and Accounts 2021-22

Category: Corporate documents - Published on: Thursday 20th October 2022

The Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists’ Annual Report and Accounts for the financial year 2021-22 was laid before Parliament on 17 October 2022, having been certified by the Comptroller and Auditor General. You can download a copy below.


Summary of investigation – ASJ Properties Limited

Category: Investigation summaries - Published on: Monday 26th September 2022

April – September 2022 Organisation or Person Investigated ASJ Properties Limited (“ASJP”) Matter(s) Investigated Whether ASJP, through Mr Samir Jassal, is an unregistered consultant lobbyist Registrar’s Decision ASJP, through Mr Jassal, did not conduct unregistered consultant lobbying activities, based on information provided and assurances given. Summary of Rationale for Decision Mr Jassal disclosed emails sent […]


Summary of investigation – Talbot Consulting Limited

Category: Investigation summaries - Published on: Friday 2nd September 2022

Organisation or person investigated  Talbot Consulting Limited Matter(s) investigated Whether Talbot Consulting Limited (“Talbot”) is an unregistered consultant lobbyist. Registrar’s decision That Talbot, through The Earl of Shrewsbury, undertook unregistered consultant lobbying activities.  Summary of rationale for decision Section 1(1) of the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014 (“The Act”) […]


Harry Rich has been reappointed as Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists

Category: News - Published on: Wednesday 24th August 2022

Harry Rich has been reappointed as Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists for a further term of three years from 22 September 2022, following his initial appointment in 2018. Harry Rich commented: ‘After four years as Registrar I still have no doubt that transparent ethical lobbying is a valuable part of the policy-making process. I am even […]


Summary of Investigation – Mr Steve Brine, MP

Category: Investigation summaries - Published on: Friday 5th August 2022

Organisation or person investigated Mr Steve Brine, MP (“Mr Brine”) Matter(s) investigated Whether Mr Brine is an unregistered consultant lobbyist Registrar’s decision Mr Brine is not an unregistered consultant lobbyist Summary of rationale for decision Payments to Mr Brine from Remedium Partners were not paid to a VAT registered entity. Under the Transparency of Lobbying, […]


Summary of Investigation – Abzed

Category: Investigation summaries - Published on: Wednesday 3rd August 2022

Organisation or Person Investigated Abzed Matter(s) Investigated Whether Abzed is an unregistered consultant lobbyist Registrar’s Decision Abzed has not conducted consultant lobbying activities Summary of Rationale for Decision This decision is based on substantive assurances from Abzed that it has not communicated with Ministers, Permanent Secretaries or equivalents on behalf of paying clients. Under the […]


Record of Registrar’s external communications in 2022

Category: Publications - Published on: Tuesday 28th June 2022

This is a record of external communications made by the Registrar, Harry Rich, during 2022. We do not publish information about correspondence with whistleblowers who wish to protect their anonymity nor privileged legal communications. The data is updated monthly. Last updated January 2023


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