Summary of Investigation – UKPIA

Thursday 24th March 2022

Organisation or Person Investigated

UK Petroleum Industry Association Limited (UKPIA)

Matter(s) Investigated

Whether UKPIA is an unregistered consultant lobbyist

Registrar’s Decision

Based on assurances given, UKPIA has not conducted consultant lobbying activities.

Summary of Rationale for Decision

UKPIA provided assurances that no registrable communications have been made in their secretariat role for All-Party Parliamentary Group on Downstream Energy and Fuels (the APPG). Had any communications been made, that might otherwise be registrable, there would be no requirement for UKPIA to register based on assurances that the UKPIA is not VAT registered. VAT registration is a requirement for registration under the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014.

Chronology

Date	Action
20 February	Article in The Guardian regarding energy companies and All-Party Parliamentary Groups.
21 February	Formal letter from the Registrar to UKPIA giving background on the requirement for registering and asking if their activities fall within the criteria for registration. In particular, but not limited to, support services provided to the APPG.
4 March	Full response from UKPIA giving information about: UKPIA; UKPIA’s secretariat role for the APPG; and UKPIA’s previous support for a different APPG. UKPIA gave assurances that they have not communicated with government Ministers or Permanent Secretaries on behalf of the APPG; they are not paid by the APPG; and they are not VAT-registered.
24 March	Letter from Registrar, concluding the investigation.

Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists

24 March 2022

office@orcl.gov.uk