Anti Lobbying Clause | A resolution

In January 2016, the Cabinet Office announced that it would introduce a new “anti-lobbying clause” into all new Government contracts. The purpose was to stop Government funding being used by charities and others to campaign against Government policy.

The Government announced a “pause” into the introduction of this policy on 27 April. Concerns had been raised that whilst HE providers were not the target of this, it was potentially very damaging if universities might be prevented from highlighting evidence from research grants which might inform Government policy.

On 2 December, the Government announced a new set of grant standards , to replace the anti-lobbying clause. Standards include things which are already a feature of research grants, including a named grant owner, a robust approvals process (usually involving competition), robust business cases and grant agreements (proportionate to grant size), and agreed outputs.

There was a separate press release specifically about research grants. This press release notes the important role of research in informing public and policy debate, and specifically lists activities which are approved for all government research grants. They are:

• publishing and publicising the results of research paid for using taxpayer funded grants
• hosting science and research communication events, for example, Science festivals, Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition, visits, breakfasts, dinners or receptions, seminars etc., use of newsletters and campaigns, and sharing information with Parliament to expound greater understanding of research, its outcomes or launch a research project or equipment
• working with or through a third party organisation or commercial partners, which are not professional lobbying organisations, to conduct, communicate or publish research findings and inform policy
• contributing expert scientific and academic advice to inform government policy and funding or make the case for science
• developing proposals for future research grants

The press release also confirms that the new grants standards do not apply to Grant-in-Aid or formula grants, such as HEFCE QR funding.

Gavin Costigan

Director, Public Policy|Southampton

If you would like further information please contact Gavin via email or by phone on 023 8059 5836.