Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016 Explanatory Notes

The Act

3.The Act is separated into five parts:

  • Part 1 sets out the core concepts underpinning the registration regime, including the concept of engaging in regulated lobbying and the related concepts of Government and parliamentary functions and, in the schedule, communications which are not lobbying for the purposes of the regime,

  • Part 2 sets out the framework for the operation of the lobbying register including duties to register and submit returns of regulated lobbying activity, the content of the register and the role and functions of the Clerk of the Scottish Parliament (“the Clerk”) in operating the register,

  • Part 3 sets out the oversight and enforcement regime including the role of the Clerk, the role of the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland (“the Commissioner”) and offences,

  • Part 4 contains provision related to the publication of parliamentary guidance and a code of conduct for persons lobbying MSPs and provision related to raising public awareness,

  • Part 5 contains final provisions relating to interpretation, the process for making parliamentary resolutions under the Act, ancillary provision and other technical matters.

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