NEWPORT MP Paul Flynn has blasted plans to curtail the ability of charities and other taxpayer-funded organisations from lobbying government.

In February the Cabinet Office announced new rules would be introduced restricting the lobbying of organisations which receive taxpayer’s money – such as charities and voluntary bodies.

Critics have said the new rules would mean big businesses would be free to lobby government for their own commercial goals, while organisations with a greater focus on public benefit would have their influence on policy severely curtailed.

And, in a debate on the issue in Parliament on Wednesday, April 27, long-serving Newport West MP Paul Flynn hit out at the plans.

“Six years after the government promised to crack down on lobbyists, the big corporate lobbyists are free to lobby in secret and anonymously, but the worthy charities are having their lives made a misery by new bureaucracy,” he said.

“Why do the government consistently dabble in the shallows, worrying the minnows, while the big, fat salmon swim by unhindered?”

Cabinet Office minister and MP for West Suffolk Matthew Hancock replied: “I am an enormous supporter of the work of charities, but I find it extraordinary that the honourable gentleman seems to be a supporter of lobbyists using money only when it comes from taxpayers.

“I think that taxpayers’ money should be put to better use.”

Although the restrictions were due to come into force on Sunday, May 1, Mr Hanock announced during the debate the government was “pausing on implementation” and it would now not pass into law until a later date, to be confirmed.

He said: "We are committed on this, that taxpayers’ money is used for the cause which it is intended, and not wasted on government lobbying government.”

Writing on his blog later the same day Mr Flynn said: “The clause presents a serious threat to charity efforts to inform government policy.

“Efforts to advocate for those most vulnerable would be restricted.

“Effectively the legislation silences charities who disagree with government.

“Many Conservatives have joined opposition and third sector calls for its desertion.”

The government has already indicated researchers and academics will be exempt from laws restricting them from lobbying for funds.