Summary of investigation – Brooks Newmark & Co Ltd
November 2023 – February 2024
Organisation or person investigated
Brooks Newmark & Co Ltd
Matter(s) investigated
Whether Brooks Newmark or Brooks Newmark & Co Ltd (“Mr Newmark”) conducted unregistered consultant lobbying.
Registrar’s decision
Based on third-party assurances provided, Mr Newmark has not conducted unregistered consultant lobbying in relation to the matter under investigation, whether as an individual or through a company.
Summary of rationale for decision
Third-party assurances were provided that neither Mr Newmark nor Brooks Newmark & Co Ltd are or were registered for VAT.
Under the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014, registration under the Value Added Tax Act 1994 is one of three conditions that define consultant lobbying.
Chronology
12 Dec 2023 | Response from Carter-Ruck, Mr Newmark’s representative, explaining that neither Mr Newmark nor his business are or were VAT-registered. |
15 Dec 2023 | Letter from the Registrar with a further query regarding payments. |
15 Jan 2024 | Letter from Carter-Ruck providing further background. |
17 Jan 2024 | Letter from the Registrar with a further query regarding VAT registration. |
1 Feb 2024 | Further letter from the Registrar, following no response. |
1 Feb 2024 | Letter from Shipleys, chartered accountants, via Carter-Ruck, explaining that payments made to Brooks Newmark & Co Ltd from an overseas company did not trigger a requirement for UK VAT registration. |
8 Feb 2024 | Letter from the Registrar concluding his investigation. |
13 February 2024
Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists
Business Plan 2023/24
This document sets out the key priorities of the Registrar to ensure continued compliance with the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014 during the 2023-24 financial year.