New standards watchdog risks charge of window dressing without powers and independence
Joint statement from Spotlight on Corruption, Transparency International UK, the UK Anti-Corruption Coalition, and Unlock Democracy reacting to the launch of the Ethics and Integrity Commission
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Together, we welcome the formal establishment of the Ethics & Integrity Commission (EIC). The decision to create such a body recognises what many have long argued: the UK must rebuild the foundations of ethical government, restore public confidence in politics, and ensure that integrity in office is more than mere aspiration. We welcome the visible role the EIC looks set to play in building public awareness and confidence in the standards regime.
Yet the government’s willingness to empower and resource the EIC remains uncertain. On this hangs the watchdog’s credibility and effectiveness. Without sufficient backing, the EIC will be too open to the whims of a future government, and even potential abolition.
We therefore regret that the government has not ensured the EIC:
1. Has the powers and mandate to drive real change
While the EIC’s remit is clear enough, it is not yet evident that the EIC’s powers will be sufficient to promote accountability, transparency, and a culture of integrity across government. We have previously recommended that existing standards regulators and their codes of conduct, and, where appropriate, the EIC itself, be placed on a statutory footing; the government has given no indication this will happen. Likewise, it seems there will be no statutory obligation on the government to respond to EIC recommendations in a timely manner.
2. Is fully independent
To be effective, the EIC must operate independently of government influence. Ideally, this would entail direct Parliamentary oversight, including annual reports and evidence sessions, and mandatory parliamentary scrutiny of appointments. We nonetheless welcome the assurance that appointments to the EIC will be through a robust and transparent process, and that membership will include lay members to guarantee its non-partisan nature.
3. Is equipped with sufficient financial autonomy
Placing authority with the Cabinet Office to set the EIC’s budget leaves it vulnerable to political pressure - and even the possibility of being completely undermined. The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee would have been the more appropriate body to take on this responsibility, to safeguard the EIC’s long-term capacity to recruit and retain the expertise necessary to fulfil the important job it has been given.
As it stands, the EIC does not live up to its billing, and is far from a panacea for rebuilding public confidence in the integrity of those in public office. Rather, it risks looking like a cosmetic rebrand of a flawed standards regime, well short of the reset required.
The government has indicated it takes ethics and integrity seriously. We remain ready to work constructively with ministers and the EIC to ensure this new body fulfils its potential.
Signed,
Tom Brake, Director, Unlock Democracy
Duncan Hames, Director of Policy and Programmes, Transparency International UK
Sue Hawley, Executive Director, Spotlight on Corruption
The UK Anti-Corruption Coalition
-ENDS-
Notes to editors:
In 2021, the Committee on Standards in Public Life published their report on Upholding Standards in Public Life, with 34 recommendations targeting what they regarded as ‘the areas… in most urgent need of reform’. The majority of these are unimplemented.
Polling conducted by Spotlight on Corruption found that 76% of the public supported creating a new independent Ethics Commission, while 70% wanted more powers and independence for ethics regulators.
New polling by YouGov found that 67% of Britons feel politicians primarily act out of self-interest, with only 4% believing they do what is best for their country.
Analysis conducted by Transparency International UK found that nearly a third of all new jobs taken by former ministers and senior officials had a significant overlap with their previous brief.
Unlock Democracy is a not-for-profit organisation which campaigns for a vibrant, inclusive democracy that puts power in the hands of the people.
Transparency International is a world leading non-governmental anti-corruption organisation. Transparency International UK (TI-UK) is the UK chapter of TI.
Spotlight on Corruption is a charity that shines a light on the UK’s role in corruption at home and abroad by scrutinising the UK's anti-corruption laws and international anti-corruption commitments, while monitoring their implementation and enforcement.
The UK Anti-Corruption Coalition brings together the UK’s leading anti-corruption organisations to fight corruption in the UK and fight the UK’s role in facilitating corruption abroad.