Lords to look into working of Bribery Act

Post-legislative scrutiny of the Bribery Act 2010 is to be undertaken by an ad hoc select committee of the House of Lords.

The Act created two basic crimes of giving and receiving bribes, and covers a number of new issues, for example the crime of bribery of foreign public officials. It also created the offence of failure by a commercial organisation to have in place adequate procedures to prevent persons associated with them from undertaking bribery. 

A call for evidence will be published in June, and the committee will be taking evidence throughout the summer and autumn, before reporting in 2019.

Lord Saville of Newdigate, chairman of the committee, commented: “Seven years since it came into force, and with the majority of bribery cases being prosecuted under the Bribery Act 2010, now is the opportune time for post-legislative scrutiny. The committee will examine the effectiveness of the Act, whether there has been stricter prosecution of corrupt conduct, a higher conviction rate, and a reduction in such conduct.

"There is confusion and uncertainty about the Act, amongst SMEs in particular. The inquiry would seek to raise awareness and understanding of the Act.

"The committee will be publishing a call for evidence in June, and will welcome submissions from any person, organisation or business with experience of the Bribery Act 2010. We urge any interested parties to contribute to the inquiry. Evidence sessions are expected to begin ahead of summer recess."