Members can read exclusive and in-depth monthly political and regulatory reports in the members’ lounge here, including insights from chair David Burrowes. Below, Simon Posner, the Council’s public affairs manager, shares a valuable behind the scenes insight into the workings of Westminster.
Most, if not all of us, get our news via TV, newspapers, and the internet. With this in mind, we could be forgiven for thinking that the only political story in town is the future, or otherwise, of the Prime Minister. Not true.
Granted, it is exercising many of us in the Westminster Village and beyond more than is healthy, but we must not forget that it is far from being the only political story in town. While our news bulletins are dominated by footage the leaders of our main political party trading blows, not quite literally, across the floor of the House, the day-to-day business of running the country continues – and important decisions are being made. There is an entire team of Secretaries of State, Junior Ministers, Civil Servants, and the machinery local government that ensures the business of government continues – and thank goodness for that.
One of the jobs of the Public Affairs team at the Equity Release Council is to look beyond the media led headlines that dominate the mainstream agenda and concentrate on what is important to our members. As those of you who read our monthly political monitoring reports which concentrate solely on the matters which directly affect our membership will know, there is still a vast amount going on. If you have not read your copy, I would strongly recommend that you do so (it is available on the website). It covers far more than just the work of central government. Details important consultations which could have a day-to-day effect on your company operations are also included.
Looking ahead, there is no doubt that property wealth will have a significant role to play in several key policy areas, no matter who is in power. As manifestos are written there will be an increasingly strong headlight directed towards our industry.
As for the manifestos themselves, we will, as you would expect, have policy asks to contribute. But that is not all we will do. We will endeavour to educate the policymakers as well. That is not as simple as it sounds and I would be lying to you if I said that we do not have a reputational overhang, deserved or not, that has yet to be nullified – although considerable progress is being made.
We shall work hard at the Westminster coalface to support our industry. Please join us in banging the drum whenever you get the chance!
For more information contact our public affairs manager via [email protected].
