Parliamentary.ai

Overview

This bill, the House of Lords Act 2017, aims to reform the composition of the House of Lords by limiting the number of hereditary peers who can be members. It also removes the disqualification of hereditary peers from voting in and standing for election to the House of Commons.

Description

The bill's core element restricts the automatic right of hereditary peers to sit in the House of Lords. After a general election, peerages will no longer automatically grant membership after the end of the first session of the next Parliament. Exceptions will be made for a limited number of peers elected by existing peers, a number equivalent to the number of constituencies electing MPs at the previous general election. The bill also makes amendments to the House of Lords Act 1999. Crucially, it removes the disqualification of hereditary peers from voting in and standing as candidates for the House of Commons, unless they're currently sitting in the House of Lords.

Specific Changes

• Limits hereditary peer membership of the House of Lords.
• Allows a limited number of elected hereditary peers to remain.
• Removes the disqualification of hereditary peers from the House of Commons.
• Amends the House of Lords Act 1999 to reflect these changes.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly impact government spending. The changes primarily relate to the composition and structure of Parliament, not direct financial allocations.

Groups Affected

• Hereditary Peers: Most will lose their automatic right to sit in the House of Lords. A limited number will be able to remain through an election process.
• House of Lords: Will undergo a reduction in the number of hereditary peers.
• House of Commons: Hereditary peers will be eligible to vote and stand for election, unless they are sitting in the House of Lords.
• The Electorate: May see an alteration in the composition of Parliament, with a potential impact on political representation.