Overview

This bill aims to allow women to inherit hereditary peerages in the UK, previously only inheritable by male heirs. The bill sets out a process involving a petition by the current peer, consideration of objections, and a certificate from the Lord Chancellor to confirm the succession.

Description

The Hereditary Peerages (Succession) Bill allows female heirs to inherit hereditary peerages in England, Scotland, Great Britain, or the United Kingdom. To ensure a fair and equitable transition:

• The current peer (incumbent) must petition the Lord Chancellor in writing, after discussing it with any children.
• The petition includes a declaration of the incumbent's wish for female succession and documentation proving the female heir's legitimacy and status as the oldest surviving child, verified by a solicitor, Justice of the Peace, or Notary Public.
• The Lord Chancellor publishes details of the petition, allowing any legitimate children to lodge objections within 3 months.
• Objections are considered, with the Lord Chancellor taking into account financial consequences and prior promises of succession for objecting children.
• The Lord Chancellor's decision is published within 12 weeks, and a certificate is issued if the conditions are met and no valid objection exists.
• Upon successful succession, the female heir receives the same rights and responsibilities as a male heir, including the right to sit and vote in the House of Lords.
• Succession continues with the principle of female inheritance after the initial application.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify any changes to government spending. The administrative costs associated with processing petitions and objections will be incurred by the Lord Chancellor's office, but no figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Female heirs to hereditary peerages: They gain the right to inherit, significantly altering the traditional inheritance pattern.
• Male heirs to hereditary peerages: They may face a change in their expected inheritance, potentially leading to objections.
• The Lord Chancellor: Takes on the responsibility of managing the petition process, making decisions on objections and issuing certificates.
• House of Lords: The composition of the House of Lords may change with the inclusion of more female hereditary peers.

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