Overview

The House of Lords Reform Bill aims to reform the composition of the House of Lords, introducing a system of elected and appointed members alongside existing Lords Spiritual and Ministerial members. The bill significantly alters the structure of the upper house of Parliament, phasing in the number of elected members over several electoral periods.

Description

The bill establishes a phased transition to a reformed House of Lords. The first electoral period will consist of 120 elected members, 30 appointed members, up to 21 Lords Spiritual, and transitional members. The second period increases these numbers to 240 elected members, 60 appointed members, and up to 16 Lords Spiritual. Subsequent periods will have 360 elected members and 90 appointed members, with up to 12 Lords Spiritual. Hereditary peerages will be abolished. Elections will coincide with general elections, using different voting systems in Great Britain (a list system) and Northern Ireland (single transferable vote). The bill also establishes a House of Lords Appointments Commission to oversee the appointment process, setting out criteria for selection. It details the terms of office for elected and appointed members, and procedures for filling vacancies. The bill also addresses disqualification from membership, specifying grounds for disqualification and procedures for resolving disputes. It covers pay, allowances, and pensions for members, and makes provisions for the disclaimer of life peerages and the transfer of responsibilities relating to the House of Lords to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).

Government Spending

The bill will lead to increased government spending due to the introduction of pay and allowances for the newly elected and appointed members of the House of Lords. Specific figures are not provided within the bill text itself, but the establishment of a new pension scheme is also considered, implying further financial implications for the UK government.

Groups Affected

• Existing members of the House of Lords (hereditary peers): Will lose their seats.
• The electorate: Will be able to elect members to the House of Lords.
• Political parties: Will participate in the election process for the House of Lords.
• The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA): Will assume responsibility for pay, allowances, and pensions for members of the House of Lords.
• The Church of England: Will select Lords Spiritual.
• Government Ministers: May be appointed as ministerial members of the House of Lords.
• Individuals holding certain offices (judicial, civil service, police, military etc.): Will be disqualified from membership of the House of Lords.
• The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council: Will have jurisdiction over disputes relating to disqualification from membership.

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