Overview

This bill proposes significant reforms to the House of Lords, introducing provisions for retirement and expulsion of members, establishing an independent commission to recommend life peerages, and limiting the number of hereditary peers.

Description

Retirement and Expulsion:

Peers can retire by written notice to the Clerk of the Parliaments. Non-attendance for a full session (excluding leave of absence and sessions shorter than six months) results in automatic expulsion. Conviction of a serious criminal offence (imprisonment or detention over one year) also leads to expulsion. The Lord Speaker's certificate is final in these matters.

Appointments Commission:

A nine-member commission, nominated jointly by the Speakers of both Houses and appointed by the Crown, will recommend all new life peerages. The commission must be politically balanced, with at least four independent members, and will establish criteria for peerages (including conspicuous merit and capacity to contribute to the Lords' work), subject to parliamentary approval. The commission will aim for a House of Lords with at least 20% independent members, and no single party or coalition holding a majority.

Hereditary Peers:

The number of hereditary peers allowed to remain in the House of Lords is reduced to a maximum of 92. Any vacancies arising after the bill's enactment will not be filled.

Government Spending

The bill's financial implications are not explicitly stated in the provided text. It is likely to involve administrative costs associated with the new commission and any changes to House of Lords procedures.

Groups Affected

• Peers: Retirement and expulsion provisions directly affect existing members of the House of Lords.
• Aspiring Peers: The appointment commission's criteria and procedures will influence who can become a life peer.
• Political Parties: The bill impacts party representation in the House of Lords and their ability to nominate peers.
• The Public: The changes aim to improve the House of Lords' composition and effectiveness, indirectly impacting public perception and engagement with Parliament.
• Hereditary Peers: The bill significantly reduces their numbers in the House of Lords.

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