Overview

This bill aims to limit the number of voting members in the House of Lords to 650. It introduces a temporary cap on new peer appointments and a compulsory retirement process for existing peers to achieve this limit, prioritizing those with the longest tenure.

Description

The House of Lords (Maximum Membership) Bill sets a maximum of 650 voting peers effective June 1st, 2015. Between July 12th, 2013, and June 1st, 2015, no more than 45 new peers can be appointed (excluding archbishops, bishops, and replacements for hereditary peers). If the number of voting peers exceeds 650 by May 1st, 2015, a compulsory retirement process will be triggered. This process will prioritize peers based on length of service (seniority), with the longest-serving peers retiring first. Retirement will take effect on May 31st, 2015, and cannot be rescinded. Retiring peers can choose to have their title converted into a non-voting hereditary title.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The cost will likely be associated with administrative processes related to peer retirements and any potential legal challenges.

Groups Affected

• Existing Peers: Those with the longest service in the House of Lords will be most affected by the compulsory retirement provision.
• Aspiring Peers: The bill temporarily restricts the number of new peer appointments.
• Hereditary Peers: The bill does not affect existing hereditary peers or those replacing them.
• House of Lords Administration: Administrative costs will be incurred in managing the retirement process.

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