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 establishes a compulsory retirement process for existing members to achieve this limit.

Description

The bill sets a maximum of 650 voting peers in the House of Lords, effective from June 1st, 2015. Between July 12th, 2013, and June 1st, 2015, no more than 45 new peers can be appointed, excluding archbishops, bishops, and peers replacing hereditary peers. If the number of voting peers exceeds 650 on May 1st, 2015, a compulsory retirement process will reduce the number to 650. This process prioritizes peers based on seniority (length of membership), starting with the longest-serving peer. Compulsory retirements take effect on May 31st, 2015, and do not apply to archbishops, bishops, or hereditary peers. Peers retiring voluntarily may choose to convert their titles to non-voting hereditary peerages.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly impact government spending, as it primarily focuses on restructuring the composition of the House of Lords. No specific figures for increased or reduced spending are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Existing Peers: Some existing peers will face compulsory retirement if the number of voting peers exceeds 650 by May 1st, 2015. Those who voluntarily retire can choose to convert their title into a hereditary title without voting rights.
• Future Peer Appointees: The bill temporarily limits the number of new peer appointments.
• House of Lords: The bill significantly alters the composition and size of the House of Lords.

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