Overview

This bill mandates an independent audit of the economic, social, and political costs and benefits of the UK's membership in the European Union. The audit will be conducted by a commission appointed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and will report its findings to Parliament.

Description

The EU Membership (Audit of Costs and Benefits) Bill establishes a seven-member EU Membership Audit Commission. The Chancellor of the Exchequer will appoint the commissioners, ensuring a balance of views on EU membership, a neutral chair, and the exclusion of individuals with ties to the European Parliament or Commission.

The Commission's task is to examine the current costs and benefits of UK EU membership across several key areas:

• Economy: Analyzing public spending and receipts directly linked to membership.
• Trade and Competitiveness: Assessing the impact on the UK's ability to trade freely, considering restrictions imposed by EU membership.
• National Security and Defence: Examining the influence of EU membership on national security and the UK's control over immigration.
• Regulatory Burden: Evaluating the impact of EU regulations on the UK.
• Sovereignty: Assessing the effects of EU membership on UK sovereignty.

The Commission must submit its report to Parliament within twelve months of its appointment. The Treasury will provide administrative and financial support to the Commission.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred by the Treasury in fulfilling the requirements of the Act will be covered by funds provided by Parliament. No specific figures for anticipated costs are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

The bill will directly affect:

• The UK Government (Treasury & Chancellor): Responsible for appointing and supporting the Commission.
• The EU Membership Audit Commission: Responsible for conducting the audit and preparing the report.
• The UK Parliament: Recipient of the Commission's report.
• The Public: Potentially influenced by the Commission's findings and recommendations.
• Businesses: Likely to be impacted by the analysis of economic costs and benefits.

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