Overview

This bill aims to limit the number of voting members in the House of Lords to 650. It introduces a process for compulsory retirement of existing members to achieve this limit and places a temporary restriction on the creation of new peerages.

Description

The bill sets a maximum of 650 voting peers in the House of Lords, effective from June 1st, 2015. Between October 24th, 2014, 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 on May 1st, 2015, a compulsory retirement process will be triggered. This retirement will be based on seniority (length of time in the House of Lords), starting with the longest-serving peer. Peers may also choose to retire voluntarily before this date, with the option of converting their title into a non-voting hereditary title. Compulsory retirements will take effect on May 31st, 2015. Archbishops, bishops, and hereditary peers are excluded from the compulsory retirement process.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The main cost implications would likely relate to the administrative processes involved in managing the compulsory retirement process and any potential legal challenges.

Groups Affected

• Existing Peers: Those with the least seniority face compulsory retirement. All peers have the option of voluntary retirement and conversion of their title to a hereditary peerage without voting rights.
• Future Peers: The bill temporarily limits the creation of new peerages.
• House of Lords: The composition and size of the House of Lords will be significantly altered.
• Government: The government's ability to appoint new peers will be restricted.

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