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, with the most senior peers being retired first.

Description

The House of Lords (Maximum Membership) 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 any peers elected to replace hereditary peers.

Retirement Process

If the number of voting peers exceeds 650 on May 1st, 2015, a compulsory retirement process will reduce the number to 650. Retirement is based on seniority (length of membership), with the longest-serving peers retiring first. This process will exclude archbishops, bishops and hereditary peers. Peers can also voluntarily retire by written notice to the Clerk of the Parliaments by May 1st, 2015, optionally converting their title to a non-voting hereditary peerage.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify government spending. The cost may be minimal (associated with the administrative process of managing retirements) but precise figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Existing Peers: Senior peers may face compulsory retirement. All peers could choose voluntary retirement, potentially converting their titles.
• Aspiring Peers: The bill places a temporary limit on new appointments.
• House of Lords: The bill significantly alters the composition and size of the House of Lords.

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