Overview

This bill aims to reform the House of Lords by limiting the number of hereditary peers who automatically become members. It also removes the disqualification of hereditary peers from voting in and standing for elections to the House of Commons.

Description

The bill restricts hereditary peerages from automatically granting membership to the House of Lords after the first session of Parliament following the peer's initial summons. Exceptions are made for a limited number of peers elected by existing Lords, the Earl Marshal, and the Lord Great Chamberlain. The number of elected hereditary peers will be capped at the number of constituencies in the previous general election. The bill also removes the disqualification of hereditary peers from voting in, or standing for election to, the House of Commons, except for those specifically excluded from the House of Lords under the bill. Finally, the bill amends the House of Lords Act 1999 to reflect the new limitations on the number of hereditary peers.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to have a significant direct impact on government spending. Any costs will likely be associated with the administrative changes needed to implement the new regulations.

Groups Affected

• Hereditary Peers: Most hereditary peers will lose their automatic right to sit in the House of Lords after the first parliamentary session following their summons. A limited number will be able to be elected to the House of Lords.
• House of Lords: The composition of the House of Lords will change, reducing the number of hereditary peers.
• House of Commons: Hereditary peers will be able to vote in and stand for elections to the House of Commons (with certain exceptions).
• Electors: Hereditary peers will be able to vote in general elections.

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