Overview

This bill proposes significant reforms to the House of Lords, replacing the remaining hereditary peers with an elected chamber. A transitional period will see a mix of elected and existing life peers, before a fully elected House is established.

Description

The bill eliminates all remaining hereditary peers from the House of Lords. A new system of elections will be established, with England divided into nine electoral regions, and Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each forming a single region. The number of elected members will be 146 for a transitional four-year period, with an equal number of existing life peers. Thereafter, the House will consist of 292 elected members. A regional list system will determine elections in Great Britain, while Northern Ireland will use a single transferable vote system. Elected members will serve eight-year terms. Existing life peers will retain seats, but without voting rights, after the transitional period. The Lords Spiritual will maintain their non-voting seats.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures, but the implementation of elections, the establishment of new electoral boundaries, and the administration of the reformed House will entail significant costs.

Groups Affected

• Hereditary Peers: Will lose their seats in the House of Lords.
• Life Peers: Will retain their seats but, after a transition period, will lose their voting rights.
• Voters: Will be able to elect members to the House of Lords, though the electorate will remain largely the same as for parliamentary elections.
• Political Parties: Will participate in the elections to the House of Lords.
• Government: Will be responsible for implementing the legislation, managing elections, and funding the reformed House.

Powered by nyModel