Overview

This bill proposes significant reforms to the House of Lords, primarily by introducing elected members and removing the remaining hereditary peers. It outlines the election process, the composition of the reformed House, and transitional arrangements.

Description

Removal of Hereditary Peers

The bill removes the remaining hereditary peers from the House of Lords, completing a process begun in 1999. Their existing rights to sit will be revoked.

Composition of the House of Lords

For four years, the House will comprise 146 life peers (selected based on past attendance, speaking and voting records) and 146 elected members. After this transitional period, it will consist of 292 elected members, along with life peers and Lords Spiritual who can attend but not vote.

Elections

Elections will be held across eleven electoral regions (nine in Great Britain and one each for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). The system in Great Britain is a regional list system; Northern Ireland uses a single transferable vote. Members serve eight-year terms.

Eligibility

Eligibility to stand and vote mirrors parliamentary elections, with additional rules concerning age and existing memberships. Members of the House of Commons cannot stand, neither can those under 18.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. However, costs will be incurred in organizing and running the elections, and administering the reformed House.

Groups Affected

• Hereditary Peers: Lose their right to sit in the House of Lords.
• Life Peers: 146 will be selected as transitional members, with voting rights during a transition period, after which they retain their seats but lose voting rights.
• Voters: Will be able to elect members to the House of Lords, with eligibility mirroring existing parliamentary elections.
• Political Parties: Will need to adapt to the new electoral system and register to participate in the elections.
• The House of Lords: Undergoes a substantial structural change.
• Government: Responsible for managing and funding the elections and the running of the reformed House.

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