Overview

This bill proposes to amend existing law to allow members of the House of Lords to vote in elections for the House of Commons. Currently, this is prohibited. The change would take effect one year after the bill becomes law.

Description

The Extension of Franchise (House of Lords) Bill aims to remove the legal disqualification preventing members of the House of Lords from voting in general elections for the House of Commons. This means that peers would gain the right to vote, a right currently denied to them solely due to their membership of the upper house of Parliament.

Key Provisions:

• Section 1: Overrules any existing law preventing Lords from voting in Commons elections.
• Section 2: Establishes the bill's application across the UK, sets a 12-month delay before the voting right comes into effect, and provides the short title for the Act.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to have a significant direct impact on government spending. The cost of implementing the change (e.g., updating electoral registers) would likely be minimal.

Groups Affected

The primary group affected are members of the House of Lords (peers). They would gain the right to vote in general elections. The impact on other groups is indirect and likely minimal, although some may argue the change alters the balance of power within the political system.

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