Overview

This bill proposes significant reforms to the House of Lords, establishing an independent Appointments Commission to recommend life peerages, reducing the number of hereditary peers, and introducing provisions for permanent leave of absence and expulsion for serious criminal offences.

Description

The bill creates a nine-member Appointments Commission responsible for recommending all new life peers to the Crown. The commission's membership will be balanced politically, with at least four independent members. The commission will establish criteria for peerage appointments, focusing on merit and contribution to the House of Lords, and these criteria will be subject to parliamentary approval. The bill also aims to reduce the number of hereditary peers to 92, with no further replacements following vacancies. It introduces rules for permanent leave of absence from the House of Lords, either by application or for non-attendance. Finally, it mandates expulsion of Lords convicted of serious criminal offences (imprisonment of over one year).

Government Spending

The bill's financial impact is not explicitly stated in the provided text. The establishment of the commission will likely incur administrative costs, but the overall effect on government spending is unclear without further information.

Groups Affected

• Hereditary Peers: The number of hereditary peers will be significantly reduced, potentially impacting their political influence.
• Aspiring Peers: The appointment process will be more transparent and merit-based, impacting who is selected.
• House of Lords Members: The bill alters the composition and membership rules of the House of Lords, affecting members' status and roles.
• Political Parties: The bill seeks to achieve political balance in the House of Lords and limits party influence.
• The Public: The changes aim to make the House of Lords more representative and accountable.

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