Overview

This bill aims to completely remove hereditary peers from the House of Lords, ending the system where they could replace deceased peers through by-elections. It amends the House of Lords Act 1999 to achieve this phased removal.

Description

The bill makes several key changes to the House of Lords Act 1999:

• Removal of By-elections: The bill abolishes the by-election system for hereditary peers, preventing new hereditary peers from entering the House of Lords to fill vacancies.
• Phased Exclusion of Hereditary Peers: The bill implements a phased removal of hereditary peers. While existing hereditary peers who were members before a specific date (likely a date related to previous legislation concerning hereditary peers) would initially remain, the bill lays the groundwork to remove them from the House of Lords entirely in subsequent sessions.
• Amendments to the 1999 Act: The bill removes inconsistencies and redundant clauses within the 1999 Act related to the by-election system and exceptions for hereditary peers.
• Effective Date: The removal of the by-election system is temporary, ceasing at the end of a specified session. The complete exclusion of hereditary peers will take effect in a later session.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The cost implications are likely minimal, primarily relating to administrative changes associated with amending the House of Lords Act 1999 and the eventual removal of hereditary peers from the House of Lords.

Groups Affected

• Hereditary Peers: The bill directly affects hereditary peers. Those who were members of the House of Lords before a specified date might initially retain their seats but will eventually be removed. Those who would have been elected through the by-election process are prevented from joining the House of Lords.
• The House of Lords: The composition of the House of Lords will change over time, leading to a reduction in the number of hereditary peers.
• The UK Government: The government will need to implement the legislative changes and manage the transition.

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