Overview

This bill aims to permanently end by-elections for hereditary peers in the House of Lords, effectively completing the transition to a wholly appointed second chamber. It amends the House of Lords Act 1999 to prevent filling vacancies left by the death, retirement, resignation, or expulsion of hereditary peers.

Description

The bill modifies Section 2 of the House of Lords Act 1999. Specifically, it changes the rules surrounding the 92 hereditary peers currently allowed to sit in the House of Lords. The amendment replaces existing subsection (2) to ensure that the number of hereditary peers remains capped at 92. Crucially, it replaces subsection (4) to state that any future vacancies amongst these 92 will not be filled through by-elections. This means that the number of hereditary peers will gradually decrease until no more are present.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to have a significant direct impact on government spending. The administrative costs associated with by-elections for hereditary peers are minimal; the savings will be negligible.

Groups Affected

• Hereditary Peers: The bill will directly affect hereditary peers, preventing them from filling vacant seats in the House of Lords through by-elections. This will lead to a gradual reduction in their numbers over time.
• House of Lords: The composition of the House of Lords will change over time, becoming increasingly composed solely of appointed members.
• The UK public: Indirectly, the public's voice in Parliament might be affected due to changes in the composition of the House of Lords.

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