Overview

This bill, the House of Lords Act 2017, aims to reform the composition of the House of Lords by limiting the number of hereditary peers who can sit and by removing the automatic disqualification of hereditary peers from sitting in the House of Commons.

Description

The bill primarily restricts membership of the House of Lords based on hereditary peerages. After the next general election, hereditary peerages will generally no longer automatically entitle holders to a seat in the House of Lords beyond the first session of the subsequent Parliament. Exceptions will be made for a limited number of peers elected by their peers (number equivalent to the number of constituencies in the previous general election), the Earl Marshal, and the Lord Great Chamberlain. The bill clarifies that holding a peerage will no longer automatically disqualify individuals from voting in or standing for election to the House of Commons. However, current members of the House of Lords would remain ineligible. The bill also amends the 1999 House of Lords Act to reflect these changes. The Secretary of State can make regulations for smooth transition, especially regarding voting rights in other elections.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify any changes to government spending. The potential impact on government spending is indirect and hard to quantify. Administrative costs related to implementation may arise.

Groups Affected

• Hereditary Peers: Most will lose their automatic right to sit in the House of Lords after the next general election, though a limited number can be elected by their peers to remain.
• House of Lords: The composition of the House of Lords will change, reducing the number of hereditary peers.
• House of Commons: Hereditary peers will no longer be automatically disqualified from standing for or voting in elections to the House of Commons, except for current members of the House of Lords.
• The Electorate: Individuals may see changes to the composition of both Houses of Parliament.

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