Overview

This bill renames the Social Mobility Commission to the Social Justice Commission and expands its mandate to encompass the broader promotion of social justice in England, requiring it to provide advice to government ministers on social justice issues and conduct social impact assessments of government policies and legislation.

Description

The Social Justice Commission Bill makes several key changes to the Life Chances Act 2010:

• Name Change: The Social Mobility Commission is renamed the Social Justice Commission.
• Expanded Mandate: The Commission's primary function shifts from promoting social mobility to promoting social justice in England.
• Advisory Role: The Commission's advisory role to government ministers is strengthened, requiring advice on request and enabling it to offer advice proactively.
• Social Impact Assessments: The Commission is empowered to conduct and publish social impact assessments of government policies and legislation, at the request of a Minister of the Crown, or proactively.
• Increased Membership: The minimum number of Commission members is increased, requiring at least 7 other members in addition to existing members.
• Commencement: The Act comes into force two months after Royal Assent and applies to the whole of the United Kingdom.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify changes to government spending. The increased scope of the Commission's work may indirectly lead to increased operational costs, though the exact figures are not provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• The Social Justice Commission (formerly the Social Mobility Commission): The Commission will have a broadened mandate and increased responsibilities.
• Government Ministers: Ministers will be required to consider the Commission's advice and social impact assessments when formulating policies and legislation.
• People in England: The Bill's aim is to improve social justice, potentially benefiting disadvantaged groups by prompting the creation of more equitable policies and legislation.
• Parliament and Civil Servants: The Bill will increase the level of scrutiny applied to proposed policies and legislation.

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