Overview

This bill proposes the creation of a commission to regularly assess the economic, security, and constitutional costs and benefits of the UK's membership in the European Union. The commission will report its findings to Parliament every five years, prompting government response and debate.

Description

The bill establishes the EU Membership Audit Commission ("the Commission"), a seven-member body appointed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The appointments must strive for a balance of pro- and anti-EU viewpoints, with a neutral chair and members free from prior EU employment or parliament membership.

Commission's Role

The Commission's role is to examine the costs and benefits of UK EU membership, considering impacts on the UK's economy (including public spending and revenue directly related to membership), national security and defense, and constitutional arrangements.

Reporting and Parliamentary Process

The Commission must report to the Chancellor within 12 months of its appointment, and subsequently every five years. The Chancellor will share this report with the National Audit Office, obtain the Comptroller and Auditor General's views, and present the reports to Parliament. A government minister will then make a statement in Parliament on the report's contents.

Funding

The Treasury will provide administrative and other support to the Commission, including remuneration for its members. All expenses will be covered by Parliament.

Government Spending

The bill will incur costs associated with establishing and operating the Commission, including member salaries, administrative support, and the production and distribution of reports. Specific figures are not provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

The bill will affect:

• The UK Government: Responsible for appointing the Commission, providing funding, and responding to its reports.
• The Commission Members: Will receive remuneration and be responsible for conducting the audit and preparing the report.
• Parliament: Will receive and debate the Commission's reports and the government's response.
• The Public: Will have access to the Commission's reports and influence public debate on EU membership.
• National Audit Office and Comptroller and Auditor General: Will review the Commission's report and provide their assessment to Parliament.

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