Overview

This bill aims to modernize the inheritance laws governing hereditary peerages and baronetcies in the UK, ensuring that titles pass to the eldest child regardless of gender. It also updates the eligibility criteria for hereditary members of the House of Lords.

Description

The bill makes two key changes:

1. Succession to Hereditary Peerages and Baronetcies: The bill allows holders of hereditary peerages and baronetcies, whose titles are currently limited to male heirs or give precedence to male heirs over elder female siblings, to petition the monarch to modify the remainder of their title to ensure it passes to the eldest child regardless of gender. This requires the petition to be signed by both the title holder and the current heir (if any).

2. Hereditary Peer By-elections: The bill amends the rules for hereditary peer by-elections to the House of Lords, stipulating that only those holding titles that pass to the eldest child, regardless of gender, will be eligible to stand.

The bill explicitly states it does not affect the succession to the Crown or any titles held by the Monarch.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to have a significant impact on government spending. The cost of implementing the changes would likely be minimal, relating primarily to administrative processes associated with handling petitions and updating relevant records.

Groups Affected

• Holders of hereditary peerages and baronetcies: Those with titles subject to male-only inheritance or male preference will be directly affected, having the option to petition for a change in succession.
• Heirs to hereditary peerages and baronetcies: Their inheritance prospects will be altered if a petition is successful.
• Hereditary peers seeking election to the House of Lords: The eligibility criteria for these elections will change.

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