Overview

This bill concerns the review and redrawing of parliamentary constituency boundaries in the United Kingdom. The House of Lords proposed several amendments to the original bill, primarily focusing on the timing of reviews, the composition and appointment of Boundary Commissions, and the accuracy of electoral registers. The House of Commons rejected all these amendments.

Description

The main bill sets the timetable for future reviews of parliamentary constituency boundaries. The House of Lords sought to extend the review period to 10 years (from the original 8 years proposed in the Commons). The Commons rejected this amendment, maintaining the 8-year cycle.

Boundary Commission Appointments

The Lords proposed changes to the composition and appointment process of the Boundary Commissions, suggesting that the Lord Chief Justice should replace the Lord Chancellor in appointing members and that a selection panel should oversee the appointments process. The Commons rejected these proposals, maintaining the existing system.

Electorate Per Constituency

The Lords suggested altering the permitted variation in the size of constituencies' electorates. The Commons rejected these proposed changes, stating that current legislation is sufficient.

Electoral Register Completeness

The Lords proposed that the Secretary of State should introduce measures to improve the completeness of electoral registers for boundary review purposes. The Commons disagreed, stating that sufficient action was already being taken.

Government Spending

The bill itself does not directly specify new government spending. However, the implementation of boundary reviews, including the work of the Boundary Commissions, and any potential improvements to electoral register accuracy, may involve associated administrative costs for the government. No specific figures are provided in the given text.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Political Parties: The redrawing of constituency boundaries can impact the electoral prospects of different parties.
• Voters: Changes to constituency boundaries may alter their representation and the candidates they can vote for.
• Members of Parliament (MPs): Boundary changes can affect the constituencies they represent, potentially leading to shifts in political landscape.
• Boundary Commissions: The amendments to the bill proposed changes to the composition and appointment process of the commissions.
• The Electoral Commission: Any improvement in electoral register accuracy, if implemented, would be relevant to the commission.

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