Overview

This bill amends the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 to increase parliamentary scrutiny of health protection regulations made by the government. It aims to ensure that such regulations are subject to greater parliamentary oversight and are demonstrably proportionate.

Description

The bill makes two key changes: Firstly, it requires the government to provide a statement to Parliament demonstrating the proportionality of any new health protection regulations, supported by a regulatory impact assessment. Secondly, it strengthens the parliamentary process for approving these regulations, requiring a draft of the regulations to be laid before Parliament for at least 20 sitting days for debate and approval before they can be enacted. This approval process requires both Houses of Parliament to agree to the regulations, or any modifications proposed, before they become law.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to directly increase or decrease government spending. The cost of conducting regulatory impact assessments and the parliamentary process will be absorbed within existing departmental budgets. No specific figures are provided in the bill.

Groups Affected

• Parliament: The bill grants Parliament greater oversight and control over health protection regulations.
• Government (Ministers): The bill places a greater burden on government to justify regulations and engage with Parliament more thoroughly.
• Public: The bill could lead to more robust and proportionate health protection measures, impacting individuals' rights and freedoms.

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