Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (Status) (No. 2) Bill

Official Summary

A Bill to provide for corporate status of and for certain privileges and immunities to be accorded to the international inter-parliamentary organisation of national and sub-national legislatures of Commonwealth countries known as the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and to its Secretary-General; and for connected purposes.

Summary powered by AnyModel

Overview

This bill grants the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and its Secretary-General corporate status and various privileges and immunities similar to those enjoyed by diplomatic missions. This aims to enhance the CPA's operational effectiveness and international standing.

Description

The bill establishes the CPA as a body corporate, granting it legal capacity. It provides for:

Tax exemptions and reliefs: The CPA will receive tax benefits similar to those given to charitable organisations.
Inviolability of archives and premises: Similar to diplomatic missions, the CPA's official archives and premises will be protected from intrusion.
Immunity from legal processes: The CPA's assets will be protected from legal constraints, except in cases of court-ordered action or vehicle accidents.
Privileges and immunities for the Secretary-General: The Secretary-General receives tax exemptions, inviolability of official documents (unless a British citizen), and immunity from legal processes for official actions.
Waiver of privileges: The CPA can waive any privilege or immunity granted under the Act.
Orders in Council: Orders in Council will specify the details of tax exemptions, the extent of privileges and immunities, and will be subject to parliamentary approval.

Government Spending

The bill is expected to reduce government revenue due to tax exemptions granted to the CPA and its Secretary-General. However, precise figures are not provided in the bill text itself and would need to be estimated based on the future Orders in Council specifying the extent of the exemptions.

Groups Affected

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA): Benefits from legal status, tax exemptions, inviolability, and immunity from legal processes.
Secretary-General of the CPA: Receives similar privileges and immunities, though potentially not if a British citizen.
UK Government: Experiences a reduction in tax revenue.
UK Courts: Limited jurisdiction over the CPA's assets and the Secretary-General's actions related to official duties.

Full Text

DISCLAIMER: AI technology is not 100% accurate and summaries may contain errors, use at your own risk. Munro Research holds the copyright for all summaries found this website. Reproduction for non-commercial purposes is permitted but must be displayed alongside a link to this website. Contact info@munro-research to license commercially.