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. These include tax exemptions, inviolability of premises and archives, and immunity from legal processes, subject to certain exceptions and parliamentary oversight.

Description

The bill establishes the CPA as a body corporate, granting it the legal capacity to act as a single entity. Key aspects include:

• Tax exemptions and relief: The CPA will receive tax exemptions and reliefs similar to those afforded to charities.
• Inviolability of premises and archives: The CPA's premises and archives will be protected to a similar extent as diplomatic missions, as defined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
• Immunity from legal processes: The CPA will have immunity from most legal processes affecting its property, with exceptions for accidents involving vehicles it operates.
• Secretary-General's privileges: The Secretary-General will also receive similar tax exemptions and inviolability of official documents, unless a British citizen.
• Waiver of privileges: The CPA can waive any of these privileges or immunities.
• Orders in Council: Specific details regarding tax exemptions, the extent of privileges, and circumstances of application will be determined by Orders in Council, subject to parliamentary approval.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly increase or decrease government spending. The impact will primarily relate to potential loss of tax revenue, offset by the CPA's activities supporting parliamentary development and cooperation within the Commonwealth.

Groups Affected

• Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA): The CPA will benefit from increased legal standing and protection.
• Secretary-General of the CPA: The Secretary-General will enjoy increased protection and immunities, unless a British citizen.
• UK Tax Authorities: Potential loss of tax revenue from exemptions granted to the CPA.
• Individuals or entities involved in legal disputes with the CPA: Their ability to pursue legal action against the CPA will be limited.
• UK Parliament: Parliament retains significant oversight via the approval process for Orders in Council.

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