Overview

This bill proposes significant reforms to the House of Lords, establishing an independent Appointments Commission to recommend life peerages, reducing the number of hereditary peers, and introducing provisions for permanent leave of absence and expulsion for serious criminal offences.

Description

The bill creates a nine-member Appointments Commission responsible for recommending life peerages to the Crown. The commission's membership will be balanced politically, with at least four independent members. It will establish criteria for peerages, prioritizing merit and the capacity to contribute to the Lords' work, while considering the diversity of the UK population. The Commission's criteria and guidelines will be subject to parliamentary scrutiny.

The bill also limits the number of hereditary peers allowed in the House of Lords to 92, with no replacements permitted upon death after the bill's implementation. It introduces provisions for permanent leave of absence, either by application or for extended absences. Members granted permanent leave will cease to be members of the House of Lords. Finally, the bill mandates the expulsion of members convicted of serious criminal offences carrying sentences of over a year. Those expelled, or granted permanent leave, are not disqualified from voting or standing for election to the House of Commons.

Government Spending

The bill's financial implications are not explicitly detailed in the provided text. The primary cost will likely be associated with the establishment and operation of the Appointments Commission, including member remuneration and administrative expenses. No figures are available.

Groups Affected

• Hereditary Peers: The number of hereditary peers in the House of Lords will be significantly reduced.
• Aspiring Peers: The process for becoming a life peer will be significantly altered, with applications now going through the new independent Appointments Commission.
• Political Parties: The bill will affect the representation of political parties in the House of Lords by establishing a requirement for a balanced representation.
• House of Lords Members: The bill introduces new rules regarding leave of absence and expulsion for serious criminal convictions.
• The Public: The bill aims to improve the legitimacy and efficiency of the House of Lords.

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