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 of members for serious criminal offences.

Description

Appointments Commission: A nine-member commission will be created to recommend life peerages to the Crown. The commission's members will be nominated by the Speakers of both Houses of Parliament and must meet specific criteria regarding political independence and experience (at least four independent members, at least four Privy Counsellors). The commission will establish its own rules and procedures, subject to parliamentary oversight, and will operate according to principles that ensure a balanced and diverse House of Lords, with a target of at least 20% independent members. The commission will also be responsible for setting criteria for nominees, which will be subject to parliamentary approval.

Hereditary Peers: The number of hereditary peers allowed in the House of Lords will be permanently capped at 92. No further hereditary peerages will be created to fill vacancies.

Permanent Leave of Absence: Members can apply for permanent leave of absence from the House of Lords. Additionally, members who fail to attend for more than three months of a session will be deemed to have taken permanent leave. Permanent leave results in loss of membership.

Expulsion for Criminal Offences: Members convicted of serious criminal offences (resulting in a sentence of more than one year's imprisonment) will be automatically expelled from the House of Lords.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify any government spending figures. The main cost will likely be associated with establishing and running the Appointments Commission and related administrative tasks. No precise figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Hereditary Peers: A significant reduction in their numbers within the House of Lords.
• Aspiring Peers: The process for becoming a life peer will be significantly altered and will now be subject to the recommendations of the independent Appointments Commission.
• Political Parties: Their influence on the composition of the House of Lords will be reduced, due to the increased emphasis on independent members.
• House of Lords Members: The bill introduces new grounds for leaving the House (permanent leave, criminal conviction) and changes to the overall composition of the House.
• The Public: The bill aims to increase the diversity and independence of the House of Lords, potentially leading to changes in legislative processes.

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