Ministry for Poverty Prevention Bill [HL]

Official Summary

A Bill to make provision for establishing a new government Ministry, the Ministry for Poverty Prevention; to make provision for the objectives and powers of that Ministry; to make provision that the Ministry can only be abolished or combined with another department by an Act of Parliament; to make provision for reporting requirements on the Ministry’s work; to make provision for a power to create binding poverty reduction targets; and for connected purposes.

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Overview

This bill proposes the creation of a new government department, the Ministry for Poverty Prevention, with the power to set binding poverty reduction targets. The bill ensures the Ministry can only be abolished or merged with another department through a separate Act of Parliament, and mandates regular reporting to Parliament on progress towards poverty reduction goals.

Description

The bill mandates the Prime Minister to establish the Ministry for Poverty Prevention within six months of the bill's passage. This Ministry will have specific objectives and reporting requirements, defined by an Order in Council.

Crucially, the bill prevents the Ministry from being abolished or merged with another government department except through a new Act of Parliament, ensuring its long-term existence.

Poverty Reduction Targets

The Secretary of State for the Ministry must set binding poverty reduction targets annually, defined by regulations approved by both Houses of Parliament. These regulations must specify timeframes and metrics for measuring progress towards the targets. Annual reports on compliance with these targets must be submitted to Parliament.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify the amount of government spending allocated to the new Ministry. The financial implications will depend on the staffing, resources, and initiatives undertaken by the Ministry for Poverty Prevention. The cost will be detailed in subsequent government budget proposals.

Groups Affected

People living in poverty: Potentially significant positive impact through the development and implementation of targeted poverty reduction strategies.
Government Departments: Potential impact on the work and responsibilities of existing departments, depending on the Ministry's specific powers and remit.
Parliament: Increased parliamentary scrutiny due to the reporting requirements on poverty reduction targets.
Civil Servants: Creation of new jobs within the Ministry, as well as potential impacts on staffing in other relevant departments.

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