Overview

This bill proposes the creation of a commission to regularly audit the economic, security, and constitutional costs and benefits of the UK's membership in the European Union. The commission will report its findings to Parliament every five years.

Description

The European Union (Audit of Benefits and Costs of UK Membership) Bill mandates the Chancellor of the Exchequer to establish the EU Membership Audit Commission ("the Commission"). This seven-member commission will be balanced to include views both for and against EU membership and will be chaired by someone deemed broadly neutral. The Commission's mandate is to examine the costs and benefits of UK EU membership across three key areas: the economy (including public spending and receipts directly related to membership), national security and defence, and constitutional arrangements.

The Commission is required to submit a report to the Chancellor within 12 months of its appointment, followed by further reports every five years thereafter. The Chancellor will then share this report with the National Audit Office, seeking the Comptroller and Auditor General's opinion. Both reports will be presented to Parliament, followed by a government statement on the findings.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred by the Treasury in establishing and supporting the Commission will be met from money provided by Parliament. No specific figures are given.

Groups Affected

This bill will affect:

• The UK Government: Responsible for establishing and funding the commission, responding to its reports.
• The Chancellor of the Exchequer: Responsible for appointing the commission and receiving and responding to its reports.
• The EU Membership Audit Commission: Responsible for conducting the audits and preparing reports.
• The National Audit Office and Comptroller and Auditor General: Will review the commission's report.
• Parliament: Will receive the reports and debate their findings.
• The Public: Will be impacted by the policy decisions made in response to the Commission's findings.

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