Overview

This Constitutional Reform Bill proposes sweeping changes to the UK's governance, including withdrawing from the European Union, repealing the Human Rights Act, increasing the power of local authorities, and introducing binding referendums at both national and local levels. It also seeks to reform the House of Lords and regulate parliamentary procedures.

Description

This bill significantly alters the UK's constitutional landscape. Key aspects include:

International Relations:

• Withdrawal from the EU: Repeals the European Communities Act 1972, effectively leaving the European Union.
• Human Rights: Repeals the Human Rights Act 1998.
• Treaties and Military Action: Requires parliamentary approval for international treaties and military engagements (except for immediate actions to protect national security).

Parliamentary Reform:

• House of Commons: Limits the number of constituencies, establishes fixed-term elections (starting May 6th, 2010), restricts sitting days to 100 per year, and sets MP salaries and expenses (£30,000 salary, £170,000 expenses limit).
• House of Lords: Mandates a referendum on House of Lords reform within seven years.

Devolution and Local Government:

• Local Authority Powers: Grants significant legislative power to local authorities, allowing them to make laws ("Local Authority Acts") on non-reserved matters (e.g., national treasury, defence, foreign affairs are reserved).
• Referendums: Introduces binding national and local referendums, triggered either by government decision or qualifying petitions (signed by at least 1/60th of registered voters).
• Public Body Review: Requires a review of public bodies, transferring local functions to local authorities and potentially abolishing some.

Legislation:

• Consolidation and Expiry: Requires legislative consolidation and sets a five-year expiry date for all Acts passed after this bill's enactment.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is unclear, though it will necessitate funding for national and local referendums. The proposed changes to local authority funding, with local authorities submitting funding bids to the Treasury, could result in significant shifts in resource allocation. MP expenses will be capped at £170,000, but the long-term cost implications are not explicitly stated.

Groups Affected

• Citizens: Affected by changes to human rights protections, the devolution of power to local authorities, and the introduction of binding referendums. This could impact access to services and influence on policy.
• Local Authorities: Gain significant new powers and responsibilities, impacting their budgets, administrative burdens, and relationships with central government.
• Members of Parliament: Face changes to salaries, expenses, and the length and structure of parliamentary sessions.
• Public Bodies: Subject to a review that may lead to the transfer of their functions or their abolition.
• The Judiciary: The repeal of the European Communities Act would remove the ability of UK courts to consider EU law.
• Businesses: Potentially affected by changes in local regulations and government policy as a consequence of the increased power of local authorities.

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