Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010

Official Summary

A Bill to make provision relating to the civil service of the State; to make provision relating to the ratification of treaties; to amend section 2 of the House of Lords Act 1999 and make provision relating to the removal, suspension and resignation of members of the House of Lords; to repeal sections 132 to 138 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 and to amend Part 2 of the Public Order Act 1986; to make provision relating to time limits for human rights claims against devolved administrations; to make provision relating to judges and similar office holders; to make provision relating to the Comptroller and Auditor General and to establish a body corporate called the National Audit Office; to amend the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 and to make corresponding provision in relation to Wales.

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Overview

The Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 reformed aspects of the UK's governance, including the civil service, treaty ratification, parliamentary standards, MPs' and peers' tax status, and public records and freedom of information.

Description

Civil Service Reform

The Act established the Civil Service Commission, responsible for overseeing appointments based on merit and fair competition, and setting codes of conduct for civil servants, including special advisors.

Treaty Ratification

The Act introduced a requirement for treaties to be laid before Parliament for a minimum period before ratification, allowing for scrutiny. Exceptions were made for urgent cases or specific treaty types.

Parliamentary Standards

Amendments to the Parliamentary Standards Act 2009 strengthened transparency and accountability, introducing a Compliance Officer to investigate allegations of misconduct and new processes for addressing MPs' allowances and salaries.

Tax Status of MPs and Peers

The Act clarified the tax residency status of MPs and members of the House of Lords, ensuring they are treated as UK residents for tax purposes.

Public Records and Freedom of Information

The Act reduced the time period before public records become accessible under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, and amended various provisions relating to Public Records Act 1958.

Government Spending

The Act's impact on government spending is not explicitly stated with figures in the provided text. However, changes to MPs' salaries and allowances, as well as the establishment of the Civil Service Commission, likely resulted in both increased and potentially reallocated expenditure. The cost of implementing the new requirements for treaty ratification and public records management would also add to government spending.

Groups Affected

Civil Servants: Subject to new codes of conduct and appointment processes.
Special Advisers: Subject to stricter codes of conduct and limitations on their powers.
MPs: Affected by changes to salary determination, allowances, and disciplinary processes. Increased transparency regarding their financial affairs.
Members of the House of Lords: Affected by changes to their tax residency status.
Government Departments: Required to provide increased transparency regarding financial reporting.
Public: Greater access to public records under the Freedom of Information Act.

Full Text

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