Overview

This Constitutional Reform Bill proposes significant changes to the UK's political landscape. Key proposals include withdrawing from the European Union, repealing the Human Rights Act, introducing binding referendums at national and local levels, requiring parliamentary approval for international treaties and military action, reforming the House of Lords, devolving power to local authorities, and implementing other reforms to Parliament's structure and operation.

Description

International Matters:

The bill repeals the European Communities Act 1972, effectively taking the UK out of the European Union. It also repeals the Human Rights Act 1998. Parliamentary approval will be required before the government can enter into international treaties or declare war, with limited exceptions for emergency situations.

United Kingdom Parliament:

The bill aims to fix the number of parliamentary constituencies in the UK to around 250. It sets a fixed five-year term for general elections, beginning in May 2010, and limits the number of sitting days in the House of Commons. MPs' salaries would be £30,000 with a £170,000 expenses allowance. A referendum on House of Lords reform is mandated within seven years.

Regional and Local Democracy:

The bill significantly increases local authority powers, allowing them to legislate on all matters except those designated as "national reserved matters" (e.g., national treasury, defence, foreign affairs). Local referendums will be binding on local authorities. A review of public bodies is also planned to transfer functions to local authorities where appropriate.

Legislation:

The bill promotes legislation consolidation and simplification and sets a five-year expiry date for all future Acts of Parliament.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is complex. While it proposes a fixed salary and expenses for MPs, the increased power of local authorities could lead to altered distribution of funds and increased local taxation, and the potential abolishment of some public bodies might result in savings or additional costs depending on the specifics of the reorganizations.

Groups Affected

Citizens: Will have a direct impact through binding referendums, changes in local government power and services, and potential changes to human rights legislation.

Members of Parliament (MPs): Their salaries and expenses will be set by this bill, alongside their powers and the process of the Parliament.

Local Authorities: Will gain considerable legislative and executive power.

Public Bodies: Subject to review and potential abolition or transfer of functions to local authorities.

Courts: Will no longer be bound by EU law.

Businesses: Likely to be affected by changes in local regulations and the removal of the Human Rights Act.

Powered by nyModel