Overview

This bill mandates the Secretary of State to produce a report investigating the potential impacts of permanently shifting the UK's clocks forward by one hour. The report will inform a potential three-year trial of this change, with the possibility of permanent adoption thereafter.

Description

The Daylight Saving Bill requires the Secretary of State to create a report assessing the economic and social benefits and costs of permanently switching to British Summer Time. An Independent Oversight Group will advise on this report which must be published within 12-18 months. The bill then allows the Secretary of State to implement a three-year trial of a one-hour time shift, subject to parliamentary approval. This trial can be extended or abandoned, and ultimately made permanent, through further parliamentary votes. The Secretary of State must consult with devolved administrations throughout the process.

Key Stages:

• Report creation and publication.
• Three-year trial period (potentially extendable).
• Parliamentary approval at each stage.
• Option for permanent change.

Government Spending

The bill will incur government expenditure to fund the Independent Oversight Group's activities and the monitoring of the trial's effects. Specific financial figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• The Public: Will experience a change to the daily schedule during the trial period, potentially impacting work, sleep patterns, and other daily routines. The long-term effects are uncertain.
• Businesses: May experience operational adjustments during the trial period, depending on the nature of their business. Some could benefit from altered daylight hours, while others may experience challenges.
• Devolved Administrations (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland): Will be consulted throughout the process and must agree to any permanent change.
• Parliament: Will have to approve several stages of the bill.

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