Overview

This bill, the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill, originally aimed to establish fixed five-year parliamentary terms. However, amendments introduced in Parliament have altered its core functionality and introduced a sunset clause and review process.

Description

The initial bill intended to mandate five-year parliamentary terms, unless specific conditions were met, triggering an early election. Amendments however, have introduced a sunset clause, meaning the act's key provisions will only operate until the first meeting of Parliament after the next general election. Further, Parliament can choose to reinstate the provisions for its duration if both the House of Commons and the House of Lords agree by resolution. Finally, a committee will review the bill's operation and make recommendations on its repeal or amendment by June 2020 - November 2020.

Government Spending

The bill itself doesn't directly allocate or significantly affect government spending. The cost of the review committee will depend on its composition and operation but is not detailed in the bill text provided.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Parliamentarians: The bill dictates the length of parliamentary terms and procedures surrounding early elections.
• The Prime Minister: The Prime Minister has responsibility for setting up the review committee.
• Voters: The bill, in its amended form, maintains some uncertainty surrounding the fixed-term element of parliamentary life and, indirectly, potentially impacts the timing of general elections.
• The Review Committee: This newly formed body will have a significant influence on the future of the bill.

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