Overview

This bill allows the creation of joint departments within the UK Parliament, enabling the Houses of Commons and Lords to share resources and staff more efficiently. It outlines the process for establishing, managing, and dissolving these joint departments, addressing staff transfers, pay, pensions, and the application of existing parliamentary legislation.

Description

The Parliament (Joint Departments) Bill establishes a framework for joint departments encompassing both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Joint Department Establishment and Management:

The Corporate Officers (the top administrative officials of each House) can create, restructure, or abolish joint departments. These departments will perform functions assigned by the Corporate Officers and have broad powers, including managing property and entering into contracts. The Corporate Officers must act jointly in most decisions, but require approval from their respective Houses (Commons Commission and House of Lords) for significant changes.

Staffing and Employment:

Staff in joint departments will be employed under contracts with the Corporate Officers. Their pay and conditions of service will aim to align with the Home Civil Service, while pension schemes will ideally mirror the principal Civil Service Pension Scheme.

Staff Transfers:

The bill includes a schedule detailing the transfer of staff between existing House departments and new joint departments, ensuring their employment rights are protected under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006.

Enactment Application:

Existing legislation applicable to staff employed by either House will apply similarly to staff in joint departments, and actions of joint departments are considered actions of both Houses.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The potential impact on government spending is indirect and depends on the specific implementation of joint departments and subsequent cost savings or increased efficiency. Savings could potentially result from shared resources and administration.

Groups Affected

Groups potentially affected include:

• Parliamentary staff: Staff may be transferred to joint departments, potentially impacting their employment conditions, pay, and pensions (although efforts are made to maintain parity with the Home Civil Service).
• House of Commons and House of Lords administration: Administrative processes will be altered to accommodate the new joint departments.
• Members of Parliament: The efficiency and effectiveness of parliamentary operations may be impacted by the creation of joint departments.

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