Overview

This bill allows the establishment of joint departments between the House of Commons and the House of Lords, enabling more efficient resource management and streamlined operations. It outlines procedures for establishing, managing, and dissolving these joint departments, including provisions for staff transfers and the application of existing legislation.

Description

The Parliament (Joint Departments) Bill establishes a framework for creating shared administrative departments between the two houses of Parliament. Key aspects include:

Joint Department Establishment and Management:

The Corporate Officers (the senior administrative officials of both Houses) can create, restructure, or dissolve joint departments. These departments will handle functions allocated to them by the Corporate Officers. The Corporate Officers have broad powers regarding property, contracts, and any actions reasonably necessary for their duties. Any decisions affecting the overall character of the joint departments’ services require joint action by the Corporate Officers, subject to approval from the respective House Commissions/Committees.

Staffing and Employment:

Staff are employed under contracts with the Corporate Officers. The bill mandates that pay and other employment conditions, including pensions, should be broadly aligned with the Home Civil Service. Existing staff pension schemes will remain unaffected unless explicitly transferred to the main Civil Service Pension Scheme.

Staff Transfers:

A detailed schedule addresses staff transfers during the establishment and dissolution of joint departments, ensuring protection of employment rights under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006. It covers scenarios where functions are transferred to or from joint departments, detailing how staff are to be treated for employment purposes.

Application of Existing Law:

The bill clarifies that existing legislation applicable to either House will apply equally to joint departments, ensuring consistent legal treatment.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify any changes to UK government spending. The impact will depend on the efficiency gains from shared services, as well as any costs associated with restructuring and establishing new departments. No figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• House of Commons Staff: Potential for job changes, transfers, and altered employment conditions (pay, benefits).
• House of Lords Staff: Similar potential for job changes, transfers, and altered employment conditions (pay, benefits).
• Corporate Officers of both Houses: Increased responsibilities in establishing and managing joint departments.
• House of Commons Commission and House of Lords Committees: Involved in approving key decisions concerning joint departments.

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