This Library Note provides background information on the Private Member’s Bills introduced by Lord Steel of Aikwood containing proposals to reform the membership of the House of Lords.
Lord Steel of Aikwood's Private Member's Bills on House of Lords Reform (423 KB , PDF)
This Library Note provides background information on the Private Member’s Bills introduced by Lord Steel of Aikwood containing proposals to reform the membership of the House of Lords. These have included provisions to: establish a statutory appointments commission; bring an end to hereditary Peerage by-elections; make provision for permanent leave of absence; and exclude members in specified circumstances.
Lord Steel of Aikwood's Private Member's Bills on House of Lords Reform (423 KB , PDF)
Under the provisions of the House of Lords Act 1999, 92 ‘excepted’ hereditary peers can sit in the House of Lords. The House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill would remove this exemption and also abolish the jurisdiction of the House of Lords in hereditary peerage claims.
The House of Lords Appointments Commission (HOLAC) vets nominations to the House and recommends non-party political members. While its advice is usually followed, it is not a statutory body and the prime minister can choose to disregard its advice. This briefing provides an overview of the role and powers of the commission and summarises recent debates concerning its reform.
Ministers are needed in the House of Lords to take legislation through the House and answer for the government during questions and debates. Some cabinet ministers are appointed from the Lords. For example, the leader of the House of Lords is always a member of the Lords. This briefing looks at the role of ministers in the House of Lords and how they are scrutinised.
