Documents to download

The briefing describes:

  •  what the usual channels are and who is part of them;
  • the responsibilities of the different office holders in the House;
  • the role of the domestic committees and what they do; and
  • how the House administration works and who does what.

It also provides a brief history of changes to the governance and administration of the House of Lords.

This briefing also covers:

  • the principal legislation related to the governance and administration of the House;
  • the key reviews that have taken place about how the House is run; and
  • how the House is funded.

Documents to download

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