The constitution by topic
Constitution includes the following topic areas. Please click the links to access lists of publications by topic:
Devolution
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Debate on proposals for a written constitution
The UK is one of the few democratic countries that does not have a codified constitution. Instead, the UK has a set of constitutional arrangements contained in various statutes, judicial decisions, conventions and precedents. The prime minister, Andy Burnham, has said his devolution agenda strengthens the case for a written constitution. This briefing summarises some of the arguments that have been made for and against a written constitution.
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House of Lords (Alternative Second Chamber) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 11 of 2026–27
The House of Lords (Alternative Second Chamber Bill) [HL] is a private member’s bill introduced by Baroness Smith of Llanfaes (Plaid Cymru). It would require the secretary of state to carry out a consultation regarding proposals for replacing the House of Lords with an alternative second chamber. The bill specifies whom the secretary of state would be required to consult with and the timeframe of that consultation.
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Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (Restoration of Powers and Responsibilities) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 20 of 2026–27
The bill would make the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB) primarily responsible for certain youth justice functions, provide a formal role for the Welsh government in some youth justice decisions, and restrict the UK government’s ability to alter the YJB’s functions through secondary legislation.
Elections
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Local government: Democratic accountability, citizen participation and electoral reform
The House of Lords is due to debate democratic accountability, citizen participation and electoral reform in local government. This briefing examines local government in England, including government plans for further devolution, arrangements for local audit and scrutiny, and how citizens participate in local decision-making. It also considers voting systems for council and mayoral elections and proposals for electoral reform.
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Representation of the People Bill: HL Bill 47 of 2026–27
The bill is a government bill that would make a range of changes to the legal framework concerning elections, including extending the franchise for UK parliamentary elections and other reserved elections to 16- and 17-year-olds. The bill was amended during both its committee and report stages in the House of Commons, with many of the government’s later amendments implementing recommendations from the Rycroft review on countering foreign financial influence and interference in UK politics.
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Political party finance and the Electoral Commission: Regulatory powers and proposed changes
The Electoral Commission is the regulator for political party funding in the UK. Through the Representation of the People Bill, the government is seeking to expand the commission’s civil sanctions remit and increase the fines it can impose.
Government
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Debate on proposals for a written constitution
The UK is one of the few democratic countries that does not have a codified constitution. Instead, the UK has a set of constitutional arrangements contained in various statutes, judicial decisions, conventions and precedents. The prime minister, Andy Burnham, has said his devolution agenda strengthens the case for a written constitution. This briefing summarises some of the arguments that have been made for and against a written constitution.
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Sovereign Grant Bill: HL Bill 54 of 2026–27
The Sovereign Grant Bill is a government bill which would amend how the sovereign grant is set. This is a grant paid to the King to support the work of the sovereign. The bill would enable the size of the sovereign grant to be reduced following the completion of a 10-year works project on Buckingham Palace. The bill received cross-party support and was not amended in the House of Commons.
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Empty homes in England and Wales
Stakeholders have argued that each empty home removes a property from the housing market at a time of unaffordable rents, rising homelessness, record levels of temporary accommodation use and long waits for social housing. A group of industry stakeholders have called on the government to produce a national empty homes strategy aimed at bringing such properties back into use.
Local government
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Malvern Hills Bill [HL] Committee: Special report
The House of Lords is due to debate a select committee report on the Malvern Hills Bill [HL] on 29 October 2026. This private bill, introduced in the 2024–26 session, would consolidate the law governing the Malvern Hills Trust and make some changes to the trust’s governance and powers. Following a high number of petitions against the bill, the committee made some amendments. The bill cannot progress this session unless both Houses agree to revive it.
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Local government: Democratic accountability, citizen participation and electoral reform
The House of Lords is due to debate democratic accountability, citizen participation and electoral reform in local government. This briefing examines local government in England, including government plans for further devolution, arrangements for local audit and scrutiny, and how citizens participate in local decision-making. It also considers voting systems for council and mayoral elections and proposals for electoral reform.
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Empty homes in England and Wales
Stakeholders have argued that each empty home removes a property from the housing market at a time of unaffordable rents, rising homelessness, record levels of temporary accommodation use and long waits for social housing. A group of industry stakeholders have called on the government to produce a national empty homes strategy aimed at bringing such properties back into use.
Parliament
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Debate on proposals for a written constitution
The UK is one of the few democratic countries that does not have a codified constitution. Instead, the UK has a set of constitutional arrangements contained in various statutes, judicial decisions, conventions and precedents. The prime minister, Andy Burnham, has said his devolution agenda strengthens the case for a written constitution. This briefing summarises some of the arguments that have been made for and against a written constitution.
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House of Lords (Alternative Second Chamber) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 11 of 2026–27
The House of Lords (Alternative Second Chamber Bill) [HL] is a private member’s bill introduced by Baroness Smith of Llanfaes (Plaid Cymru). It would require the secretary of state to carry out a consultation regarding proposals for replacing the House of Lords with an alternative second chamber. The bill specifies whom the secretary of state would be required to consult with and the timeframe of that consultation.
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Consultation on sitting times: House of Lords Procedure and Privileges Committee
In September 2026, the House of Lords Procedure and Privileges Committee announced a consultation on the sitting times of the House of Lords. It is asking members for their views on earlier start and finish times on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This briefing has been produced to support a debate on the subject.
