Preliminary Stages: Private Bills
Private Bills are brought in after a petition by the person or organisation who wants the Bill. Private Bills are drafted by specialist Parliamentary Agents, on behalf of the Bill's promoters.
Copies of the Bill must be deposited with various interested authorities and made available to MPs and Lords. A copy of the Bill must also be deposited in the Private Bill Office of the House of Commons and the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments in the House of Lords by 27 November.
Parliament must publicise each Private Bill, so that anyone directly and specifically affected by the Bill can consider whether they want to object to all or part of the Bill.
Parliamentary Agents
Roll A
Roll A agents can promote and oppose private Bills and are professional specialists whose expertise in bill procedure has been duly recognised
In November 2017 the Private Business Standing Orders abolished the requirements for Roll B agents. This change means that anyone may now represent a petitioner but the petitioner must inform the office of the name of the person who is to act on their behalf.Where can I read Private Bills?
Once a Private Bill has been deposited, you can read the full text online:
Objecting to a Private Bill
If a person or organisation objects to a Private Bill, they can petition against it. The petition must be written in line with the rules of the House. For information on how to petition against a Private Bill, contact the Private Bill Offices.