Lords debates use of delegated powers
7 January 2022
Members of the Lords debated the increasing numbers of skeleton bills and the associated use of delegated powers on Thursday 6 January.
Debate
Baroness Cavendish of Little Venice (Crossbench), trustee of the Policy Exchange, put forward the debate.
Delegated powers
This refers to Secondary legislation, laws created by ministers (or other bodies) under powers given to them by an Act of Parliament.
The House of Lords has two committees which look at secondary legislation in detail, bringing any issues of concern to the attention of the House:
Both committees have recently published reports expressing their concerns on the increased use of these powers.
This was a general debate. During debates, members put their experience to good use to discuss current issues and draw the government's attention to concerns.
Members speaking
Members speaking included:
- Lord Blencathra (Conservative), chair, Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee
- Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts (Crossbench), chair, SLSC
- Lord Rooker (Labour), member, SLSC Sub-Commitee B
- Baroness Thomas of Winchester (Liberal Democrats), member of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills.
Lord True (Conservative), Minister of State at the Cabinet Office, responded on behalf of the government.
Get involved
Watch and read the debate
Catch up on Parliament TV or read the Lords Hansard transcript.
Explore background information
Find out more about the issues the debate covers in the House of Lords Library briefing.
Learn more about how the House of Lords checks and challenges government.
Listen to Lord Blencathra and Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbots talk about the government’s use of secondary legislation on the House of Lords Podcast.
Image: Roger Harris