Lords debates private members’ bills

These draft laws address:

• careers guidance in schools
• disqualification from holding office in local government
• taxi and privite hire vehicle safety
• creation of an Office for Demographic Change.

What is a private members' bill?  

A private members' bill is a type of public bill introduced by an individual member of the house rather than the government. Public bills affect everyone. Private members' bills must go through the same set of procedures as other public bills.  

Key debates on draft laws 

Second reading is the first opportunity for members of the Lords to debate the key principles and main purpose of a bill. Here members get the chance to raise any concerns or specific areas where they think amendments (changes) are needed. 

Four bills were debated at second reading:

Education (Careers Guidance in Schools) Bill

Introduced by Lord Lucas (Conservative), this bill seeks to extend the duty to provide careers guidance in schools and acandemies in England to year 7 students.

Find out more about the Education (Careers Guidance in Schools) Bill.

Read background on the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing 

Local Government (Disqualification) Bill

Introduced by Lord Udny-Lister (Labour), this bill would disqualify individuals subject to certain sexual offence legal orders from standing for election or holding office in local authorities.

Find out more about the Local Government (Disqualification) Bill.

Read background on the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing 

Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Bill

Introduced by Lord Borwick (Conservative), this bill would oblige taxi and private hire vehicle licensing authorities to submit information about refusals, suspensions and revocations of driver licences to a national database.

Find out more about the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Bill.

Read background on the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing 

Office for Demographic Change Bill

Introduced by Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts (Conservative), this bill would create an Office for Demographic Change with a remit to analyse the trends and impact of UK population change. 

Find out more about the Office for Demographic Change Bill.

Read background on the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing 

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Image: copyright House of Lords / photography by Roger Harris