Private Bills in the Lords
20 October 2010
On 19 October members of the Lords debated a series of Private Bills which would give new powers to four local authorities relating to street trading and consumer protection.
Lord Bilston (Labour/Co-operative) introduced the debate and other Members participating included Lord Lucas (Conservative), Lord Graham of Edmonton (Labour/Co-operative) and Lord Tope (Liberal Democrat).
The Private Bills discussed were:
- Leeds City Council Bill
- Reading Borough Council Bill
- Canterbury City Council Bill
- Nottingham City Council Bill
Further Information
Private Bills are usually promoted by organisations, like local authorities or private companies, to give themselves powers beyond, or in conflict with, the general law. Private Bills only change the law as it applies to specific individuals or organisations, rather than the general public. Groups or individuals potentially affected by these changes can petition Parliament against the proposed Bill and present their objections to committees of MPs and members of the Lords.