Lords private members' bills
8 July 2013
The House of Lords had its first chance to debate the key principles and purpose of two private members' bills on Friday 5 July, covering the extension of the franchise for members of the Lords and the distribution of printed material for live entertainment events.
A private member's bill is a type of public bill (that affects the public). Private members' bills must go through the same set of procedures as other public bills. These two private members' bills were first introduced in the House of Lords.
Extension of Franchise (House of Lords) Bill [HL] 2013-14
This bill will enable a member of the House of Lords to vote at elections to the House of Commons. Members who opposed the bill suggested that Lords do not need be represented as they are already a part of Parliament, supporters of the bill stated that the Lords is the only second chamber in the world where the members can’t vote in general elections.
Find out more about the Extension of Franchise (House of Lords) Bill [HL] 2013-14.
Cultural and Community Distribution Deregulation Bill [HL] 2013-14
This bill will amend the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to lift leafleting restrictions for small scale events. Members spoke of how this will help grass-roots events which can struggle to afford to pay for flyer licenses.
Find out more about the Cultural and Community Distribution Deregulation Bill [HL] 2013-14.