Members of the House of Lords could face new attendance rules under proposed changes, with a committee recommending a 20% attendance record and retirement at 80. The proposals, which aim to reform the upper chamber, would also see peers who fail to meet the attendance threshold stripped of their titles and allowances.
The House of Lords Reform Committee's report suggests that the current system, which allows peers to attend as little as 2% of the time, is 'unacceptable' and that a more rigorous attendance record is needed to ensure the chamber remains effective.
Under the proposed changes, peers who fail to meet the 20% attendance threshold would be stripped of their titles and allowances, and would also be unable to take part in debates or vote on legislation.
The committee's report also recommends that peers should be required to retire at 80, rather than the current age of 75, to ensure that the chamber remains representative of the country's population.
House of Lords Reform
The proposals are part of a wider effort to reform the House of Lords, which has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability. The committee's report suggests that the current system is unfit for purpose and that a more robust attendance record is needed to ensure the chamber remains effective.
The proposed changes would also see the introduction of a new system of peerage, which would see peers appointed for a fixed term rather than for life. This would allow for a more diverse and representative chamber, with peers who are more accountable to the public.
The committees report is the latest in a series of efforts to reform the House of Lords, which has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability. The proposals are part of a wider effort to modernize the chamber and make it more representative of the countrys population.
The House of Lords Reform Committee's report is a significant step towards reforming the upper chamber, and its proposals are likely to be closely watched by politicians and the public alike.
Key questions
- What are the proposed changes to the House of Lords?
- The proposed changes include a 20% attendance record and retirement at 80 for members of the House of Lords.
- Why are the proposed changes needed?
- The proposed changes are needed to ensure the House of Lords remains effective and representative of the country's population.
