Parliamentary Counsel Office
PCO Offices
The Parliamentary Counsel are a specialised team of lawyers based in
Whitehall. Their main work is drafting Government Bills for introduction
into Parliament and related Parliamentary business.
Parliamentary Counsel also draft certain Orders in Council and other
subordinate legislation when specially instructed. They also review
subordinate legislation which amends primary legislation; this arises
particularly in relation to European matters. They also advise the
Government on legal, parliamentary and constitutional questions falling
within their special experience.
Quotes from Bills and Acts of Parliament drafted by the PCO
"A Bill to set a target for the year 2050 for the reduction of
targeted greenhouse gas emissions…"
Climate Change Bill 2007-08
"There shall be a body corporate known as the Commission for Equality
and Human Rights."
Equality Act 2006
"The Assembly may make laws, to be known as Measures of the National
Assembly for Wales or Mesurau Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru…"
Government of Wales Act 2006
"An Act to... establish a Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, and to
abolish the appellate jurisdiction of the House of Lords..."
Constitutional Reform Act 2005
"An Act to make provision in connection with anti-social
behaviour."
Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003
