In Session 2010-11 the Committee will continue its practice of scrutinising all Government Bills for their human rights implications and compatibility (details of the sifting system used are set out in our predecessor Committee's 23rd Report of Session 2005-06).
Guidance on written submissions to the Committee (
PDF 61 KB).
Bills under scrutiny
Budget Responsibility and National Audit Bill ( PDF 46 KB) - The purpose of the Bill is to establish an Office for Budget Responsibility.
Finance (No. 2) Bill 2010 - The Committee has received a memorandum from the Government identifying retrospective provisions in the Bill.
Identity Documents Bill - The main purpose of this Bill is to abolish identity cards and the National Identity Register; it repeals the Identity Cards Act 2006.
Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill - This Bill legislates for the next general election to be held under the AV voting system, provided that a majority of those voting in a referendum agree to use AV rather than First Past the Post for parliamentary elections. The Bill also creates new Rules for the Redistribution of Seats which require 600 constituencies in the Commons rather than 650 at present. The Rules will also give priority to numerical equality as a principle, in that there is to be a uniform electoral quota for the UK, and seats may not vary by more than 5 per cent from the quota, with some limited exceptions.
Superannuation Bill - Clause 1 of this Bill would cap compensation payable under the Civil Service Compensation Scheme at a maximum of 12 months’ pay for compulsory redundancy and 15 months’ for voluntary exits. Clause 2 provides for clause 1 to expire after 12 months, unless repealed, extended or revived using order-making powers.
Terrorist Asset-Freezing Bill - The Government is required under UN resolution to freeze the funds of those who participate in terrorist acts, and to prohibit the provision of funds to anyone who participates in terrorist acts. Under EU regulation, the Government must also implement measures directed at certain persons and entities, with a view to combating terrorism. Until recently, these UN and EU obligations were given effect by three Orders in Council made under the United Nations Act 1946. One of these Orders was quashed by the Supreme Court on 27 January 2010 and the others are considered vulnerable to being quashed on similar grounds: that the Government had exceeded its powers. On 10 February 2010 the Terrorist Asset-Freezing (Temporary Provisions) Act was passed, which provides for the temporary validity of the Orders on Council. This Bill is intended to provide a permanent solution to the problem.
