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It looks like ‘money bills’ bypassing the @UKHouseofLords is going to be a subject of interest again. So the @HansardSociety ‘What is a money bill’ procedural guide may help navigate the detail. https://www.hansardsociety.org.uk/publications/guides/financial-scrutiny-the-estimates-cycle#what-is-a-money-bill
There are a few key things to note…
#moneybills (1/9) https://twitter.com/faisalislam/status/1333785157229182976
There are a few key things to note…
#moneybills (1/9) https://twitter.com/faisalislam/status/1333785157229182976
The Speaker not the Govt decides whether a bill is a money bill and his decision is “conclusive for all purposes”. He will be advised by the Clerk of Legislation and should consult two senior members of the Panel of Chairs if practicable when reaching his decision. (2/9)
The decision to certify a bill as a money bill is taken only once all @HouseofCommons stages are complete as an amendment could have a significant bearing on the certification decision. (3/9)
The definition of a money bill is set out in section 1(2) of the Parliament Act 1911. It must have the sole purpose of creating or extending the scope of a charge on public expenditure, subject only to an exception for incidental, subordinate matters. (4/9)
If a bill includes administrative provisions it might thwart certification as a money bill. And the Speaker may have to look at the underlying policy objectives of the bill, as well as the final bill text, to determine whether or not the bill’s primary purpose is financial. (5/9)
Generally, by convention, @UKHouseofLords does not amend money bills and gives them expedited passage. It is not debarred from debating and amending a money bill but if it does so the @HouseofCommons is not obliged to consider those amendments. (6/9)
If the @UKHouseofLords does not pass a money bill within one month then the Govt can send it for Royal Assent without the approval of the Upper House. So Peers can effectively delay passage of a money bill for a month only. (7/9)
If a bill is sent to the Lords close to recess & the month will run out before they have had reasonable time to pass it (e.g. due to pressure of business), the @HouseofCommons can direct it not be presented for Royal Assent under 1911 Act & expedited passage can be agreed. (8/9)
To date four bills have been certified as money bills this session (apart from Finance/Supply/Contingencies bills): Direct Payments to Farmers; NHS Funding; Stamp Duty Land Tax; & the Windrush Compensation Scheme bills. There were 20 between the 2010/12 - 2017/19 sessions. (9/9)
