On 18 December, the Minister for Local Government and Homelessness, Alison McGovern, indicated that the Government had invited local authorities to advise on whether there should be a one-year delay to local elections. This invitation arises amidst … [Read more...] about Delaying Local Government Elections: Electoral Advantage or Genuine Reform?
Delegated legislation
The Hidden Threat: How Henry VIII Powers Weaken Democracy
If you ask any first-year constitutional law student which branch of government makes and amends the laws, they will (probably) dutifully answer – the legislature. Such is the received wisdom, but I would challenge them (and others) to think again … [Read more...] about The Hidden Threat: How Henry VIII Powers Weaken Democracy
UK Human Rights Violations and the Role of Parliament
The Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA) is a unique piece of constitutional law because of the way it interacts with other legislation. It can be used to evaluate whether other legislation is compatible with human rights law. In the first place, courts will … [Read more...] about UK Human Rights Violations and the Role of Parliament
The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel: Functions, Comparisons, Criticisms
The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC) is a division of government lawyers who specialise in drafting legislation and assist with its passage through the legislative process. The OPC is responsible for drafting all government bills, advising … [Read more...] about The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel: Functions, Comparisons, Criticisms
Baby Steps? Government Action on Delegated Powers
This blog post provides an update on delegated powers over the parliamentary session 2022-2023. I summarise the concerns of the Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee, which is a House of Lords committee that holds the Government … [Read more...] about Baby Steps? Government Action on Delegated Powers
Constitutional Provisions Limiting Delegated Legislation
This blog describes how constitutional provisions in five countries limit the use of delegated legislation. Delegated legislation in the UK is usually described as legislation that is created as a result of Parliament giving away rule-making powers … [Read more...] about Constitutional Provisions Limiting Delegated Legislation
What could proposals to reform SI procedure in Parliament mean for the courts?
In a recent working paper, the Hansard Society has laid out its preliminary proposals for an overhaul of the parliamentary Statutory Instrument (SI) procedure. The proposals would see all SIs laid in draft and sifted by a Parliamentary … [Read more...] about What could proposals to reform SI procedure in Parliament mean for the courts?