Parliament today
There are various stages that a Bill must go through before it becomes law. Summarised below is the process involved after the initial preparatory stage:
- FIRST READING: the bill is printed and available for the public to purchase. Nothing is discussed in Parliament. The date for the second reading is announced.
- SECOND READING: the House considers the bill, debating its contents.
- MONEY RESOLUTIONS AND WAYS AND MEANS RESOLUTIONS: if the bill contains a charge on central government funds and/or taxes/other charges are to be levied, these issues are discussed at this stage.
- COMMITTEE: consideration of each clause in the Bill. Amendments may be made here. The Bill may go to a Standing Committee for their consideration.
- REPORT: review of the Bill as amended by Committee. Further amendments can be made here.
- THIRD READING: final Commons stage where the overall Bill is normally permitted to proceed.
- LORDS STAGES AND AMENDMENTS: the text of the Bill must be agreed between the houses before it can receive Royal Assent.
- ROYAL ASSENT: once Assent has been given the Bill becomes law.
The following information is available from the Parliament Web site:
Finance bill progress
Recent parliamentary questions.
