Britain's House of Lords is facing its most significant shake-up in generations as government ministers prepare to crack down on peers who treat their parliamentary duties as a 'part-time hobby'.
The proposed reforms, revealed in a bombshell report, target members of the upper chamber who consistently fail to show up for votes and debates while continuing to claim generous daily allowances.
The £342 Question: Allowances Under Scrutiny
At the heart of the controversy lies the daily £342 tax-free payment that peers can claim simply for turning up to Parliament. Critics argue this system has created a culture of 'clock-watching' rather than genuine public service.
One government source stated bluntly: "It cannot be right that people are claiming allowances to effectively pop in, have lunch and go home again."
Attendance Crisis in the Red Benches
The scale of the problem is staggering. Official figures reveal that nearly 100 peers attended fewer than 10% of sitting days last year, with some making virtually no contribution to parliamentary business despite their privileged positions.
Among the worst offenders were several former MPs who secured peerages after leaving the Commons, only to treat their Lords appointments as retirement perks rather than active roles.
Stripping Titles: The Nuclear Option
Most dramatically, the report suggests that persistent non-attenders could face the ultimate sanction: removal of their peerages altogether. This would represent an unprecedented constitutional move that would permanently alter the composition of the upper house.
The proposed measures include:
- Mandatory minimum attendance requirements
- Stricter monitoring of participation in debates and committees
- Financial penalties for poor attendance
- Potential expulsion for those treating the role as 'secondary'
Constitutional Clash Ahead
The proposals are likely to trigger a fierce battle between reform-minded MPs and traditionalists who argue that many peers contribute valuable expertise without needing to be constantly present in Westminster.
However, with public confidence in political institutions at a low ebb, ministers appear determined to push through changes that demonstrate accountability and value for money.
As one Whitehall insider noted: "The era of the part-time peer is coming to an end. If you're not prepared to do the job properly, you shouldn't have the title or the allowances."
