Bill tracker 2008-09

Banking Bill

The bill received royal assent on 12 February, and is now an Act of Parliament.

The act establishes for the first time a permanent statutory regime for dealing with failing banks, amends related current legislation and makes new provisions for the governance of the Bank of England, and provide government with the powers to introduce the homeowner mortgage support scheme.

Finance Bill

The bill received royal assent on 21 July, and is now an Act of Parliament.

The act implements the taxation changes announced in the 2009 Budget statement.

Private members' bill (ten minute rule motion) introduced by Andrew Dismore MP. 

The bill would have guaranteed everyone's human right not to have their home repossessed without a court order. We wrote to Mr Dismore in advance of the presentation of this bill to explain the position in respect of the Horsham Properties court ruling.

The bill was objected to at it's first attempt at second reading stage. It was then rescheduled for second reading on a number of other dates which never happened due to time constraints and was finally dropped on 16 October.

Private members' bill (ballot bill) introduced by Jacqui Lait.

The bill would have given rights to leaseholders relating to the management and maintenance of their properties.

After having its second reading debate the bill was withdrawn by the sponsoring MP. 

Lending (Regulation) Bill

Private members' bill (ballot bill) introduced by Russell Brown MP. 

The bill would have imposed requirements on lenders relating to the calculation of interest rates, and regulate the promotion of lending.

The bill's second reading debate in February was adjourned due to time limitations. The debate was schedule to be resumed in May but having made no progress was subsequently withdrawn by the sponsoring MP.

Welfare Reform Bill 

The bill received royal assent on 12 November 2009, and is now an Act of Parliament.

The act aims to create incentives for people to return to work and consequences for those who do not. The bill will abolish income support and move all people onto jobseeker's allowance, if they are well, or employment and support allowance, if they are sick.