Lords Retirement and Participation Committee publish call for evidence

The House of Lords Retirement and Participation Committee has today published its public call for evidence.

The Committee is considering the potential impact of a retirement age and a participation requirement on the size and functioning of the House of Lords, as well as options for their possible implementation.

Today's call for evidence invites individuals and organisations to submit written evidence to the inquiry. The deadline for submission of written evidence is 5pm on 26 February 2026.

Commenting on the publication of the call for evidence, Committee Chair Baroness Taylor of Bolton said:

“The House of Lords does an important job scrutinising legislation and holding governments to account. The Committee's role is to consider how introducing a retirement age or a participation requirement for members would impact the House and the way it works, and how such proposals might be taken forward.  

"We are keen hear from individuals and organisations with an understanding of the House of Lords and its work. We would be grateful for views on what impact – both intended or unforeseen - a mandatory retirement age or participation requirement might have on the work of the House.” 

Key questions the Committee are inviting evidence on include:

• What are the arguments for and against a mandatory retirement age and / or participation requirement?

• How would a retirement age or a participation requirement impact the size and functioning of the House?  

• How can participation be measured and assessed in a practical and effective way? 
  
  
• Are some types of participation more valuable than others?  Is it possible to measure effective contribution instead of participation? 
  
  
• What are the arguments for and against a fixed-term membership of the House? And how would it impact the House in terms of its size and functioning?  
  
  
• What unintended consequences could arise from a mandatory retirement age or from a participation requirement? 

• What are the options for implementing a retirement age, a fixed term for membership or a participation requirement? What are the benefits and drawbacks of each approach?