British taxpayers face a staggering £2 million bill for House of Lords debates on assisted dying legislation, exposing how unelected peers can drain public coffers while potentially blocking meaningful reform.
Story Highlights
- House of Lords debates on assisted dying could cost taxpayers nearly £2 million in peers’ allowances alone
- Press Association analysis shows £270,807 already paid for just two September 2024 debate days
- Critics argue small group of peers deliberately “talking out” the bill to run down the clock
- Bill must complete all stages by spring 2026 or fall despite progressing further than any previous attempt
Massive Cost for Unelected Chamber’s Extended Debates
Press Association analysis reveals that House of Lords attendance allowances for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill could reach £1.95 million across 16 allocated sitting days. Peers receive tax-free daily allowances of £371 for full attendance or £185 for reduced attendance, with £270,807 already paid for two September 2024 Second Reading sessions. The calculation excludes additional operational costs for security, staff, and estates, meaning the true taxpayer burden runs even higher.
Parliamentary Obstruction or Legitimate Scrutiny
Bill supporters accuse opponents of deliberately “talking out” the legislation through excessive amendments and prolonged interventions. Humanists UK warns that a small group of peers continues to “talk down the clock” at Committee stage, jeopardizing passage before the spring 2026 deadline. However, disability rights group Not Dead Yet UK argues the substantial cost demonstrates Parliament taking its constitutional duty seriously regarding profound changes to law and medical practice.
Government Costs Versus NHS Savings Projections
Government impact assessments project significant implementation costs including £1.23-£11.5 million for NHS staff training in Year 1 and £10.9-£13.6 million annually for oversight panels. Yet these expenses pale beside projected NHS savings from “unutilized healthcare” of £919,000-£10.3 million in Year 1, rising to £5.84-£59.6 million by Year 10. The £2 million Lords debate cost represents a fraction of either figure, raising questions about parliamentary priorities and fiscal responsibility.
The Bill passed Third Reading in the Lords in June 2025, marking unprecedented progress for assisted dying legislation. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater’s Private Member’s Bill would allow mentally competent, terminally ill adults with six months or less to live to seek assistance in dying after assessment by two doctors and approval panels. Conservative peer Lord Farmer’s written question helped quantify the allowance costs that sparked public scrutiny of the drawn-out parliamentary process.
Sources:
Assisted dying bill debate could cost taxpayers almost £2 million
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