Assisted dying bill debate could cost taxpayers almost 2 million

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"Taxpayers face a potential bill of nearly 2 million for peers to debate the assisted dying Bill in parliament, according to new analysis. The financial implications emerge as members of the House of Lords are set to convene again on Friday for the seventh day of discussions on the proposed legislation in the upper chamber. Analysis conducted by the Press Association indicates that if current average attendance levels persist, and the proportion of peers claiming the maximum income tax-free allowance of 371 continues, the total cost for peers alone could reach 1.95 million across the 16 days so far allocated for the Bill's consideration. This figure does not encompass other operational expenses required for the House of Lords to sit, such as security. Figures released by the House of Lords confirm that 270,807 has already been disbursed to peers for their attendance during two days in September for the Bill's second reading."

Independent journalists conduct on-the-ground reporting across issues such as reproductive rights, climate change and Big Tech and rely on donations to fund that reporting. The outlet produces investigations and documentaries and maintains free access to reporting and analysis rather than paywalls, arguing quality journalism should be paid for by those who can afford it. New analysis indicates taxpayers could face nearly 2 million in attendance costs for peers debating the assisted dying Bill if current attendance and allowance-claiming patterns continue, excluding operational expenses such as security. House of Lords figures show 270,807 already paid for two days of the Bill's second reading.

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