house of lords moving up north?

Definitely like to see them slimmed down and I think it would be a good thing to have a serious debate about the composition and function of the HofL, so I agree with your post.

In the meantime great idea to shift them up north, or at least out of London, maybe that would preclude the London and southern based ones from turning up, signing in picking up their money and then buggering off! My perception is, although I could be wrong, that there are possibly more Lords based in the south east.

No it should stay in London but be seriously reformed to within an inch of its life! Keep only the active ones and only pay them for turning up.

They should move them up here to the North East and only pay those who actually turn up . My guess would be very few .

Yes I heard about the York location - accessed easily by the train station. I daresay for ‘Black Rod’ type occasions the Westminster location will still need to be an occasional option. But otherwise I agree, it’s a step in the right direction.

James Cleverley has said big changes are in the pipeline. Not before time.

York is too nice. A lot wouldn't mind having a property in that area. We need it to be moved to an area that's very deprived. Think of the bonus the extra jobs etc would bring to such an area and how few Lords would turn up for their £300 a day. New jobs and less paid in expenses. Win, win situation.

Is Birmingham actually in the North? I thought it was in the Midlands. Or is it just a case that anywhere north of Westminster is 'the North'?

I think it’s anywhere north of Watford Gap isn’t it vampirequeen?
?

I think it’s an excellent idea to have The Lords based in York it would help to give a bit more balance to the Government as so much is southern based and London centred. I speak as a Southern myself.

I agree that York is too nice, and probably not far enough north.

They should find a site in the very worst area of post industrial dereliction and move the whole of Parliament there - Lords and Commons.

I think it's time for drastic reform anyway. I like the idea of a move away from London.

York's much too nice and has a thriving tourist trade already. And the National Railway Museum with all the old trains. They need to send the old codgers somewhere no one goes. Hull comes to mind, or Carlisle, or even Newcastle.

They should find a site in the very worst area of post industrial dereliction and move the whole of Parliament there - Lords and Commons

Plenty space here on Tyneside Varian

Just thought Sunderland they can use the Nissan factory when they stop production after Brexit.

I totally that the Lords need a massive reform. The worry about moving them north, as it is, is that expenses may drastically rise particularly in a nice touristy place like York. Amongst other reforms the hours they"sit" should be changed so that the majority can get home the same day

Birmingham is the obvious choice. It is supposed to be the second city, has good travel links, property is not too expensive, it is in the heart of industry yet within reach of the countryside, has good cultural facilities and....
everyone dislikes it.

Birmingham is not North!
Just thought Hartlepool although they'd have to watch out, the locals once hung a monkey they thought was a Frenchman, goodness knows what they would make of peers

The major problem with the Lords is its composition. We should get that reformed first, part of that would make it much smaller and then location should be discussed.

Just half listening to the news on Radio 4 while cooking and mis heard something, so instead of "reportedly in York" (I think?) I heard it as "A portaloo in York"

How about moving it to Manchester or Leeds or Sheffield?

Oh! And yes! Birmingham is Midlands not North!

Agree with others who say York is too nice. If they’re serious about bringing the powerhouses to the north then it needs to be situated in an area which needs the wealth that move will generate, not somewhere within walking distance of Betty’s or an easy car journey to Harrogate.

I think fewer would turn up to get their "attendance fee", but those few would be charging for rail fares and hotels!!

Just get rid of the coffin dodgers.
They cost and count for nothing.

What’s the cost of a business class fare from the Home Counties to York?
The Lords who live around here would also have to be chauffeured to Peterborough to get on the train. Then there is the overnight accommodation and dinner.
Not sure if it would save much?