Work of the House of Lords

The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK Parliament. It is independent from, and complements the work of, the elected House of Commons. The Lords shares the task of making and shaping laws and checking and challenging the work of the government.

What the Lords does

The House of Lords is made up of around 800 members from a variety of professions and walks of life

Work of the House of Lords 2016-17

Find out about the impact of its work on new laws and public policy

Making laws: House of Lords stages

Bills start in either the House of Lords or House of Commons. They go through set stages of approval in both Houses before they become an Act of Parliament

Checking and challenging government

The House of Lords plays an important role in checking and challenging the decisions and actions of the government through questions and debates

Lords select committees

The House of Lords committees investigate public policy, proposed laws and government activity

Lords Hansard

A report of all House of Lords business

Lords Library

The House of Lords Library provides impartial research and information services to Members of the House of Lords, their staff and the staff of the House.

House of Lords quick links

Lords enquiry service

Contact the House of Lords enquiry service with general questions about the Lords:

  • Telephone: 0800 223 0855 (Freephone) or 020 7219 3107
  • Email: hlinfo@parliament.uk
  • Text Relay: 18001 7219 3107