comparative powers of HOC/L

• The house of commons has exclusive powers that the house of lords does not have
• Confidence and no confidence

  The house of commons can hold a vote of no confidence and bring down a government
• The last time a minority government was brought down by a vote of no confidence was in 1979
• Confidence and supply agreement

  An agreement where a minority government is supported by another party in exchange for certain concessions
• The house of commons can insist on legislation, while the house of lords can only delay it for one year
• Manifesto pledges


  Bills that reflect the government's manifesto promises can only be rejected in the house of commons
• Financial control


  The house of commons has sole charge of finance and money bills, the house of lords cannot amend these
• Secondary legislation


  Legislation made under primary legislation, normally the sole job of the house of commons
• The house of lords' powers have been reduced over time, such as the 1911 and 1949 Parliament Acts
• Salisbury convention


  The convention that the house of lords will not oppose bills passed by the house of commons that were in the governing party's manifesto
• The house of lords plays a major role in scrutinising and revising legislation
• The house of lords could theoretically force a general election if a government tried to outstay its five-year term, but this power has never been used
• There is debate about the relative power of the house of commons and house of lords, with some arguing the house of lords has become more important in recent years
• Reforms in 1999 removed the majority of hereditary peers from the house of lords, reducing the Conservative party's dominance
• The house of lords has become more willing to challenge governments in recent years, with the number of defeats for governments increasing