Human Rights Act 1998 (Meaning of Public Authority) Bill

Clarify the meaning of “public authority” in section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998.

Originating House

House of Commons

Last Updated

26 October 2007

In Plain English

AI-generated

This bill aims to clarify who counts as a 'public authority' under the Human Rights Act 1998. It looks at when private bodies or organisations can be treated as performing public functions and thus subject to human rights duties, with the goal of reducing legal confusion and ensuring rights protections are applied consistently.

Key Points

Clarifies the meaning of 'public authority' in section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998.
Considers private bodies or organisations that perform public functions as potentially being covered by the Act.
Aims to reduce uncertainty in court cases about which bodies are bound by human rights duties.
Provides criteria or tests for determining when a body is performing a public function.
Proceeding through Parliament starting from the Second Reading in the House of Commons.

Progress

Currently at the second reading in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it will move to the committee stage and subsequent readings in both Houses.

Who is affected?

Public authorities and bodies performing public functionsPrivate organisations or charities that perform public functionsIndividuals relying on human rights protections in public decisionsPublic sector employees and staff of affected bodiesLegal professionals advising on human rights cases

Generated 21 February 2026

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.