Magistrates (Retirement Age) Bill

A Bill to amend section 13 of the Courts Act 2003 to change the retirement age for magistrates from 70 to 75; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Last Updated

5 May 2021

In Plain English

AI-generated

This bill would raise the retirement age of magistrates from 70 to 75 by amending section 13 of the Courts Act 2003. It applies to magistrates serving in England and Wales and covers related provisions described as “connected purposes.” The aim is to reflect longer working lives while maintaining the functioning of the magistracy.

Key Points

Raises magistrates' retirement age from 70 to 75.
Amends section 13 of the Courts Act 2003 to implement the change.
Applies to magistrates serving in England and Wales.
May affect recruitment, succession planning and retirement arrangements within the magistracy.
The bill is currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons.

Progress

The bill is at the 2nd reading stage in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it would move to committee stage, then report stage and third reading in the Commons, before moving to the House of Lords.

Who is affected?

Current magistrates and those nearing retirementPeople considering becoming magistratesThe magistrates' courts service and court administrationPension and retirement planning services for magistratesThe general public who rely on magistrates to decide cases

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Magistrates (Retirement Age)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

Bill 156 2019-21 (as introduced)

BillCommons

10 Jul 2020

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Magistrates (Retirement Age) Bill | TrackPolitics