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

Parliament last updated

5 May 2021

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This bill would raise the compulsory retirement age for magistrates from 70 to 75 by amending section 13 of the Courts Act 2003. It applies to magistrates in England and Wales and includes any connected provisions needed to implement the change.

Key Points

Raises the magistrates' retirement age from 70 to 75.
Amends section 13 of the Courts Act 2003.
Applied to magistrates in England and Wales; covers any connected provisions required to put the change into effect.
Current stage is the second reading in the House of Commons.

Progress

The bill has completed its first reading (7 July 2020) and is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons; it has not yet progressed to committee stage.

Who is affected?

Serving magistrates in England and WalesPeople considering becoming magistrates in England and WalesHM Courts & Tribunals Service / Ministry of Justice (as employer/administrator)Wider criminal justice system (indirectly affected)

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

7 Jul 2020

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

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.