Barnett Formula (Replacement) Bill

A Bill to require the Chancellor of the Exchequer to report to Parliament on proposals to replace the Barnett Formula used to calculate adjustments to public expenditure allocated to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with a statutory scheme for the allocation of resources based on an assessment of relative needs; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Sir Christopher ChopeConservative

Parliament last updated

12 February 2025

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

The Barnett Formula (Replacement) Bill would require the Chancellor to report to Parliament on plans to replace the Barnett Formula, which currently adjusts public spending for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It would set up a statutory, needs-based system for allocating resources and require the report to cover related purposes. The bill is sponsored by Sir Christopher Chope and is currently at the second-reading stage in the House of Commons.

Key Points

Requires the Chancellor to report to Parliament on proposals to replace the Barnett Formula with a statutory, needs‑based resource allocation scheme for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Would establish a law-based (statutory) scheme for determining allocations, rather than relying on the Barnett Formula.
Aims to increase parliamentary oversight and transparency over devolved funding decisions.
Includes scope for connected purposes relating to resource allocation and funding arrangements.
This is a Commons-originating Bill sponsored by Sir Christopher Chope and is currently at the 2nd reading in the Commons.

Progress

The bill has completed its first reading and is now at the second-reading stage in the House of Commons.

Who is affected?

Residents of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who receive public expenditure allocationsDevolved governments and their public services (Scottish Government, Welsh Government, Northern Ireland Executive)Public sector organisations that rely on devolved funding allocationsUK taxpayers and Parliament as a scrutinising body

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

11 Dec 2023

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Barnett Formula (Replacement) Bill

29 Apr 2024

The dissolution of Parliament took place on Thursday 30 May 2024. All business in the House of Commons and House of Lords has come to an end and this bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

Bill 128 2023-24 (as introduced)

BillCommons

21 Feb 2024

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.