Malvern Hills Bill
Latest update
Updated: April 2026
The Malvern Hills Bill was deposited in Parliament on 27th November 2024.
It is available to view on the UK Parliament website.
The Bill originated in the House of Lords. It had its first and second readings during 2025 and was considered in a Select Committee hearing during January, February and March 2026.
The Select Committee’s Report is available here:
https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld5901/ldselect/ldhmalhill/294/29402.htm
Background information
We are a small charity that cares for the Malvern Hills and Commons, working to protect them for everyone to enjoy.
We are governed by statute.
Our duties and powers are set out in five Malvern Hills Acts. The oldest dates back to 1884 and refers to laws from as far back as 1847.
Over time, these Acts have been changed bit by bit.
This has made them hard to follow and they have become out of date. Even those who work with them closely find them unclear.
Unlike most charities, we cannot simply update our governance ourselves.
The only way to modernise the charity is through a new Act of Parliament.
We have been reviewing our governance since 2014. Our aim is simple.
To make sure the way the Malvern Hills and Commons are cared for is clear, effective, and fit for the future, not just now, but for the next 140 years.
Important information
The Bill does not change how you use or enjoy the Hills.
They will remain open, unbuilt, and free to access. Learn about how the Bill will affect you.
Read the facts about the Bill – what it means, why it matters and what changes are being proposed.
Key links
Public Consultation
Before depositing the Bill, the Trust ran two public consultations on its proposed governance changes (in 2019 and 2024).
After careful consideration of the responses received both from the public and from stakeholder organisations, the Malvern Hills Bill was lodged in Parliament in November 2024.
Details from the consultation can be found here.
Page edits:
12th February – Introduction published
9th April 2024 – Addition of FAQs
18th April 2024 – Updated FAQs
7th May 2024 – Drop-in sessions
12th June – Updated FAQs
9th July – Drop-in session updated
23rd July – Consultation closed
30th October – Consultation response report
27th November – Bill Deposited
19 January – Select Committee starts
