<P> The 1997 white paper "Rights Brought Home" stated: </P> <P> It takes on average five years to get an action into the European Court of Human Rights once all domestic remedies have been exhausted; and it costs an average of £ 30,000 . Bringing these rights home will mean that the British people will be able to argue for their rights in the British courts--without this inordinate delay and cost . </P> <P> The Human Rights Act places a duty on all courts and tribunals in the United Kingdom to interpret legislation so far as possible in a way compatible with the rights laid down in the European Convention on Human Rights (section 3 (1)). Where this is not possible, the court may issue a "declaration of incompatibility". The declaration does not invalidate the legislation, but permits the amendment of the legislation by a special fast - track procedure under section 10 of the Act . As of August 2006, 20 declarations had been made, of which six were overturned on appeal . </P> <P> The Human Rights Act applies to all public bodies within the United Kingdom, including central government, local authorities, and bodies exercising public functions . However, it does not include Parliament when it is acting in its legislative capacities . </P>

Who does the human rights act 1998 apply to