In Focus
This article gives a brief overview of crime in England and Wales and how rehabilitation services are delivered. It also summarises the involvement of the voluntary sector and provides links to further reading. It has been prepared in advance of a House of Lords debate on 30 June 2022 on the causes of crime and reoffending and the effectiveness of rehabilitation, including the contribution made by the voluntary sector.
In Focus
The House of Lords Constitution Committee published a report in 2021 raising concerns about the government’s approach to introducing emergency measures and laws during the coronavirus pandemic. In particular, the committee believed there was limited opportunity for Parliament to properly scrutinise the measures and there were issues of legal clarity. This article summarises the report and the government’s response, and links to other recent committee reports on parliamentary scrutiny.
Research Briefing
The Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill [HL] would make provision for the use, promotion and development of the Irish language and the Ulster Scots language and culture in Northern Ireland. This would include the introduction of two dedicated commissioners and an Office of Identity and Cultural Expression.
Research Briefing
The Schools Bill would implement many of the proposals set out in the government’s recent policy papers on schools and school funding. These include measures aimed at making it easier for schools to become academies; changes to the national funding formula; and introducing a register of children being educated outside of schools.
In Focus
This article considers some of the legislation that may be announced in the Queen’s Speech on 10 May 2022 relating to digital, culture, media and sport. For example, this could include legislative reforms to broadcasting and digital regulation. The article also sets out information on the bills being carried over to the new session.
In Focus
British sign language (BSL) is the most commonly used sign language in the UK and is considered culturally important by the Deaf community. Although it is recognised as a language by the Government, this is not set out in law. This bill would give BSL full legal recognition as a language in England, Wales and Scotland and contains provisions to promote its use. The measures have cross-party support.
In Focus
The Private Parking Code of Practice is intended to improve drivers’ experience of private parking facilities. It includes guidance on a number of matters, for example caps to penalty charges and how they can be appealed, signage and professional standards. Although welcomed by many for its potential impact on drivers, concerns have been raised about whether the Government has adequately assessed the impact on the operators of private parking facilities.
In Focus
New regulations would ease the regulatory process for the environmental release of certain genetically modified plants, for the purposes of their research and development. The Government believes the changes would make it easier for scientists to research possible innovations to improve agricultural crops. However, the regulations have attracted a lot of criticism and concerns. This article sets out some of the issues that have been raised ahead of a Lords debate on 14 March 2022 about whether the regulations should become law.
Research Briefing
The Building Safety Bill is scheduled for second reading in the House of Lords on 2 February 2022. It completed its House of Commons stages on 19 January 2022. The bill would implement a number of policies aimed at improving the regulation of building safety in England, particularly multiple dwelling buildings over 18 metres tall.
Current Affairs Digest
Coronavirus has continued to spread rapidly over recent months as a result of the Omicron variant. The Government answered the latest surge with a major booster campaign in the UK. This article looks at questions about whether booster programmes will become a regular occurrence or whether we could be reaching the end of the pandemic.
In Focus
Energy bills in the UK are predicted to rise considerably over the next year. This is due to issues that have increased wholesale energy costs and have subsequently put a number of energy suppliers out of business. This article outlines these issues and considers the potential impact of increasing energy bills on UK households, particularly on pensioners and those on lower incomes.
Research Briefing
On 16 December 2021, the House of Lords is due to debate a motion moved by Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale (Labour) that “this House takes note of the plans by Her Majesty’s Government to announce a new international development strategy for the United Kingdom in 2022”.
In Focus
Over 165,000 people in the UK have died due to coronavirus or in cases where it was a contributing factor. Many of these people will have left behind partners. This In Focus looks at the support available to coronavirus widows and widowers in advance of a proposed future debate in the House of Lords.
In Focus
Age assurance tools can be used to ensure web content and online platforms are suitable for younger people. The Age Assurance (Minimum Standards) Bill [HL] would require Ofcom to publish a statutory code for digital age assurance systems, requiring the systems to meet minimum standards.
Research Briefing
The bill would implement aspects of the January 2020 New Decade, New Approach deal that require primary legislation in Westminster. The deal was agreed by the five main political parties in Northern Ireland, following talks in 2018 and 2019 to restore the Northern Ireland executive.
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