This Library Note provides background reading in advance of the debate to be held on 14 December 2012 on the place and contribution of older people in society.
Debate on 14 December: Older People (393KB PDF)
This Library Note provides background reading in advance of the debate to be held on 14 December 2012 on the place and contribution of older people in society. This Library Note considers what is meant by the term ‘older people’ and which age groups it covers. It then presents three examples of areas in society where older people make a contribution: in the workforce, the role they play in their communities and as providers of childcare. The Note concludes by considering the suggestion that the Government should appoint a Minister for Older People.
Debate on 14 December: Older People (393KB PDF)
In January 2026, the government announced a new scheme to support urgent repairs and essential improvements to listed places of worship. Called the ‘Places of worship renewal fund for England’, it replaced the ‘Listed places of worship grant scheme’ which had run since 2001. This briefing provides an overview of both schemes, the government’s reasoning for the change and the reaction of stakeholders.
There have been big differences in expenditure across different forms of healthcare for a number of years. In 2024/25, spending on acute care was £74.7bn, compared to £14.5bn on primary care and £13.8bn on community services. Both the 2024 Labour Party manifesto and the subsequent 10 year health plan for England contained an emphasis on shifting towards more care being delivered in local communities rather than in acute settings, dubbed a ‘neighbourhood health service’.
Concerns about abuse and intimidation towards elected representatives have increased in recent years. The Jo Cox Civility Commission made a number of recommendations in a 2024 report to address this because of concerns that this activity would dissuade people from standing in elections and encourage existing representatives to stand down. The government has instigated a number of policies to tackle the abuse and intimidation of elected representatives.
