In Focus
For some people, gambling can lead to financial difficulties, deteriorating health, crime and other harms. The links between gambling advertisements and such ‘problem gambling’ have been widely debated. This briefing explores these debates. It also examines the current regulatory regime for gambling advertising and proposals for change.
Research Briefing
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 briefing outlines these issues and considers the potential impact of increasing energy bills on UK households and how the consumer protection regulatory regime has responded.
In Focus
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a free trade agreement between 11 countries. The UK has applied to join CPTPP. This briefing summarises the House of Lords International Agreements Committee’s report on the UK’s negotiating objectives for CPTPP, and the Government’s response.
In Focus
In December 2021, the Government published proposed changes to the Highway Code which it said would improve safety for vulnerable road users, particularly cyclists, pedestrians, and horse riders. On 27 January 2022, the House of Lords is due to debate a regret motion on the proposals. The motion expresses concern that the Government has failed to sufficiently educate the public about them.
In Focus
The Government has introduced regulations to allow EEA-issued train driving licences to continue to be valid in the Channel Tunnel and cross-border area. The regulations would allow it to implement a proposed bilateral agreement with France.
Research Briefing
The bill would establish a system of binding arbitration to resolve outstanding commercial rent debt accrued during the coronavirus pandemic. This briefing considers: the background to the bill; what it would do; what happened during its passage through the House of Commons; and plans to debate it in the House of Lords.
Current Affairs Digest
This article looks at two social policy issues that will have an impact on household finances from April 2022: the increasing cost of living, driven partly by rising energy prices; and increases to national insurance contributions to pay for health and social care.
In Focus
In recent years, Qatar has experienced significant tensions with its Gulf neighbours following its support for controversial regional actors, including Iran. Following a resolution in early 2021, relations have improved, though a rapprochement with some countries remains slow. The UK enjoys a good relationship with Qatar and recently issued a joint communique with the Gulf Cooperation Council on strengthening ties with the region. However, observers have continued to raise concerns regarding human rights in Qatar, and the treatment of migrant workers ahead of the forthcoming World Cup.
In Focus
The Government has committed to phasing out global fossil fuel subsidies and to changing the way that oil and gas is licensed in the UK. However, environmental organisations have argued that outside interests, such as oil companies and climate sceptics, have too much influence on the oil and gas industry in the UK. This includes at board level of the industry’s regulator, the Oil and Gas Authority, and through political donations.
In Focus
According to UK law, electric scooters can only be used on private land. However, the Government is considering whether the law should be changed. As part of this consideration, the Department for Transport introduced legislation in July 2020 to enable rental e-scooter trials to take place on public roads and cycle lanes across the UK. The Government awaits the outcome of these trials before making a decision on whether to change the law.
Research Briefing
The bill would establish a new domestic subsidy control regime following the UK’s departure from the EU. It sets out principles and other requirements for public authorities to comply with when giving subsidies, as well as oversight and enforcement mechanisms. The bill is due to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 19 January 2022.
In Focus
This article considers recent labour shortages in the farming and food sectors, and the potential impact on farming of the UK’s new trade deals with Australia and New Zealand.
In Focus
During the pandemic, levels of debt owed by UK companies have risen. This article discusses the significance of this increase for the vulnerability of firms and their possible behaviour, and the overall health of the economy. It also discusses some additional policy proposals for managing corporate debt after 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.
In Focus
This year marks 100 years since the Railways Act 1921, also known as the ‘Grouping Act’, came into force. The act reorganised ownership of the railways, merging 120 railway companies into four regional groups. These groups became known as the ‘big four’. Fast forward 100 years, and the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail is set to change the organisation and ownership of the railways once more. This article explores these changes.
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