In Focus
Loot boxes are rewards within computer games that can be bought with virtual currencies or real-world money. Concerns have been raised about whether they encourage gambling-like behaviours, particularly among children. In July 2022, Boris Johnson’s government published its response to a consultation on loot boxes. It decided not to legislate to bring loot boxes within the scope of the Gambling Act 2005.
In Focus
The Times Education Commission was composed of leaders from the fields of education, politics, public life and culture. It set out to examine the entire education system, arguing that the disruption of Covid-19 presented an opportunity to make fundamental changes to education provision. The commission published its final report in June 2022.
In Focus
In recent years, concerns have been raised about the horticultural sector’s workforce, including its dependence on foreign seasonal workers and the existence of a skills gap. The sector’s role in protecting the environment has also been discussed. This article considers both these issues and the government’s response.
In Focus
Following the release of this year’s GCSE and A-level results, some commentators have raised concerns that the educational attainment gap between the north and south of England has widened. This issue is the focus of an upcoming question for short debate in the House of Lords. In preparation for the debate, this briefing looks at recent commentary on the issue and provides an overview of this year’s results.
In Focus
The government has published an updated plan for music education. It emphasises aspects such as early years music; cooperation between schools and other organisations, for example music hubs; and providing a variety of ways to progress in music. Commentators have welcomed the plan but called for more funding. Some observers have also argued that the structure of testing in schools from age 14 skews the curriculum against music.
In Focus
This article details primary and community care services and examines their impact on patient outcomes. It also considers recent government policy which has sought to improve these outcomes and discusses several proposals for reforming such services.
In Focus
E-cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular among teenagers who are not former or current smokers. Young people who use e-cigarettes, or ‘vape’, often use small disposable devices that can contain the maximum permitted nicotine concentration. This article looks at research on the possible adverse health effects of vaping for young people and how the government has said it wants to prevent non-smokers and the young from using e-cigarettes.
Current Affairs Digest
Why are childcare costs in the UK so high? This article looks at some of the reasons for the increase in UK childcare costs since 2010, which are among the highest in the OECD. The government has recently announced a consultation on loosening staff to child ratios for childcare providers. However, there has been criticism of the proposals from some parts of the childcare sector.
Research Briefing
On 15 July 2022, the Healthy Homes Bill [HL] is due to receive second reading in the House of Lords. This private member’s bill would set out a new duty for the government to deliver healthy homes through the creation of healthy homes principles and a new healthy homes commissioner.
Research Briefing
The Domestic Premises (Electrical Safety Certificate) Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill introduced by Lord Foster of Bath (Liberal Democrat). The bill is due to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 15 July 2022.
In Focus
This article examines the status of women and girls in the UK since 2010. This includes a focus on their economic wellbeing, such as employment rates, earnings and the gender pay gap. It also considers the welfare and safety of women and girls, as well as examining opportunities in higher education.
In Focus
In November 2021, the House of Lords Public Services Committee published a report entitled ‘Children in crisis: the role of public services in overcoming child vulnerability’. The report made several recommendations, including that the government ringfence the funding available for early intervention services provided by local authorities. The House of Lords is scheduled to debate this report on 11 July 2022.
In Focus
Promoting international health security is a priority area for UK overseas aid. This includes efforts to combat malaria and neglected tropical diseases, working both bilaterally with affected countries and through multilateral organisations such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Reductions in the UK aid budget, along with changes to how it is spent, have led to concerns that funding for such projects will be cut.
Research Briefing
This proposed law seeks to reform and strengthen the protections for freedom of speech and academic freedom in higher education.
Research Briefing
On 27 June 2022, the second reading and all remaining stages of the Social Security (Additional Payments) Bill are scheduled to take place in the House of Lords. The bill gives effect to the cost of living support measures for benefits claimants announced as part of Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s statement to the House of Commons on 26 May 2022.
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