Health & Social Policy Archives

In Focus

UK preparedness for Covid-19: Lords scrutiny of the 2009 swine flu pandemic

Wednesday, 01 April, 2020

In 2009–10, the UK faced an outbreak of H1N1 swine flu. This article summarises the measures introduced by the then Labour Government which were intended to mitigate the potential impact of swine flu, including the establishment of a public awareness campaign and attempts to increase intensive-care capacity in hospitals. It also looks at the role of the House of Lords in scrutinising the then Government’s handling of the outbreak.
In Focus

Coronavirus Bill: What happened in the House of Lords?

Friday, 27 March, 2020

This article summarises the scrutiny of the Coronavirus Act 2020 in the House of Lords. The Act was emergency legislation passed by Parliament in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The Act provided the Government with a range of powers to tackle the disease, including: the closure of schools and nurseries; powers to detain those suspected of having the virus; and restrictions on public gatherings.
In Focus

Pandemic insurance and government as insurer of last resort

Friday, 27 March, 2020

This article looks at the Government’s role as ‘insurer of last resort’. Over time, the areas where it takes this role have expanded from basic military, health and welfare provision to include, for example, elements of flood, terrorism and travel risks. Coronavirus has widened this scope further. The article also considers the costs of providing cover, and whether the private sector might cover more of the risks arising from pandemics.
Research Briefing

Access to Justice and Welfare Advisory Services

Monday, 23 March, 2020

The UK Government has recognised that it is “imperative” that support is given to people on low incomes to access justice. However successive governments, parliamentary committees and stakeholders have identified barriers to vulnerable people accessing the necessary advice and legal services.
In Focus

Coronavirus Bill: What emergency powers does the Government already have?

Monday, 23 March, 2020

The Government recently introduced the Coronavirus Bill 2020, which would give it new emergency powers. This article looks at the powers the Government already has to deal with emergencies.
- In Focus
- Coronavirus
- Government
- Health
- Parliament
Research Briefing

Coronavirus Bill: emergency Covid-19 legislation

Friday, 20 March, 2020

The bill proposes new laws that would provide the Government, and various public bodies, with powers to manage the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK.
In Focus

Coronavirus: Emergency legislation

Friday, 20 March, 2020

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, the Government introduced the Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 which gave it emergency powers to reduce transmission of the virus. The article summarises the powers in the regulations and speculation about what might be contained in a future Coronavirus Bill. The article also considers other powers the Government has to deal with emergencies, such as those in the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.
Research Briefing

Loneliness: Care Homes

Tuesday, 17 March, 2020

This briefing examines recent Government policy to tackle loneliness in care homes in the UK.
Research Briefing

Spring Budget 2020

Friday, 13 March, 2020

The Chancellor of the Exchequer delivered the first budget since the 2019 election on 11 March 2020. It contained a series of measures to counteract threats from the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Chancellor also announced changes to taxation policy and an increase in public spending.
Research Briefing

UK Progress on UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 and the Reducing Road Casualties Target

Thursday, 12 March, 2020

Reducing the number of road casualties is one of the targets of sustainable development goal 3.
Research Briefing

Coronavirus, Hong Kong and UK Government Support

Wednesday, 11 March, 2020

Hong Kong has had 118 confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease and three deaths as at 10 March 2020. Hong Kong’s government has sought to contain the virus through strict quarantine and travel restrictions and by closing some public services, including schools. However, concerns have been raised about the social and economic impact of the measures taken.
Research Briefing

Children in School with Special Educational Needs

Thursday, 27 February, 2020

This House of Lords Library briefing contains a selection of material relevant for the forthcoming question for short debate on “the problems of and possible solutions for children in the school system with dyslexia and other neurodiverse conditions".
- Research Briefing
- Education
Current Affairs Digest

Current Affairs Digest: Social Policy (February 2020)

Thursday, 27 February, 2020

Catch-up on social policy articles you may have missed from February 2020, including those on girls' rights in the UK and the NHS as an anchor institution.
- Current Affairs Digest
- Health & Social Policy
Research Briefing

Educational Opportunities for Children and Young People from Working-class Backgrounds

Tuesday, 25 February, 2020

The educational opportunities available to children and young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds are important to social mobility. This House of Lords Library briefing provides background information on this issue ahead of a debate on the subject scheduled to take place on 5 March 2020.
- Research Briefing
- Education
Research Briefing

Mental Health: Unregistered Practitioners

Monday, 24 February, 2020

This House of Lords Library briefing contains a selection of material relevant for the forthcoming question for short debate on the impact of treatment by unregulated and unregistered persons offering psychotherapy or counselling services that takes place on 2 March 2020.
- Research Briefing
- Health

Total results (page 32 of 58)