• In Focus

    Office for Students: Lords Industry and Regulators Committee report

    In 2023, the House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee published a report which criticised the Office for Students’ (OfS) approach to regulation. It said the regulator had a poor relationship with both students and providers, and that it lacked independence from the government. While the government and the regulator acknowledged some reforms were needed, they argued that the OfS’ actions were not driven by political pressures.

  • In Focus

    Challenges faced by people with disabilities

    People with disabilities can face additional barriers when trying to access services. The World Health Organisation has stated disability comes from these barriers rather the related impairment. Barriers can include online services that are not accessible, infrastructure that can be physically inaccessible and attitudinal barriers. The government has introduced policies to help address these barriers but disability charities have argued these have not been sufficient.

  • In Focus

    Contribution of sport to society and the economy

    This briefing considers the benefits of sport and physical activity ahead of a House of Lords debate on the subject on 16 May 2024. The government and sports sector stakeholders agree that sport has many benefits for individuals and communities, as well as for the economy more broadly. The government published a new strategy for the sports sector in August 2023. The ambition of the strategy was commended; however, sports charities and the opposition suggested that more was required from the government to deliver on it.

  • Research Briefing

    Renters (Reform) Bill: HL Bill 74 of 2023–24

    The Renters (Reform) Bill is a government bill which would implement a significant package of reforms to the private rental sector in England. Ministers argue that it will ensure private renters have access to a secure and decent home and give confidence to landlords to continue to invest. However, concern has been raised over delays to key elements of the reforms, particularly the abolition of so-called ‘no fault’ or section 21 evictions.

  • In Focus

    House of Lords Science and Technology Committee report: Impact of noise and light pollution on human health

    In July 2023 the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee published a report into the impact of noise and light pollution on human health. It found that while there is some evidence that both noise and light pollution are harmful to humans, there are significant gaps in research and understanding. This briefing looks at the definitions of noise and light pollution, current legislation and guidelines, and the committee’s report and subsequent government response.

  • In Focus

    Integration of Primary and Community Care Committee report: ‘Patients at the centre: Integrating primary and community care’

    Integrating primary and community care services has been identified as necessary in order to address increased demand and the rise in the number of people with complex health issues. In 2023, the House of Lords Integration of Primary and Community Care Committee considered how successfully these services were being integrated. This briefing summarises the committee’s conclusions and recommendations and the government’s response.

  • In Focus

    Child poverty: Statistics, causes and the UK’s policy response

    The government has estimated that 4.3 million children, or 30% of all children in the UK, were living in relative low-income households after housing costs in 2022/23. This represents an increase on the previous year. The government has said unexpectedly high inflation, driven by the war in Ukraine and supply chain challenges, contributed to the rise. It argues that falling inflation, rising real wages and uprated benefits will help low-income households in the year ahead.

  • In Focus

    The impact of gambling marketing

    The gambling industry has expanded over recent years and increased attention is being paid to the issue of gambling-related harms and the role that the marketing of gambling services plays in exacerbating them. The House of Lords is due to debate these issues on 25 April 2024.

  • In Focus

    House of Lords Public Services Committee report: Homecare medicines services

    An estimated half a million NHS patients are receiving hospital-prescribed medication and equipment at home through private sector homecare medicines services. Responding to reports of patient harm and distress caused by delays, errors and mis-deliveries, the Public Services Committee investigated. The committee called for an independent review, as well as improvements to regulation, data and accountability. The government has said that NHS England is conducting a desktop review.

  • In Focus

    Importance of skills: Economic and social benefits

    The importance of skills is recognised across the main political parties in the UK. Evidence suggests that greater skill levels benefit the economy as a whole but also provide significant economic and social benefits for the individuals who possess them. The House of Lords is due to debate these issues on 9 May 2024.

  • In Focus

    Supply of affordable housing

    Affordable housing accounted for 27 percent of all new additions to the housing stock in England in 2022/23. In recent years, the government has introduced several initiatives to increase the supply of affordable housing. This includes launching the first homes scheme, which seeks to assist first-time buyers and key workers in purchasing properties at discounted rates. However, some housing stakeholders have called on the government to provide further funding towards the construction of affordable homes.

  • In Focus

    Supporting separating parents to resolve private family law disputes

    Some separating couples apply to the family court to resolve disputes, such as where their child should live. Research has shown the negative impact that parental separation involving conflict can have on a child’s mental health and life chances. In January 2024, the government announced a reform programme of the family justice system to support families to resolve private family law disputes more quickly and protect children from lengthy court cases.

  • In Focus

    Educational trips and exchanges: Budget challenges, post-Brexit travel, and the introduction of the Turing scheme

    Educational trips and exchanges can help young people develop language and life skills. However, school leaders, travel organisations, and the House of Lords European Affairs Committee have raised concerns that fewer trips are taking place, pointing to factors including travel complexities post-Brexit and budget considerations. The government has acknowledged the importance of trips and exchanges, highlighting the Turing scheme and the recent agreement to simplify travel requirements for school visits with France.

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