• In Focus

    School admissions: new statutory guidance

    In England, schools and local authorities must adhere to statutory guidance (the ‘school admissions code’) when carrying out duties relating to admissions. In September 2021, a new school admissions code came into force. This article examines the code and the School Information (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2021, which were laid by the Government to ensure that previous secondary legislation on admissions aligned with the new requirements in the code.

  • In Focus

    Facial recognition technology in schools

    In October 2021, some schools began taking payments for lunches using facial recognition technology (FRT). In response, the Information Commissioner’s Office and some privacy campaigners have expressed concern that this use of the technology is unnecessarily intrusive. This article focuses on how FRT is used in schools, what concerns have been raised about its use and how it is governed.

  • In Focus

    Menopause and the workplace

    World Menopause Day is held on 18 October every year. The International Menopause Society has said that the purpose of the day is to “raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing”. This article focuses on the impact it can have on the working lives of women and others who experience menopausal symptoms.

  • In Focus

    COP26: “Code red for humanity”

    Climate change is profoundly altering the world around us and some of its consequences may already take hundreds of years to reverse. Those are among the stark conclusions from the International Panel on Climate Change’s most recent report, findings the United Nations secretary general has called a wake-up call for humanity. As world leaders prepare to gather in Glasgow for the COP26 climate summit, this article examines the potential for a lasting agreement to tackle global warming.

  • In Focus

    Autumn budget and spending review

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, delivered the second budget of the year on 27 October 2021. It set out the Government’s plans to “build back better”. He also announced the results of a spending review, setting departmental spending totals for 2022/23 to 2024/25. Overall spending will increase, with a large proportion of the increase going to the NHS. The Office for Budget Responsibility also published its latest forecasts for the economy and the public finances. They showed improvements from its previous, March 2021, forecasts.

  • In Focus

    Chalk Stream Restoration Strategy

    Chalk streams in England are said to be important for global diversity and to provide a natural habitat for numerous species of plants and animals. However, there have been reports that they are at risk of drying out. Ahead of a debate on 3 November 2021, this In Focus article discusses the issue and highlights the recent publication of the Chalk Stream Restoration Strategy, which has received support from the Government.

  • In Focus

    Leaseholders: fire and building safety

    Following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, survey work has revealed that dangerous cladding was also present on other residential tower blocks. The Government has announced funding to help pay for remedial work. However, politicians and campaigners have expressed concern that the funding does not cover all fire safety defects and that leaseholders are being sent bills by building owners to cover costs of fire safety work, potentially leading to financial hardship and significant stress.

  • In Focus

    Impact of government policy on the creative sector

    The creative sector has been largely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. In response, the Government introduced several measures, including the ‘culture recovery fund’. This article examines those measures, in addition to discussing the contribution of the sector to the economy and the impact of the pandemic on the sector.

  • In Focus

    Black History Month: racism in football

    Racist abuse continues to blight English football. The three England players who missed a penalty in the UEFA Euro 2020 final were subject to online racist abuse from supporters after the match. To mark Black History Month 2021, this article looks at the personal experiences of some former players who experienced racist discrimination. It also examines the history of legislation around tackling racism in football and takes a brief look at what social media companies are doing to tackle online abuse.

  • In Focus

    Social care funding: improving the availability of private sector insurance products

    When announcing the introduction of a cap on care costs on 7 September 2021, the Government said that it would also be working with the financial services industry to encourage it to provide more products to help individuals cover their care costs. This In Focus discusses that aim, alongside reaction from the financial services sector and committee commentary on the subject.

  • In Focus

    Community care for people with learning disabilities and/or autism

    Since 2012, successive governments have set targets to reduce the number of people with learning disabilities and/or autism in inpatient settings, in favour of being cared for in the community. However, though progress has been made, to date these targets have not been achieved. Leading in turn to calls for further action and investment, and for funding incentives to ensure those with learning disabilities and/or autism are cared for in the most appropriate settings.

  • In Focus

    Promoting trade and business opportunities with Africa

    The Government has outlined its commitment to improving trade and business links with Africa. In January 2020, it held a UK-Africa investment summit and, since leaving the EU, the UK has agreed eight free trade agreements with African countries and trading blocs. This article discusses the Government’s plans, and highlights commentary from the House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee, in advance of a debate on 28 October 2021.

  • In Focus

    Cost of living: housing affordability

    This article discusses the potential impact of the end of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the removal of the temporary uplift to the standard allowance of Universal Credit and the rise in fuel prices on the cost of living and on people’s ability to pay their monthly mortgage and rental payments. It also examines recent commentary on the subject.

  • In Focus

    Land use frameworks: integrating policies in England

    Planning and land use policies cover a wide range of considerations. These range from controlling the built environment to achieving environmental aims such as reducing emissions, as well as agricultural and economic objectives. Some groups have argued for the need for an overarching ‘land use framework’ to draw these together to ensure all policy aims can be met. The House of Lords is scheduled to debate this issue on 28 October 2021.

  • In Focus

    COP26: changes to the ‘green book’

    On 28 October 2021, Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green party) is due to ask Her Majesty’s Government “what changes, if any, they plan to make to HM Treasury’s green book and related guidance to demonstrate global leadership as chair of COP26”. This article provides an overview of COP26 alongside an explanation of the ‘green book’ and recent changes made to it aimed at supporting the UK’s net zero target.

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