This House of Commons Library Briefing Paper looks at the Draft Public Service Ombudsman Bill, published by the Cabinet Office on 5 December 2016, which would create a Public Service Ombudsman for UK reserved matters and public services delivered solely in England.
This briefing paper sets out the constitutional basis to the Royal Prerogative, describes general prerogative powers and the Crown's personal prerogative powers. It then sets out recent proposals for reform, and the case law that has led to the current understanding of the prerogative.
This House of Commons Library paper considers the main pieces of legislation in the UK related to official secrecy and the disclosure of information "in the public interest". It focuses in particular on the main pieces of legislation - the Official Secrets Acts 1911-1989.
Research Briefing
This House of Commons Library Briefing Paper looks at collective responsibility, a constitutional convention in the UK whereby the Government is collectively accountable to Parliament for its actions, policies and decisions.
Research Briefing
This House of Commons Library Briefing Paper looks at the Government's proposal to bring forward a draft bill for a public service ombudsman which will provide a unified ombudsman service for UK reserved matters and public services delivered solely in England. It also looks at the existing ombudsman landscape for public services across the UK.
Research Briefing
This House of Commons Briefing Paper provides information on ministerial residences including their allocation, financial arrangements and hospitality rules as well as historical notes on each residence.
Debate Pack
This House of Commons Debate Pack has been compiled ahead of the debate on the BIS Sheffield Proposal and Government Departments outside of London to be held on Monday 9 May 2016 in the House of Commons Chamber. The Member in charge of the debate is Paul Blomfield. The subject of the debate was determined by the Backbench Business Committee.
Research Briefing
This House of Commons Briefing Paper looks at the oath of allegiance or affirmation which Members of both Houses of Parliament are required to take before they can take their seat. It focuses primarily on the Parliamentary Oath in the House of Commons, although later sections look at the oath in the House of Lords, the devolved legislatures and in certain Commonwealth countries. It also sets out some of the key stages in the history and development of the Parliamentary Oath.
Debate Pack
This House of Commons Library Debate Pack has been produced for the debate on House of Lords Reform taking place on Thursday 14 January 2016 in the Main Chamber. The Member in charge of the debate is John Martin Docherty. The subject of the debate was determined by the Backbench Business Committee.