The Privy Council: history, functions and membership
A briefing paper on the history, functions and membership of the Privy Council

There will be a General Debate on the future of BBC local radio on 8 December 2022.
The future of BBC local radio (232 KB , PDF)
A General Debate is scheduled for 8 December 2022 on the future of BBC local radio. The debate will take place in the House of Commons Chamber.
In May 2022, the BBC announced its plans to become a digital-first service. This plan was formulated as both a response to the new licence fee settlement announced in January 2022, and broader changes to its audience’s listening habits. These plans included a commitment to focus the BBC’s local radio programming to where it has the most impact.
In October 2022 the BBC announced more detailed proposed changes to local radio output:
Ofcom has said it will continue to scrutinise the proposals and discuss them with the BBC.
The Government has suggested that whilst it is up to the BBC to decide how its services are allocated, it must make sure it continues to provide distinctive and genuinely local radio services. It has raised these concerns with BBC leadership.
Finalised versions of the plans are due to be put forward in the New Year.
The future of BBC local radio (232 KB , PDF)
A briefing paper on the history, functions and membership of the Privy Council
The Online Safety Bill is scheduled to have its third reading in the House of Lords on 6 September 2023. This Briefing summarises the progress of the Bill so far.
This briefing paper considers suicide prevention policies and strategies throughout the UK. It outlines national and local approaches to prevention policy in some key policy areas.