Research Briefing
Government consultations
Government departments and public bodies can consult the public on any policy to inform decision-making. In some cases, they are legally required to consult.
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Data dashboards
Local authority data: finances
Browse details on both funding and spending of local authorities in England.
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Research Briefing
Unitary local government
A briefing on unitary local government in England, proposals for creating new unitary authorities, Government policy, historical practice, and academic analysis
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Insight
Is my council going to be abolished?
The government said it will invite all two-tier local authority areas to restructure into unitary authorities, which is likely to result in fewer, larger authorities.
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Research Briefing
Local Government Finance Settlement 2025/26
Local authorities in England will have £69.4 billion to spend in 2025/26. Here we look at the changes in this year’s funding, and the longer-term context.
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Research Briefing
Council tax: local referendums
This briefing note explains the system of referendums on council tax increases in local authorities. It sets out the legislative framework and the thresholds that have been set in previous years.
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Research Briefing
Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill 2024-25
A briefing on the Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill 2024-25
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Research Briefing
Local government air quality responsibilities
Local authorities must monitor and improve air quality to meet objectives. This briefing gives an overview of the local air quality management regime.
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Research Briefing
Tourist taxes: policy and debates
A briefing about transient visitor levies or 'tourist taxes', including information on plans for the introduction of tourist taxes in Scotland and Wales.
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Insight
How could the government change the business rates system?
Business rates are currently based on a property’s rateable value times a multiplier. Changes to the system could include new ways of calculating these factors.
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Research Briefing
Adult social care workforce in England
An overview of key issues and policy concerning the adult social care workforce in England.
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Insight
What would happen if the single person discount on council tax was abolished?
The single person discount on council tax means people living alone pay less council tax. Average council tax per person would fall if the discount were removed.
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Research Briefing
Enterprise Zones
There are currently 48 operational Enterprise Zones in England. Similar policies have been adopted by the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Businesses in these small areas will benefit from tax and planning concessions and superfast broadband.
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Research Briefing
Overview and Scrutiny in Local Government
This note provides an introduction to overview and scrutiny committees in local authorities, their development and the relevant legislative provisions. It also notes specific powers available to local councils to scrutinise other bodies. The note principally covers England, with some reference to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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Research Briefing
Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)
A briefing paper on Business Improvement Districts, which sets out the legal basis of BIDs and key statistics on their operations.
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