Research Briefing
This House of Commons Library paper describes the devolution of electoral arrangements to Wales. The draft Wales Bill published on 20 October 2015 is the latest development in this process. The paper looks at developments since 2012 and discusses debates about the number of constituencies in Wales.
Research Briefing
The Northern Ireland (Welfare Reform) Bill is part of a process to stabilise the political institutions in Northern Ireland. It stems from a package agreed between the UK and Irish Governments and the largest Northern Ireland parties: the Fresh Start agreement. This paper gives a guide to the Bill, and to the agreement.
Research Briefing
Summer Budget 2015 included proposals to reduce the income threshold for tax credits – the amount families can earn before their award starts to reduce – and to increase the “taper” – the rate at which tax credits are withdrawn as family income increases – from 41% to 48%. The changes were to have taken
Research Briefing
This Briefing Paper gives an update on the Scotland Bill 2015-16 after Committee stage. No opposition amendments were made at Committee stage. The Government has produced substantive amendments of its own for Report.
Research Briefing
The Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill had its second reading in the House of Commons on 14 October. Many Members from all parties welcomed the Bill, some with greater enthusiasm than others. Many addressed the question of elected mayors, and opposition Members drew attention to the issue of local government finance. A number also
Research Briefing
This briefing explains the provisions of, and the policy background to, the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill 2015-16.
Research Briefing
At the time of writing, ‘devolution deals’ have been agreed with four local areas within England: Greater Manchester, Sheffield, West Yorkshire and Cornwall. A number of others are reported to be in the pipeline (North-East, Liverpool, West Midlands, Tees Valley, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire): the Government announced that areas seeking a deal in time for the
Research Briefing
This briefing paper sets out the main provisions of the Stormont House Agreement and looks at progress with implementation. The way forward for welfare changes in Northern Ireland, which was a main driver for the talks leading to the Agreement, continues to be unresolved.
Research Briefing
Future bills (including finance bills) and secondary legislation introduced to the Commons and certified as being English only will require a double majority before being passed into law, according to plans announced by Leader of the House Chris Grayling this morning. A new system will produce two results: one for all MPs, another just for
Debate Pack
This is an archived Commons Library Debate Pack on English Votes for English Laws and North Wales from 2015.
Research Briefing
This note analyses the geographic composition of governments and voting patterns of MPs representing England, Scotland and Wales in the House of Commons. It does so in light of the Smith Commission Heads of Agreement on further devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament, along with subsequent debate about both Scottish representation at Westminster and ‘English votes for English laws’.
Total results (page 19 of 28)