Government

A briefing on unitary local government in England, proposals for creating new unitary authorities, Government policy, historical practice, and academic analysis

This Commons Library Briefing Paper discusses the new public sector exit payment cap that comes into force in November 2020. In particular, it considers how the cap could impact lower-income workers and the circumstances in which the cap can be relaxed.

Who is eligible and how will Parliament scrutinise?

The government is likely to spend over £1,000 billion in 2020-21, the most it has ever spent either in cash terms or real terms. This briefing describes the different ways in which public spending is categorised, and presents statistics and commentary on recent spending in each category.

How are honours awarded and how has Covid-19 affected this year's list?

On Wednesday 14 October 2020 from 9.30am there will be a Westminster Hall debate, in the name of Joanna Cherry MP, concerning the Lord Chancellor's oath and the rule of law.

This paper provides a timeline of the major events leading up to the EU referendum and subsequent dates of note, looking ahead to expected events as the UK and EU negotiate the UK's exit.

This Insight looks at how Covid-19 public health restrictions are put in place by the Government, and Parliament’s role in scrutinising those decisions.

MPs will debate three petitions on Monday 5 October 2020 in Westminster Hall at 6pm. The first two call for a public inquiry to take place into the 2016 referendum on EU membership. One of these calls for Brexit to be deferred in the meantime. The third petition calls for the post-Brexit transition period to be deferred to allow more time for the UK-EU future relationship negotiations.

This Insight looks at the Scottish and Welsh Governments' position after publishing ‘Legislative Consent Memorandums’ (LCM) regarding the UK Internal Market Bill.

This Insight explores proposed changes to the formula used by Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to use to assess housing need.

A Westminster Hall debate on Online Harms is scheduled for 7 October 2020. The Member leading the debate is Holly Lynch MP.

This Insight looks at whether anything in the Scotland Act 1998 (the 1998 Act) prevents the UK Government from spending in policy areas devolved to Scotland and the proposed new spending powers in the UK Internal Market Bill.