Government Archives

Research Briefing

Quangos

Monday, 31 January, 2011

This note provides a short history of public bodies in the United Kingdom before looking at the size and cost of the quango state. It considers why the number and cost of quangos has been hard to control. It then looks at the accountability of public bodies and appointments mechanisms. It also sets out the main provisions of the Public Bodies Bill [HL] as introduced. The Library Standard Note SN/PC/5845, Progress of the Public Bodies Bill [HL] 2010-11 provides more detailed information on the Bill
- Research Briefing
- Government
Research Briefing

Localism Bill: Local government and community empowerment [Bill No 126 of 2010-11]

Tuesday, 11 January, 2011

The Localism Bill 2010-11 was introduced in the House of Commons on 13 December 2010. This Paper summarises the local government and community empowerment sections of the Bill. Aspects of the Bill relating to planning, housing and London are summarised in Research Paper 11/03. The Bill is due to receive its second reading in the House of Commons on 17 January 2011.
- Research Briefing
- Local government
Research Briefing

Local Government Finance Settlement 2011/12 & 2012/13 – an initial analysis

Friday, 17 December, 2010
- Research Briefing
- Local government
Research Briefing

Civil Service reform

Tuesday, 23 November, 2010

This note outlines the Coalition Government's plans for the civil service. It also provides a very brief overview of civil service reform since 1979.
- Research Briefing
- Government
Research Briefing

Local Government Bill [HL]: Committee Stage Report [Bill No 75 of 2010-11]

Thursday, 18 November, 2010

This is a report on the House of Commons Committee Stage of the Bill. It complements Research Paper 10/63 which was prepared for Commons Second Reading. The Bill gives effect to the Coalition Government’s commitment to stop the restructuring of councils in Norfolk, Suffolk and Devon. Specifically, it would prevent implementation of any of the existing proposals for single-tier local government made under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. No amendments were made to the Bill in committee.
- Research Briefing
- Local government
Research Briefing

Government Offices for the Regions

Tuesday, 09 November, 2010

Government Offices for the English Regions are to be abolished
Research Briefing

Local transport governance and finance in England, 1997-2010

Thursday, 28 October, 2010

This standard note explains the structures and reform of local transport governance and finance in England during the course of the 1997-2010 Labour Government.
Research Briefing

Local Government Bill [HL] Bill No 75 of 2010-11

Thursday, 14 October, 2010

The Bill gives effect to the Coalition Government’s commitment to stop the restructuring of councils in Norfolk, Suffolk and Devon. Specifically the Bill would prevent implementation of any of the existing proposals for a single-tier local government structure made under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. The Bill completed its passage through the House of Lords and was introduced into the House of Commons on 11 October 2010. This briefing was prepared to inform the Second Reading debate on the Bill.
- Research Briefing
- Local government
Research Briefing

Freedom of Information: the first five years

Wednesday, 28 July, 2010

The Freedom of Information Act came into force in January 2005. This note reviews the operation of the Act over the first five years of implementation.
- Research Briefing
- Government
Research Briefing

Parliamentary Ombudsman: right of Appeal

Tuesday, 27 July, 2010

Members often ask on behalf of their constituents whether there is any appeal against a decision by the Parliamentary Ombudsman (also called the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration). This note provides guidance on this subject.
Research Briefing

The Parliamentary Ombudsman and the MP filter

Tuesday, 27 July, 2010

This Note sets out the role of the MP in referring complaints to the Parliamentary Ombudsman and refers to other relevant Library Standard Notes.
Research Briefing

PIL: Twentieth Century Prime Ministers and their Governments

Tuesday, 20 July, 2010

This PIL notes Prime Ministers that have served in the United Kingdom since 1900.
Research Briefing

Local government’s contribution to the 2010/11 spending cuts

Tuesday, 29 June, 2010

This note briefly summarises the effect on local authorities of the £1,165m savings in 2010/11 to be made through reductions to individual grants. This forms Local Governments contribution towards the overall saving of £6.2bn across Government. This note will be updated when further announcements are made by the Government.
- Research Briefing
- Local government
Research Briefing

Local elections 2010

Tuesday, 22 June, 2010

This paper summarises the results of the local and mayoral elections held on 6 May 2010. Elections were held in all 32 London boroughs, 36 metropolitan boroughs, 20 unitary authorities, and 76 shire districts. Labour had a net gain of 17 councils, the Conservatives a net loss of seven and the Liberal Democrats a net loss of one. Four incumbent mayors were re-elected: in the London Boroughs of Hackney, Lewisham and Newham (all Labour), and in Watford (Liberal Democrat). The UK General Election was held on the same day.
Research Briefing

Women in Parliament and public service

Tuesday, 25 May, 2010

Women make up 51% of the population of the UK, but only 22% of MPs are women. This note looks at women in Parliament, Government and other areas of public life.

Total results (page 44 of 51)