Research Briefing
This note provides brief background about the situation of the Chagos Islanders, paying particular attention to the legal dispute over whether they have the right of return and the recent establishment of a Marine Protection Area around the British Indian Ocean Territory (with the exception of Diego Garcia). The note is not comprehensive in its coverage and will not be automatically updated.
Research Briefing
Changes to the building regulations are currently being consulted upon. These have led to press reports of a ‘conservatory tax’ of up to 10% on certain home improvements, through required associated energy efficiency measures. Reports have also said that people will be forced to take out green deal loans if they cannot afford to fund these improvements.
Research Briefing
This note summarises details of Solar PV feed-in tariffs, including the various reviews of tariffs for solar, the latest consultation published in February 2012, and the Government's defeat in the courts.
Research Briefing
This note deals with UK Government policy on food security in the UK.
Research Briefing
This note contains short notes on major topics along with links to further material
Research Briefing
This note covers issues arising from allotment gardens, including what happens when developers want to build on the site
Research Briefing
This note provides background information on the Waste Water National Policy Statement, which streamlines planning policy for nationally significant waste water treatment projects such as the Thames Tunnel.
Research Briefing
From 20-22 June 2012 the UN will hold a conference on sustainable development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, twenty years on from the ‘Earth Summit’ of 1992, also held in Rio. This note sets out the likely agenda for the conference and some surrounding political issues.
Research Briefing
Unenriched battery cages were widely used to keep laying hens until 2012. This note covers law, welfare issues and the EU ban on this practice, and the new requirment for enriched cages.
Research Briefing
This notes sets out the positions of various groups regarding the effects of fluoridation of drinking water. It also sets out the Government's position.
Research Briefing
The Water Industry (Financial Assistance) Bill contains two measures. One will give the Government the discretion to reduce water bills in certain regions. The other will give the Government the discretion to provide financial assistance for major water and sewage infrastructure projects. Initially the Government plans to use these powers to reduce water bills in the South West of England and to support the Thames Tunnel project.
Research Briefing
This note looks at the development of community rail under successive governments. It explains the purposes of rural rail, how it is structured, and proposals for its development.
Research Briefing
This is a report on the House of Commons Committee Stage of the Daylight Saving Bill.
Research Briefing
This note covers run up and outcome of the UN climate change conference that took place in Durban between 28 November and 11 December 2011.
Research Briefing
This note covers the Food Standards Agency's voluntary system of nutritional labelling and the alternative system favoured by manufacturers
Total results (page 49 of 57)