Research Briefing
Scottish Parliament elections 2026
Elections to the Scottish Parliament took place on 7 May 2026. The Scottish National Party won the most seats, followed by Labour and Reform UK.
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Research Briefing
Main Estimates: Government spending plans for 2026/27
This briefing summarises 2026/27’s Main Estimates, the way in which Parliament approves the Government’s spending plans for the year.
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Research Briefing
Road safety
The Road Safety Strategy, published in January 2026, establishes a new policy direction for the UK. It sets targets to reduce deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035.
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Research Briefing
Mobile phones in schools (England)
A short overview of policy relating to mobile phone use in English schools, and related discussions
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Research Briefing
Stamp duty land tax: Current situation and developments since 2020
This briefing explains the current rates of stamp duty land tax and of the property transaction taxes in Scotland and Wales, and proposals for reform.
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Research Briefing
Fire and rehire practices
This briefing explores the use, legal context and proposals for reform of 'fire and rehire' tactics by employers.
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Research Briefing
TV licence fee statistics
This briefing provides statistics on the TV licence fee and general television viewing trends.
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Research Briefing
The separation of powers in the UK’s Overseas Territories
The paper describes the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the governments of the UK's Overseas Territories.
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Research Briefing
What might be announced in the King’s Speech 2026?
The State Opening of Parliament and the 2026 King’s Speech are scheduled to take place on 13 May 2026.
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Data dashboards,Research Briefing
Supplementary Estimates data: Government spending plans for 2025/26
Use our interactive dashboard to explore data on Supplementary Estimates (spending plans submitted to Parliament by government departments).
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Research Briefing
Directly-elected mayors
A briefing paper on directly-elected mayors in English local authorities, including a list of current mayors and past referendums.
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Research Briefing
VAT and Churches
Construction work to repair buildings, including historic churches, is charged VAT at the 20% standard rate. The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme has provided grants to mitigate the VAT costs for these repairs.
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Research Briefing
UK sports funding for individuals, organisations and teams
Grassroots sport in the UK is supported by the four national sports funding bodies as well as by central government programmes and charities.
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Research Briefing
A new president and prime minister for Iraq: What challenges face the country in 2026?
Following 2025 elections, Iraq has new leaders. Challenges include curbing Iranian influence, curtailed oil production and disagreements among Kurdish leaders.
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Research Briefing
Student finance and weekend-only courses
This briefing explains the misclassification of weekend-only courses as in-person by some universities, leading to students being incorrectly awarded student finance payments.
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