Research Briefing

Research Briefing

Review of Post-18 Education and Funding

Tuesday, 14 January, 2020

On 19 February 2018, the Prime Minister, Theresa May, announced in a speech that there would be a “wide-ranging review into post-18 education” led by Philip Augar. The review is to look at how future students will contribute to the cost of their studies, including “the level, terms and duration of their contribution.” The Prime Minister discounted the idea of moving back to a fully taxpayer funded system. It is expected that the review will report in early 2019.

• Research Briefing
• Education
• Further education
• Higher education

Research Briefing

Pensioner benefits

Tuesday, 14 January, 2020

Looks at the main benefits available to pensioners, in addition to the State Pension, and the debate on whether they should be reformed

• Research Briefing
• Benefits policy
• Pensions
• Sickness, disability and carers' benefits
• Social security

Research Briefing

Building the UK’s digital future

Tuesday, 14 January, 2020

Internet connectivity is now an essential part of modern life. So how will the new Government support new nationwide digital infrastructure?

• Research Briefing
• Technology

Research Briefing

Pavement and on-street parking in England

Tuesday, 14 January, 2020

This paper outlines the general legal position on what is generally called ‘pavement parking’ and the measures available to the police and local authorities to tackle it.

• Research Briefing
• Roads

Research Briefing

Economic update: Will less uncertainty boost growth?

Monday, 13 January, 2020

Analysis of the latest UK and international economic indicators

• Research Briefing
• Economic situation

Research Briefing

Employment Bill 2019-20

Monday, 13 January, 2020

The Employment Bill 2019-20 was announced in the Queen’s Speech on 19 December 2019. No date is yet available for second reading

• Research Briefing
• Work and incomes

Research Briefing

General Election 2019: The impact of weather on turnout

Monday, 13 January, 2020

The 2019 General Election was the first December election since 1918. In the run up to election day there was speculation about the potential impact of cold wintry weather on turnout. This Insight looks at the evidence.

• Research Briefing
• Elections

Research Briefing

Local authority support for children in need (England)

Monday, 13 January, 2020

This briefing provides information on the definition and identification of "children in need" as set out in the Children Act 1989, the assessment process, and the services available to children in need and their families in England.

• Research Briefing
• Children and families
• Children's social services

Research Briefing

Local government; Queen’s Speech 2019

Monday, 13 January, 2020

The debate on the Queens Speech (Motion for an Address) on Tuesday 14 January 2020 will be on education and local government. The debate is expected to start at 12.30 unless delayed by any ministerial statements or urgent questions.

• Research Briefing
• Further education
• Higher education
• Local government
• Schools

Research Briefing

Economic Indicators, December 2019

Monday, 13 January, 2020

Analysis of the latest UK and international economic indicators

• Research Briefing
• Economic policy
• Economic situation
• International trade
• Work and incomes

Research Briefing

The election of a Speaker

Monday, 13 January, 2020

This note briefly outlines the procedure for electing a Speaker. It reports the results of the election of new Speakers in 2009 and 2019; and the Procedure Committee's review of the 2009 election.

• Research Briefing
• House of Commons
• Parliament

Research Briefing

The UK’s independent trade policy: Global Britain?

Friday, 10 January, 2020

Brexit gives the UK the chance to pursue an independent trade policy for the first time in over 40 years…

• Research Briefing
• International trade

Research Briefing

Northern Ireland Assembly: “New Decade, New Approach”

Friday, 10 January, 2020

The Northern Ireland Office has published the text of a deal to restore devolved government in Northern Ireland. What are its proposals to reform the Assembly and Executive?

• Research Briefing
• Devolution

Research Briefing

The health and social care workforce gap

Friday, 10 January, 2020

Overview of the numbers behind the shortage of healthcare workers in England and proposed plans to address the issue

• Research Briefing
• Health services

Research Briefing

General Election 2019: Turning votes into seats

Friday, 10 January, 2020

How did the number of votes cast for each party relate to the number of seats they won in the 2019 General Election?

• Research Briefing
• Elections
• Voters