Research Briefing
Hostilities in Gaza: latest developments
An overview of the latest developments in the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza.
-
-
Research Briefing
Syrian refugees in Jordan
Enormous numbers of Syrians have taken refuge in Jordan, putting strain on the small country’s resources. The House of Commons International Development Committee visited recently and voiced concern about Jordan’s political stability.
-
Research Briefing
Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit for children resident in other EEA countries
Domestic legislation provides that both Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit cannot normally be paid in respect of children resident abroad. However, under provisions in EU law on social security coordination within the European Economic Area (EEA), Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit may be payable to EEA migrants in the United Kingdom in respect of their dependent children resident in another Member State.
-
Research Briefing
Early Day Motions
Early Day Motions exist to allow Members to draw attention to a topic or to express an opinion on any issue. The note reviews criticisms of EDMs; actions takens by the House to reduce their costs; and the Procedure's Committee's continuing support for EDMs.
-
Research Briefing
Electoral registration: Penalties for providing false information or refusing to provide information
Details about the criminal and civil penalties that can be imposed when a person refuses to supply information to an Electoral Registration Officer, or provides the Officer with false information.
-
Research Briefing
The Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Bill
An emergency Bill, the Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Bill, is due to pass through all its parliamentary stages between 15 and 17 July. The Bill aims to allow police and security agencies to have continued access to communications data in order to combat crime and terrorism. This Note summarises the background, the Bill and criticisms that have been made of it.
-
Research Briefing
Self-employed people and contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Self-employed people are eligible for the same contributory benefits and pension as employed earners, with one exception. Self-employed people cannot claim contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).
-
Research Briefing
Unemployment by Constituency, July 2014
This paper contains labour market figures for parliamentary constituencies, as well as a summary of the latest national and regional statistics.
-
Research Briefing
The high cost consumer credit market in the UK
This note outlines issues about high cost credit lending and attempts to reform it. It looks at evidence from various academic research and other reports into the impact of the sector on individuals both here and abroad. It also looks at the opportunities for other lenders to enter the market and to offer more competition to the current market leaders. A section at the end of the paper looks at the implications and justifications for the cost of credit cap proposals published by the Financial Conduct Authority in July 2014.
-
Research Briefing
TNT Post and Royal Mail: end-to-end competition in postal services
TNT Post are in direct competition with Royal Mail in parts of London, Liverpool and Manchester – they now provide a full ‘end-to-end’ service in these areas, delivering business post directly to the addresses of customers, and are said to be planning to expand. Royal Mail believe that this competition is a threat to the universal postal service they provide. This note explores the issues, possible responses and the position taken by Ofcom, the regulator, so far.
-
Research Briefing
Public sector employment and expenditure by region
Public spending and public sector employment by region.
-
Research Briefing
Debate on possible independence of Catalonia: key issues
The Catalan Government hopes to hold a "consultation" on Catalan independence on 9 November 2014., but the Spanish Government hopes to prevent it from going ahead. This note provides an overview of the debate.
-
Research Briefing
Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill
The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill will receive its Second Reading in the House of Commons on 16 July 2014.
-
Research Briefing
Beak Trimming Ban
Beak trimming is used to improve welfare in laying hen flocks. There are welfare concerns and the Goverment will decide whether to ban it in 2016. Farmers are already calling for the ban to be postponed.
-
Research Briefing
Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism Bill
The Coalition Agreement included a commitment to encourage volunteering and involvement in social action. The Government intends that the Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism Bill will help to fulfil this commitment by reassuring volunteers (and others) that the courts will consider the context of their actions in the event that they are sued for negligence or breach of statutory duty.
Total results (page 302 of 559)