Research Briefing Archives

Research Briefing

Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill – the abolition of the Police Negotiating Board

Monday, 03 June, 2013

Clauses 112-115 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill 2013-2014 would abolish the Police Negotiating Board, the current negotiating forum for police pay, and replace it with a new Police Remuneration Review Body. The Bill would take forward proposals in the final report of the Independent Review of Police Officer and Staff Remuneration and Conditions (the Winsor Review). This note outlines the historical background of the Police Negotiating Board, the relevant recommendations of the Winsor Review and the Government’s response to it.
Research Briefing

Members’ pay and expenses – current rates from 1 April 2013

Friday, 31 May, 2013

This Research Paper reviews recent developments in Members’ pay and expenses, and in ministerial salaries. It sets out current rates and provides a summary of expense limits, from 2010/11, under the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority’s MPs’ Scheme of Business Costs and Expenses.
- Research Briefing
- Parliament
Research Briefing

Children and Families Bill Committee Stage Report

Friday, 31 May, 2013

The Children and Families Bill introduces a wide range of legislation concerning adoption and children in care, aspects of family justice law, special educational needs, the Office of the Children’s Commissioner for England, child care, statutory rights to leave and pay for parents and adopters, time off work for ante-natal care, and the right to request flexible working. This paper complements Research Paper 13/11 prepared for the Commons Second Reading.
Research Briefing

The productivity puzzle

Friday, 31 May, 2013

This note looks at some of the suggested reasons why productivity in the UK has not recovered to its previous levels – the so called ‘productivity puzzle’
Research Briefing

Energy Bill 2013 – update for Report stage

Thursday, 30 May, 2013

The current Energy Bill now has its Report Stage scheduled, for 3 June 2013. This note provides an update to some of the more controversial areas, and to previous Library research briefings on the Bill.
Research Briefing

Statutory Controls on Firearms

Wednesday, 29 May, 2013

This note summarises the legislation restricting the possession and use of firearms in England and Wales and proposals for change.
- Research Briefing
- Crime
Research Briefing

Paying Local Housing Allowance direct to tenants in private rented housing

Wednesday, 29 May, 2013

This note explains the requirement to pay Local Housing Allowance direct to most tenants in the deregulated private rented sector since 7 April 2008.
Research Briefing

“Public Service Mutuals” and the Fire Service

Wednesday, 29 May, 2013

This note examines the controversy over reports that Cleveland Fire Brigade is proposing becoming a "Public Service Mutual", with Government support.
- Research Briefing
- Communities
Research Briefing

Sources of economic statistics

Wednesday, 29 May, 2013

A brief guide to key sources of economic statistics.
- Research Briefing
- Economic situation
Research Briefing

In brief: UK withdrawal from Afghanistan

Friday, 24 May, 2013

The drawdown of British troops in Afghanistan has begun. The number of British troops in Afghanistan will be reduced to 5,200 by the end of 2013.
Research Briefing

Water bills and rateable values

Friday, 24 May, 2013

Members of the public often contact their water company or MP complaining that their water bill is much higher than their neighbour’s because of differences to the rateable value of the properties. However, rateable values cannot be changed. Opting for a water meter might be the best option for households seeking to reduce their water bill.
Research Briefing

Voting Behaviour in the EU Council

Thursday, 23 May, 2013

This Note looks at the voting behaviour of Member States in the EU Council when a Qualified Majority is required for the adoption of an EU measure, and at other factors which may influence the outcome of a QMV decision. It also considers the UK’s voting record and possible future scenarios when the voting rules change and the Eurozone expands.
Research Briefing

Post-Legislative Scrutiny

Thursday, 23 May, 2013

This note outlines the background to and the Government’s approach to post-legislative scrutiny. By January 2013, 58 memorandums on post-legislative assessments had been published. The note also gives some details of individual inquiries held by Select Committees in response to the publication of several Memorandums, as well as some detail on post-legislative scrutiny in the House of Lords.
- Research Briefing
- Parliament
Research Briefing

Housing complaints – the role of designated persons

Wednesday, 22 May, 2013

This note provides information on the role introduced by the Localism Act 2011 for "designated persons" in relation to complaints against social landlords by their tenants.
Research Briefing

Disputes over the British Indian Ocean Territory: a survey

Wednesday, 22 May, 2013

Between 1968 and 1973 the British Government cleared the entire Chagos Archipelago of its inhabitants, opening the way for a US military base on the biggest island, Diego Garcia. The Archipelago was made a British overseas territory, the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). Two main disputes have arisen from these events. One has been between the Chagos Islanders and the British Government over the legality of the former’s removal and whether they have a right to return. The other has been between the UK and Mauritius about sovereignty over the BIOT. The UK has said that it will cede sovereignty to Mauritius once the BIOT is no longer required for defence purposes.

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