Research Briefing

The Liaison Committee has held oral evidence sessions with the Prime Minister since 2002. The Prime Minister is scheduled to appear before the Committee on 13 January 2021.

28% of adults in England are obese and a further 36% are overweight. This briefing provides statistics on the obesity among adults and children in the UK, along with data on bariatric surgery and international comparisons.

This briefing paper explains measures taken by the Government during the coronavirus outbreak to assist households in the rented sector to retain their homes. The paper covers the introduction of extended notice periods and the end of the ban on evictions in England and Wales from 20 September 2020. It has been updated in light of the extended ban on enforcing eviction orders after 11 January 2021.

The hospitality industry has been one of the hardest hit sectors affected by the coronavirus pandemic. This paper provides information on the hospitality industry in the UK, the impact of the pandemic and sources of support for the sector.

Household debt: Data on the latest household debt statistics, including net lending, mortgage interest rates and insolvencies.

This House of Commons Library briefing paper discusses the procedure for recalling Parliament, as well as providing details of recent occasions when Parliament has been recalled.

Exchange rates: Data on the value of the pound relative to other major international currencies.

This briefing explains the types of police personnel. It discusses their recruitment, training, and the proposed Police Covenant to improve officer welfare.

This House of Commons Library Briefing provides information in response to some key questions relating to childcare during the coronavirus outbreak

This Library Briefing answers frequently asked questions about the Test and Trace Support Payments for low-income workers who are required to self-isolate.

An examination of the triple lock mechanism used to uprate the State Pension - its effect so far and the arguments for and against

Unexplained Wealth Orders allow for the confiscation of property without proving criminality, by reversing the burden of proof. This briefing discusses their introduction, how they work, and their use so far.

This briefing explains the key concepts underpinning the British model of policing. It introduces the key actors in UK policing. It provides a brief introduction to UK police forces and discusses their performance

What is the guidance for students moving back on to campuses at the start of in 2020-21 and on returning home for the Christmas break? What concerns were raised about the return to campus? How have universities changed the way they organise teaching and how does this affect potential fee refunds? How many students and staff have tested positive for Covid-19? Has the peak among students passed? What impact will the national lockdown from 5 January 2021 have on students and providers?

The four boundary commissions in the UK have to allow for various stages of public consultation during their general reviews of Parliamentary constituencies. The stages are summarised in this paper.