Free TV licences for the over-75s
Published Wednesday, February 13, 2019 | Commons Briefing papers SN04955
This Briefing Paper looks at the future of free TV licences for the over-75s
Voting age
Published Wednesday, February 13, 2019 | Commons Briefing papers SN01747
Under current legislation, a person must be 18 or over to vote in elections to the UK Parliament. This Note gives details of calls for a change in the law to reduce the voting age to 16 in recent years.
Alcohol taxation and the pub trade
Published Wednesday, February 13, 2019 | Commons Briefing papers SN01373
This note looks at the way alcoholic drinks are taxed, the Labour Government's introduction of a 'duty escalator' in 2008, and the concerns in the pub trade at the impact of this policy. It goes on to discuss the Coalition Government decision to remove the duty escalator in two stages in 2013 and 2014, and the current Government's approach to the taxation of alcohol.
Ongoing Brexit Discussions with the European Union
Published Wednesday, February 13, 2019 | Lords Briefing packs LBP-2019-0015
This Briefing Pack contains a selection of material relevant for the debate on two motions on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, expected to be taken together on 13 February 2019. It includes a briefing produced by the Library in preparation for this debate on 9 February 2019, which was published before the exact wording of the debate motion was known, and supplements it with additional material, including a statement made by the Prime Minister on 12 February 2019.
Extending Article 50: could Brexit be delayed?
Published Tuesday, February 12, 2019 | Commons Briefing papers CBP-8496
With six weeks to go before the UK is due to leave the EU and no Withdrawal Agreement as yet approved by the House of Commons, there have been calls for the Government to request an Article 50 extension from the EU to delay Brexit day. Under what scenarios could an Article 50 extension be agreed with the EU? And could this lead to the UK taking part in the European Parliament elections?
Probate fees
Published Tuesday, February 12, 2019 | Commons Briefing papers CBP-7929
This Commons Library briefing paper considers the Government's proposals to reform probate fees by using a statutory power to charge fees set above cost recovery levels
Adult Social Care Funding (England)
Published Tuesday, February 12, 2019 | Commons Briefing papers CBP-7903
This Commons Library briefing paper examines the key funding pressures facing adult social care services in England and evidence of the impacts of these pressures on social care and health services. The paper explains the additional short-term, ring-fenced funding that has been committed to adult social care between 2016/17 and 2019/20, and outlines concerns about a social care funding gap and financial uncertainty post 2020.
Human Rights in the UK
Published Tuesday, February 12, 2019 | Commons Debate packs CDP-2019-0031
On 13 February 2019 there will be a debate on human rights in the UK, sponsored by Tommy Sheppard, MP
Health implications of sunbed use
Published Tuesday, February 12, 2019 | Commons Debate packs CDP-2019-0037
This pack has been prepared ahead of the debate to be held in Westminster Hall from 9.30-11am on Wednesday 13 February 2019 on the health implications of sunbed use. The debate will be opened by Pauline Latham MP.
Teacher recruitment and retention in England
Published Tuesday, February 12, 2019 | Commons Briefing papers CBP-7222
This House of Commons Library Briefing Paper provides information on the recruitment and retention of teachers in England, including the Government's recently published Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy. It also gives an overview of attempts to reduce teacher workload.
House of Lords: Largest Votes Recorded
Published Tuesday, February 12, 2019 | Lords Library notes LLN-2018-0048
This House of Lords Library Briefing provides information about the largest votes that have taken place in the House of Lords.
Proxy voting in divisions in the House
Published Tuesday, February 12, 2019 | Commons Briefing papers CBP-8359
On 28 January 2019, the House agreed a Temporary Standing Order in order to pilot the use of proxy voting in divisions of the House for parental absence (baby leave). On 13 September 2018, there was a general debate on proxy voting. This followed recommendations from the Procedure Committee on how a proxy voting system could be introduced for Members who had babies or adopted.
Prisoners' voting rights: developments since May 2015
Published Monday, February 11, 2019 | Commons Briefing papers CBP-7461
This House of Commons Briefing Paper analyses the debate over the voting rights of prisoners since May 2015, it also includes a concise summary of the main developments before May 2015.