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Read the most recent research on legislation, debates and topical issues

Creative Education Access Bill [HL]: HL Bill 17 of 2026–27

The Creative Education Access Bill [HL] would introduce a minimum entitlement to creative and cultural education for pupils at state-funded schools in England. The bill would establish a minimum number of hours of creative learning per week and would require schools to take reasonable steps to develop partnerships with the creative sector.
- Culture, Media & Sport
- Education
Parliamentary sessions: Years without a King’s Speech

A speech by the sovereign at the start of a parliamentary session usually takes place every year. However, there have been seven years since 1900 without a speech. Most can be ascribed to the preceding session being longer than average. The most recent year without a King’s Speech was 2025, resulting from the Starmer government’s decision to extend the session beginning in July 2024 until April 2026.
- Parliament
Home ownership in England

Home ownership in England has fallen by 6% since 2003. The ratio of average house prices to earnings has risen significantly and many people who would like to buy a home cannot. The reasons for the increase in unaffordability are debated and include foreign investment, cheap credit and insufficient housebuilding. The government has committed to delivering 1.5mn new homes by the end of the parliament, supported by planning reforms and investment in affordable housing.
- Housing