At present, prenuptial agreements are not automatically enforceable by courts in England and Wales. However, a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court in 2010 stated that courts should consider such agreements if entered into freely and with full understanding, unless doing so would be unfair. This has prompted calls for reforming marriage laws, including a Law Commission proposal to introduce a new form of marital property agreement.
This private member’s bill would transfer responsibility for the Crown Estate in Wales to the Welsh government.
![Crown Estate (Wales) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 29 of 2024–25](https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/content/uploads/sites/2/2020/01/Devolution-VIGs-1232x924.jpg)
The bill would amend the Universal Credit Regulations 2013 to increase the standard allowance entitlement of universal credit for individuals leaving care once they turn 18 to match the amount available to claimants aged 25 or over.
![Universal Credit (Standard Allowance Entitlement of Care Leavers) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 30 of 2024-25](https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Welfare-and-Pensions-1232x924.jpg)
In Focus
The UK has been involved in UN peacekeeping since 1948. Its contribution includes determining UN security council mandates, providing financial support and deploying personnel to peacekeeping operations. This briefing examines recent UK peacekeeping operations and policies to support such efforts. This includes commitments to enhancing UK military training of peacekeepers before and during operations.
In Focus
The government has made several proposals to increase housing supply and improve the quality of homes. This includes prioritising building housing on brownfield sites and reforming the national planning policy framework. However, there are concerns that the development of such homes can impact surrounding communities, affecting factors such as green spaces, local infrastructure and public services.
In Focus
Reported retail crime has increased significantly in recent years. This criminal activity, encompassing offences such as shoplifting and assaults on retail workers, has impacted businesses, their employees and local economies. The government has outlined plans to tackle retail crime in response to this issue. This includes legislating to create a new specific offence of assaulting a retail worker and to remove the threshold on so-called “low-value” shoplifting offences.
In Focus
The NHS sometimes prescribes weight management drugs to people with severe obesity and conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Many health professionals have argued that the drugs could positively impact people, alongside diet and exercise regimes. However, there are concerns that demand for the drugs could stretch existing NHS services and have led to people using them without a medical reason.
Research Briefing
This private member’s bill would expand the criteria of who qualifies as a family member of a refugee and people granted humanitarian protection. Additionally, it would seek to reintroduce legal aid for such cases.
In Focus
The collapse of major UK companies such as BHS and Carillion has raised questions about the effectiveness of the country’s auditing practices. The government has committed to reforming the auditing industry. The 2024 King’s Speech included plans to publish a draft bill comprising measures to establish a new audit, reporting and governance regulatory body with enhanced enforcement powers. The draft bill has not yet been published.
In Focus
In recent years, many universities have faced financial challenges. This has been attributed to several factors, including the impact of inflation on the real-terms value of tuition fee income from undergraduates, a dependence on international student numbers and increases in the cost of living. These challenges have led to some universities reducing their education provision and staffing allocations.
In Focus
The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee published a report in February 2024 examining the accountability, independence and performance of UK regulators. The committee highlighted several issues, including the perceived influence of political factors in the appointment and reappointment of regulatory leaders, rather than suitability for the role. The House of Lords is due to debate the report on 9 September 2024.
Research Briefing
Research briefing setting out the government’s commitments covering housing, communities and local government for the House of Lords debate on the 2024 King’s Speech.
Current Affairs Digest
The war between Ukraine and Russia is in its third year, with no immediate resolution in sight. This has raised many questions about its endgame and the long-term implications for both countries. This briefing examines some of the potential scenarios for the war’s conclusion.
Research Briefing
This private member’s bill would expand eligibility for leave to fathers or partners who experience the death of a child’s mother, adoptive or surrogate parent.
In Focus
Affordable housing accounted for 27 percent of all new additions to the housing stock in England in 2022/23. In recent years, the government has introduced several initiatives to increase the supply of affordable housing. This includes launching the first homes scheme, which seeks to assist first-time buyers and key workers in purchasing properties at discounted rates. However, some housing stakeholders have called on the government to provide further funding towards the construction of affordable homes.
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