This Note provides background reading on the Pensions Bill, which is due to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 3 December 2013.
Pensions Bill (HL Bill 55 of 2013-14) (514 KB , PDF)
The Pensions Bill makes provision for reform of the state pension system, including the introduction of a single-tier state pension. It also contains reforms of bereavement benefits, provision for amending the timetable for increasing pensionable age and a number of measures relating to private pensions, including the provision of an automatic transfer scheme for accrued rights to pension benefits.
This Library Note provides an overview of the six parts of the Bill, and a short summary of proceedings at second reading in the House of Commons. It then examines the debates at committee and report stages in further detail, with reference to key elements within the Bill. Finally, the Note provides a brief summary of the debate at third reading.
Pensions Bill (HL Bill 55 of 2013-14) (514 KB , PDF)
This briefing examines taxes on employment in the UK and internationally, exploring the potential relationship between taxation and employment. It has been prepared ahead of the upcoming House of Lords debate on the government’s assessment of the impact of tax policy on employment.
The government is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in order to achieve ‘net zero’ emissions by 2050. This 2050 target was introduced by the Conservative government. The current government has announced several policies, including measures intended to increase UK renewable energy production. On 24 October 2024, the House of Lords is scheduled to debate the economic impact of these policies, including their impact on jobs and growth.
Rural areas and communities face a number of challenges compared to urban areas. These include transport difficulties, less choice over services, education and employment, and poor broadband or mobile phone coverage. Some surveys have suggested that many people, particularly younger people, are considering leaving rural communities as a result. This briefing summarises some of these challenges and the government policies seeking to address them.
