This Lords Library briefing provides an overview of the Bus Services Bill and reaction to it, background to its introduction and a summary of the Bill’s clauses.
Bus Services Bill [HL] (275 KB , PDF)
The Bus Services Bill [HL] seeks to “expand the range of tools available” to directly elected mayors and local transport authorities (LTAs) in areas in England outside of London to improve local bus services. The Government has said that the Bill would:
The Bill makes provision in the following areas:
The Bill is an enabling bill and extends to England and Wales, although it is intended to apply only to areas in England outside of London. The Explanatory Notes state that the “Government would not mandate which approach is to be taken, encouraging LTAs to pursue the most suitable solution for their area”. Several clauses in the Bill include provisions that would allow the Secretary of State to make regulations or guidance. The Government has confirmed that while the Bill is progressing through Parliament it will consult on, and aim to finalise, any such draft regulations and guidance.
The Bill was introduced in the House of Lords on 19 May 2016 and is scheduled to receive its second reading on 8 June 2016.
Bus Services Bill [HL] (275 KB , PDF)
Currently, cyclists who drive dangerously or carelessly can be prosecuted for various offences, including those contained in the Road Traffic Act 1988 (as amended). In 2024, the Conservative government said it was introducing a new offence of causing death by dangerous cycling. However, this change in the law was not enacted before the 2024 general election. This briefing summarises the existing laws ahead of a debate in the House of Lords.
In recent years, concerns have been raised about declining populations of Atlantic salmon, with work taking place to address this issue. This briefing provides a summary of this policy area. It has been prepared ahead of Lord Forsyth of Drumlean’s (Conservative) 12 September 2024 debate on what steps the government is taking to protect Atlantic salmon populations.
On 18 July 2024, the independent UK Covid-19 Inquiry published its first report, which focused on the UK’s pandemic resilience and preparedness. It contained 10 key recommendations. The chair of the inquiry, Baroness Heather Hallett, has urged the UK government and the governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to implement her recommendations promptly. On 3 September 2024, the House of Lords is scheduled to debate the inquiry’s report.
