The Legislative Reform (Renewal of Radio Licences) Order 2020 is a specific kind of statutory instrument called a legislative reform order (LRO). Such orders are designed to reduce certain burdens caused by legislation. These particular orders would extend analogue radio licences due to expire from 2022 for a further ten-year period on the condition that they also provide a service on an appropriate digital radio multiplex.
Documents to download
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Coronavirus and the Economy (258 KB, PDF)
On 4 June 2020, the House of Lords is due to debate a motion moved by Lord Eatwell (Labour) that “the virtual proceedings do consider (1) the economic lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, and (2) the measures necessary to repair the United Kingdom economy”.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) and the Bank of England have analysed possible economic scenarios taking into account the impact of coronavirus (Covid-19). Both showed falls in the size of the economy. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, has implemented a range of support measures and said that a key issue would be how much long-term productive capacity would be lost from the economy (“scarring”).
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has argued that once the worst effects of the virus have passed, “tough decisions” will be needed on fiscal policy. The Institute for Government has called for longer-term reform of the UK tax system, while the Chancellor has stated that higher growth should be prioritised over the repayment of debt. Turning to monetary policy, some commentators have argued that the expansion of quantitative easing could compromise the Bank of England’s independence.
Other issues have been raised about the management of the economy as it recovers from the coronavirus. These include whether the Government should:
- facilitate the reallocation of jobs and capital away from the hardest hit sectors of the economy;
- invest further in schools, post-school education and apprenticeships, in light of perceived damage to the prospects of younger generations;
- continue to increase minimum wages;
- help to manage the debt burden on companies emerging from the pandemic;
- encourage business investment at a time when many companies are financially weakened;
- support mortgage holders and renters if household finances have suffered; and
- seek to extend the Brexit transition period.
Some commentators have also discussed whether the virus will exacerbate inequalities in the UK and, if so, what measures could be taken. This includes possible major reforms of welfare systems. Others have debated whether the recovery is an opportunity to bring about fundamental changes in the economy and society; for example, to build a more environmentally friendly economy.
Documents to download
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Coronavirus and the Economy (258 KB, PDF)
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The regulation of product safety, and weights and measures, is based on EU law. The European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 brings this EU law into UK statute, so that it will continue to have effect after the end of the transition period. Amendments since have made to enable this framework to operate smoothly in the UK, and added provisions such as a UK conformity mark. This article looks at a further statutory instrument that amends retained EU law in the area, particularly in light of the Northern Ireland Protocol.
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Rough sleepers have been identified as an at-risk group who are vulnerable to contracting and spreading Covid-19. The Government has launched several schemes to support local authorities and their partners to provide covid-secure accommodation to those sleeping rough or at risk of sleeping rough. In November 2020, the Government launched the Protect programme, which provides targeted funding throughout the winter to support areas with high numbers of rough sleepers.
