The Public Office (Accountability) Bill is a government bill introduced in the House of Commons in the 2024–26 session. It was carried over to the current session and completed its Commons stages on 14 July 2026. It is scheduled to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 1 September 2026.
The bill would make the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB) primarily responsible for certain youth justice functions, provide a formal role for the Welsh government in some youth justice decisions, and restrict the UK government’s ability to alter the YJB’s functions through secondary legislation.
![Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (Restoration of Powers and Responsibilities) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 20 of 2026–27](https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/still-life-with-scales-justice-scaled-e1698409347896-1232x693.jpg)
Andy Burnham became UK prime minister on 20 July 2026. Since then, the government has made a series of policy announcements and has provided an indication of its political priorities, particularly regarding the devolution of powers to local areas. This briefing summarises those announcements ahead of a debate in the House of Lords on the government’s political and legislative plans.
In Focus
Ministers are needed in the House of Lords to take legislation through the House and answer for the government during questions and debates. Some cabinet ministers are appointed from the Lords. For example, the leader of the House of Lords is always a member of the Lords. This briefing looks at the role of ministers in the House of Lords and how they are scrutinised.
Research Briefing
The Conduct of Undercover Policing and Surveillance Operatives Bill is a private member’s bill introduced in the House of Lords. It would make it an offence for a person deployed as a covert human intelligence source (CHIS) to engage in an intimate sexual relationship with any person they have been deployed to target, who is a member of the group they have been deployed to target, or whom they encounter during their deployment.
Research Briefing
The Lobbying Transparency (In-house Lobbyists) Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill that would widen the scope of the statutory lobbying register provided for by the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014 to cover the activities of in-house lobbyists. In-house lobbyists, who lobby on behalf of their employer and are currently exempted from registering details of their activity, account for a higher proportion of lobbying than consultant lobbyists.
In Focus
In January 2026, the government announced a new scheme to support urgent repairs and essential improvements to listed places of worship. Called the ‘Places of worship renewal fund for England’, it replaced the ‘Listed places of worship grant scheme’ which had run since 2001. This briefing provides an overview of both schemes, the government’s reasoning for the change and the reaction of stakeholders.
In Focus
Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as ME or chronic fatigue syndrome, is a long-term health condition that is estimated to affect over 400,000 people in the UK. It is a fluctuating condition with symptoms including fatigue, sleep problems and brain fog. In 2025 the government published its final delivery plan on ME, which aimed to improve care and support for those with the condition.
In Focus
Concerns about abuse and intimidation towards elected representatives have increased in recent years. The Jo Cox Civility Commission made a number of recommendations in a 2024 report to address this because of concerns that this activity would dissuade people from standing in elections and encourage existing representatives to stand down. The government has instigated a number of policies to tackle the abuse and intimidation of elected representatives.
In Focus
In December 2025, the House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee published its report ‘The Building Safety Regulator: Building a better regulator’. The committee found that delays caused by the regulator’s approval processes had delayed or disincentivised refurbishments, safety upgrades and the remediation of dangerous cladding in high-rise buildings. It made recommendations aimed at these addressing the issues. The government accepted the intent of the recommendations and set out information on how it would take them forward.
In Focus
Since 2010, various sources have reported that funding for the arts has decreased creating challenges for organisations and individuals in the sector. This briefing examines how the arts are currently funded, what challenges the sector faces and what recent action the government has taken in this area. It also provides an overview of a recent independent review of the Arts Council England.
Research Briefing
This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about foreign affairs.
Research Briefing
This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about the constitution.
Research Briefing
This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about health.
Research Briefing
The Ministerial Salaries (Amendment) Bill is a government bill that would increase the total number of ministerial salaries that could be paid from 109 to 120. It completed its Commons stages on 17 March 2026. No amendments were tabled. It is due to have its second reading and remaining stages in the House of Lords on 14 April 2026. It has been certified as a money bill.
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