In Focus
The Covid-19 pandemic has seen an increase in homeworking and other online activity, such as video streaming. This increase in demand has affected both telecoms providers and engineers. This article summarises the scale of this increased demand and the measures taken to meet it.
In Focus
Most official data is produced with a lag, making timely assessments of the economic impact of coronavirus difficult. The disruption may also have made it harder to collect accurate statistics. This article looks at a new set of indicators that the Office for National Statistics has produced to address these issues. It also reports suggestions for other measures to shed light on the impact of the pandemic, including from countries.
In Focus
This article considers the role of the banking sector in the UK’s response to coronavirus. It describes key policy announcements in relation to the banks, many of which are intended to support the wider economy. It also reports some ways in which the banks themselves have responded, including on overdrafts and branch opening hours. Finally, it summarises some criticisms of the sector’s activities in relation to the pandemic.
In Focus
This article looks at the Government’s role as ‘insurer of last resort’. Over time, the areas where it takes this role have expanded from basic military, health and welfare provision to include, for example, elements of flood, terrorism and travel risks. Coronavirus has widened this scope further. The article also considers the costs of providing cover, and whether the private sector might cover more of the risks arising from pandemics.
Research Briefing
The Chancellor of the Exchequer delivered the first budget since the 2019 election on 11 March 2020. It contained a series of measures to counteract threats from the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Chancellor also announced changes to taxation policy and an increase in public spending.
Research Briefing
Is it possible to grow the economy and protect the environment?
Research Briefing
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been published ahead of day 3 of the Lords debate on the December 2019 Queen’s Speech, covering the following subjects: economic affairs, business and public services
Research Briefing
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been published ahead of day 4 of the Lords debate on the Queen’s Speech, covering the following subjects: home affairs, justice, local government, devolved affairs and constitutional affairs.
Research Briefing
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been published ahead of day 3 of the Lords debate on the Queen’s Speech, covering the following subjects: economic affairs, business, agriculture, environment, energy and transport.
Research Briefing
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared in advance of the debate due to take place on 3 October 2019. Lord Harries of Pentregarth (Crossbench) is to move that “this House takes note of the case for ensuring that human rights are respected in any future trade deals with other countries”.
Research Briefing
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared in advance of the second reading in the House of Lords of the Non-Domestic Rating (Lists) Bill on 30 September 2019.
Research Briefing
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared in advance of the debate due to take place on 11 July 2019 in the House of Lords on the motion moved by Baroness Neville-Rolfe (Conservative) that “this House takes note of the case for creating an environment which encourages (1) business growth, and (2) job creation, especially in relation to the tax system”.
Research Briefing
This House of Lords Library Briefing Pack contains a selection of material relevant for the forthcoming question for short debate on the impact of job security and reducing inequality on mental health.
Research Briefing
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared in advance of the second reading in the House of Lords of the Non-Domestic Rating (Public Lavatories) Bill [HL], scheduled to take place on 10 July 2019.
Research Briefing
This House of Lords Library Briefing Pack contains a selection of material relevant for the forthcoming question for short debate on what assessment Her Majesty's Government have made of the 'Report on the Financial Conduct Authority’s Further Investigative Steps in Relation to RBS GRG', published on 13 June; and what plans they have to mitigate against any future mistreatment of small and medium-sized enterprises.
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