Welfare & Pensions

This article looks at how much is known about the relationship between coronavirus and human trafficking, and what actions the Government has taken so far to provide support during the pandemic.

A range of data is available to measure child poverty. This article looks at official statistics on children in low income households with someone in work. It then considers Government policy in the area, and also discusses the possible impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Child poverty in working households is the subject of an oral question in the House of Lords on 15 July 2020.

Amongst its provisions, the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill would give effect to the Government’s policy of ending freedom of movement once the transition phase ends at the end of December 2020. It would also confirm the continued right of Irish citizens to come to and work in the UK after the ending of freedom of movement and it would provide a power to amend, via regulations, retained EU law governing social security coordination.

A universal basic income (or UBI) is a periodic cash payment unconditionally delivered to all on an individual basis, without a means-test or work requirement. This article examines arguments for and against introducing a UBI, particularly in light of the economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus (Covid-19) has had major implications for the UK economy. There have been debates about a number of possible changes to economic policy when the UK enters the recovery phase. These include: possible major reforms to fiscal policy; whether the Government should facilitate the reallocation of jobs and capital away from the hardest hit sectors of the economy; what measures could be taken if the virus exacerbates inequalities in the UK; and whether the recovery is an opportunity to bring about fundamental changes in the economy and society.

The Government has recently announced plans to support rough sleepers during and after the pandemic, including a specialist taskforce. Various charities have also published recommendations for preventing a spike in homelessness once the ‘lockdown’ ends.

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.

The UK Government has recognised that it is “imperative” that support is given to people on low incomes to access justice. However successive governments, parliamentary committees and stakeholders have identified barriers to vulnerable people accessing the necessary advice and legal services.

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.

This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared in advance of the second reading debate in the House of Lords on the Pension Schemes Bill [HL] on 28 January 2020. The briefing looks at the three principal areas the bill addresses: collective defined contribution pensions, the Pensions Regulator, and pensions dashboards.

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

This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared in advance of the second reading in the House of Lords of the Pension Schemes Bill [HL] on 30 October 2019.