• Research Briefing

    Renters (Reform) Bill: HL Bill 74 of 2023–24

    The Renters (Reform) Bill is a government bill which would implement a significant package of reforms to the private rental sector in England. Ministers argue that it will ensure private renters have access to a secure and decent home and give confidence to landlords to continue to invest. However, concern has been raised over delays to key elements of the reforms, particularly the abolition of so-called ‘no fault’ or section 21 evictions.

  • In Focus

    House of Lords Science and Technology Committee report: Impact of noise and light pollution on human health

    In July 2023 the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee published a report into the impact of noise and light pollution on human health. It found that while there is some evidence that both noise and light pollution are harmful to humans, there are significant gaps in research and understanding. This briefing looks at the definitions of noise and light pollution, current legislation and guidelines, and the committee’s report and subsequent government response.

  • In Focus

    Integration of Primary and Community Care Committee report: ‘Patients at the centre: Integrating primary and community care’

    Integrating primary and community care services has been identified as necessary in order to address increased demand and the rise in the number of people with complex health issues. In 2023, the House of Lords Integration of Primary and Community Care Committee considered how successfully these services were being integrated. This briefing summarises the committee’s conclusions and recommendations and the government’s response.

  • In Focus

    Child poverty: Statistics, causes and the UK’s policy response

    The government has estimated that 4.3 million children, or 30% of all children in the UK, were living in relative low-income households after housing costs in 2022/23. This represents an increase on the previous year. The government has said unexpectedly high inflation, driven by the war in Ukraine and supply chain challenges, contributed to the rise. It argues that falling inflation, rising real wages and uprated benefits will help low-income households in the year ahead.

  • In Focus

    The impact of gambling marketing

    The gambling industry has expanded over recent years and increased attention is being paid to the issue of gambling-related harms and the role that the marketing of gambling services plays in exacerbating them. The House of Lords is due to debate these issues on 25 April 2024.

  • In Focus

    House of Lords Public Services Committee report: Homecare medicines services

    An estimated half a million NHS patients are receiving hospital-prescribed medication and equipment at home through private sector homecare medicines services. Responding to reports of patient harm and distress caused by delays, errors and mis-deliveries, the Public Services Committee investigated. The committee called for an independent review, as well as improvements to regulation, data and accountability. The government has said that NHS England is conducting a desktop review.

  • In Focus

    Importance of skills: Economic and social benefits

    The importance of skills is recognised across the main political parties in the UK. Evidence suggests that greater skill levels benefit the economy as a whole but also provide significant economic and social benefits for the individuals who possess them. The House of Lords is due to debate these issues on 9 May 2024.

  • In Focus

    Supply of affordable housing

    Affordable housing accounted for 27 percent of all new additions to the housing stock in England in 2022/23. In recent years, the government has introduced several initiatives to increase the supply of affordable housing. This includes launching the first homes scheme, which seeks to assist first-time buyers and key workers in purchasing properties at discounted rates. However, some housing stakeholders have called on the government to provide further funding towards the construction of affordable homes.

  • In Focus

    Supporting separating parents to resolve private family law disputes

    Some separating couples apply to the family court to resolve disputes, such as where their child should live. Research has shown the negative impact that parental separation involving conflict can have on a child’s mental health and life chances. In January 2024, the government announced a reform programme of the family justice system to support families to resolve private family law disputes more quickly and protect children from lengthy court cases.

  • In Focus

    Educational trips and exchanges: Budget challenges, post-Brexit travel, and the introduction of the Turing scheme

    Educational trips and exchanges can help young people develop language and life skills. However, school leaders, travel organisations, and the House of Lords European Affairs Committee have raised concerns that fewer trips are taking place, pointing to factors including travel complexities post-Brexit and budget considerations. The government has acknowledged the importance of trips and exchanges, highlighting the Turing scheme and the recent agreement to simplify travel requirements for school visits with France.

  • In Focus

    Children looked after by local authorities in England

    Under the Children Act 1989, a child is looked after by a local authority if they are provided with accommodation, for a continuous period of more than 24 hours, are subject to a care order or are subject to a placement order. There were 83,840 looked-after children in England in March 2023. This was an increase from 78,140 in 2019. The Local Government Association has said councils face challenges around the availability of suitable residential and fostering placements. The government is currently implementing its 2023 children’s social care strategy to reform care in England.

  • In Focus

    Long-term sustainability of the NHS: Options for systems and funding

    In response to recent pressures in the NHS, there has been debate about the sustainability of the NHS and its funding model. In preparation for a House of Lords debate on this topic, this briefing examines the UK’s taxation-based health care model and alternative models (such as social health insurance and private health insurance) used in other countries.

  • In Focus

    Sexual and reproductive healthcare

    Most sexual and reproductive healthcare services in England are commissioned by local authorities and funded through a public health grant from central government. Some organisations have expressed concern that funding has been cut in real terms over the past 10 years and this has placed pressure on existing services in the context of increased demand. The government has said that it is looking at how to continue to improve the sexual health of the population, and workforce planning, development and training for public health areas such as sexual and reproductive health should benefit from improved joint working between integrated care boards and local authorities through integrated care partnerships.

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