Family & Civil Law Archives

In Focus

Motion to annul regulations to clarify when bailiffs can recover VAT on enforcement fees from debtors

Thursday, 23 December, 2021

Secondary legislation governing when VAT is recoverable on the fees of enforcement agents, formerly known as bailiffs, has recently changed. The Government says the changes clarify that in some circumstances enforcement agents can take control of goods worth the cash equivalent of the VAT on their enforcement fees from debtors. A Lords motion to stop the changes will be discussed on 13 January 2022.
In Focus

Freedom of speech in universities

Thursday, 18 November, 2021

Discussions regarding freedom of speech in universities have become increasingly prominent in recent years. A Government bill which seeks to “strengthen freedom of speech and academic freedom in higher education” is currently in the House of Commons. Critics of the bill have suggested that there is little evidence to suggest freedom of speech in universities is under threat; an opposition amendment seeking to prevent the bill’s passage was defeated at second reading.
Research Briefing

Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Bill [HL]

Thursday, 26 August, 2021

This proposed law seeks to reform pensions across the public sector. It would also make other changes to the rules related to judicial offices. The pension reforms partly respond to a finding of unlawful discrimination in existing schemes and are partly aimed at improving the operation of public sector pensions. The changes relating to judicial offices are intended to improve recruitment and retention in the judiciary.
In Focus

To sign or not to sign? Sign language in law, parliament and Covid-19 briefings

Monday, 17 May, 2021

Following Deaf Awareness Week this month, this article looks at British sign language and a campaign for the Government to provide an on-set BSL interpreter at the live televised Covid-19 briefings. It also looks at the introduction of BSL interpretation to certain parliamentary proceedings, most notably for prime minister’s questions.
In Focus

Covid-19: Empowering women in the recovery from the impact of the pandemic

Monday, 08 March, 2021

Women have been specifically affected by the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Reasons for this include that they are over-represented in some of the worst-hit sectors, and that they do a greater share of unpaid care. The Government has said it wants women’s economic empowerment to be a focus in the post-pandemic recovery period. But it has faced criticism for not taking enough account of gender equality in its approach.
In Focus

Representation of women in the House of Lords

Wednesday, 24 February, 2021

It has been over 60 years since women gained the right to join the House of Lords. Today, just under a third of members are women. Why is the number of women not equal to that of men?
In Focus

Family Allowances Act 1945

Thursday, 11 June, 2020

In 1945, Parliament passed the Family Allowances Act. This article summarises the campaign to provide financial support to families with children and the passing of the Act. It also provides statistics on child benefits today.
- In Focus
- Family & Civil Law
In Focus

Coronavirus, guidance for the over-70s and age discrimination

Wednesday, 03 June, 2020

People over the age of 70 have been identified as being at higher risk of serious illness as a result of Covid-19. This article summarises the advice given to the over-70s and the debate over whether government policy has resulted in age discrimination.
Research Briefing

Constitution, Democracy and Rights Commission

Thursday, 26 March, 2020

The Government has proposed setting up a constitution, democracy and rights commission to consider broad aspects of the UK’s constitution. This would look at issues including the relationship between the government, parliament, and the courts; the functioning of the royal prerogative; the role of the House of Lords; and access to justice.
Research Briefing

Access to Justice and Welfare Advisory Services

Monday, 23 March, 2020

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.
Research Briefing

Private International Law (Implementation of Agreements) Bill [HL]: Briefing for Lords Stages

Monday, 09 March, 2020

This proposed law has two main functions: implementing three international agreements; and setting out a way in which future agreements can be implemented.
Research Briefing

International Women’s Day: A Gender Equal World?

Wednesday, 04 March, 2020

What progress on global gender equality has been achieved in the last year? This briefing explores the latest facts and figures.
- Research Briefing
- Family & Civil Law
Research Briefing

Bates v Post Office: Horizon Accounting System

Wednesday, 12 February, 2020

This House of Lords Library briefing provides information in support of the House of Lords debate on the Government's response to the judgment in Bates v Post Office [2019] EWHC 3408; and whether they intend to take any action against the directors responsible for the Horizon Accounting System.
Research Briefing

Women: Facilities in Public Buildings

Tuesday, 11 February, 2020

This House of Lords Library Briefing contains a selection of material relevant for the forthcoming question for short debate on the provision of facilities for women in public buildings on 24 February 2020.
- Research Briefing
- Family & Civil Law
In Focus

LGBT+ History Month: LGBT+ and education

Monday, 27 January, 2020

LGBT+ History month is an educational initiative to increase visibility of LGBT+ people in the curriculum. The overall aim is to foster an increase in diversity and equality. This article examines the teaching of LGBT issues in schools and upcoming changes in the guidance.

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