Investment in social housing and zero-carbon homes

Investment in social housing, shared ownership and zero-carbon homes has been identified as one approach to addressing housing challenges. Housing supply has declined in recent years, whilst demand for social housing has increased. Stakeholders have argued that investment could increase housing availability, improve housing quality and energy efficiency, and support economic growth. Recent government measures include the proposed Social Housing Bill [HL], a £39bn affordable homes programme and energy-efficiency initiatives.

Investment in social housing and zero-carbon homes

Removing sanitary and phytosanitary checks at EU borders

The UK and the EU are expected shortly to conclude negotiations on an agreement to remove the majority of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls and certification requirements on goods moving between Great Britain and the EU. Critics of the prospective deal have raised concerns about the UK dynamically aligning to EU law and have suggested the UK should look to other international models for reducing EU border checks, such as the EU’s agreement with New Zealand.

Removing sanitary and phytosanitary checks at EU borders

Arts education in England: GCSEs and A-levels

Concerns have been raised about access to arts subjects and arts education provision in schools. In November 2025, the Starmer government said it would “revitalise arts education” through reforms to the national curriculum. The Burnham government said the revised curriculum would include a more “engaging offer” in arts subjects. This briefing examines trends in teaching provision and qualification entries, concerns about participation in arts education, and recent government reforms.

Arts education in England: GCSEs and A-levels

  • In Focus

    Support for dementia patients

    The NHS has estimated that there are more than 944,000 people in the UK who have dementia. Support for them is provided through the NHS, adult social care services and national and local charities, alongside friends and families. However, there have been criticisms that the support available is not sufficient. The government has made several commitments to improve support for people living with dementia, including the publication of a new modern service framework.

  • In Focus

    Soil science: Education and research

    Soil plays important roles in supporting agriculture, biodiversity, carbon storage and other services. However, human activities have resulted in soil degradation across much of the UK. Soil science is the study of the properties of soil to better understand how it can be managed sustainably. Some argue a need for increased provision of soil science education and for more research to close evidence gaps.

  • In Focus

    Electrification of the Transpennine rail route and lines to Hull

    The Transpennine rail route is currently being electrified, from Manchester in the west to York in the east. This does not include the line to Hull. In the devolution deal between the government and the councils of Hull and East Riding, the Sunak Conservative government committed to electrifying the lines between Hull and Leeds and Sheffield. The Starmer government then finalised this deal. Electrification of the lines to Hull has not been included in recent government announcements on investment in northern rail infrastructure.

  • In Focus

    Budget 2026: Key announcements, forecasts and reaction

    In his first budget as chancellor, delivered on 28 October 2026, John Healey announced a range of measures that were relatively small in fiscal terms. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecast that taxes, spending and borrowing would be higher than previously forecast, mostly driven by higher inflation and a moderate deterioration in economic conditions. It said the plans met the government’s day-to-day spending rule by a reduced margin of £15bn.

  • In Focus

    Rebuilding forensic science for criminal justice: Science and Technology Committee report

    In February 2026, a House of Lords Science and Technology Committee report concluded that long-standing issues in forensic science services were a threat to the criminal justice system and the wider public. Sir Keir Starmer’s government rejected the committee’s central recommendation to establish a national institute of forensic science, arguing that improvements would be implemented through its longer-term plan to create a new national police service.

  • In Focus

    Selected offices and roles held in politics, the judiciary and crown service by current members of the House of Lords

    This briefing provides information on current members of the House of Lords who have held selected public roles, drawing together data on experience in Parliament, government, local authorities and other areas of crown service. For example, it lists those members who have served as MPs in the House of Commons or as members of the UK’s devolved legislatures, as members of the cabinet, or as senior civil servants.

  • In Focus

    Proposed national policy statement for fusion energy generation

    National policy statements (NPSs) guide decision making for nationally significant infrastructure projects. In recent years, successive governments have worked towards designating a new fusion energy generation NPS (EN-8) for England and Wales. Currently, the government is holding a public consultation on its draft NPS which is also subject to a process of parliamentary scrutiny. This briefing provides an overview of fusion energy generation, the government’s policy in this area and its work to produce the draft NPS.

  • In Focus

    Surviving drought: Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee report

    The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee published its report ‘Surviving drought: Reclaim the rain’ on 21 May 2026. It observed England was on course for a public water supply deficit of 5bn litres a day by 2055, before making 17 recommendations for the government. The government responded to the report on 14 July 2026, accepting 11 of the committee’s 17 recommendations, rejecting two and partially accepting four.

  • In Focus

    Fortifying the fiscal framework: Lords Economic Affairs Committee report

    In April 2026, the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee published a report on the UK’s fiscal framework which said the UK was on a path to unsustainable debt. It urged the government to introduce a rule to ensure debt falls in normal times and to commit to a larger fiscal buffer. The government said its rules strike an appropriate balance and its fiscal buffer provides flexibility against future shocks.

  • In Focus

    UK video games industry: Overview

    The video game Grand Theft Auto 6 is predicted to be one of the biggest media releases of all time when it is released next month. The game has been partly developed in the UK. This briefing highlights the contribution of the UK video games industry to the economy and the challenges it faces, including games being developed in the UK but then published and distributed by companies based overseas.

  • In Focus

    Undersea cables: Threats to the UK’s infrastructure

    Undersea cables connect countries and continents and form the ‘backbone’ of the global internet. Up to 99% of the world’s telecommunications data runs through such cables, including financial transactions. The UK is reliant on such cables. However, concerns have been raised in recent years that these cables could be targeted by hostile parties, particularly in times of conflict. This briefing explores the threats posed to the UK’s undersea cables and government action to protect them.

  • In Focus

    Is AI weakening the value of a university degree?

    There is growing evidence that AI presents challenges for higher education. Students’ use of AI has prompted concerns about learning outcomes and the integrity of assessments. Meanwhile, AI is also redefining the skills required for graduate jobs. This briefing reviews the evidence and key arguments surrounding the ongoing debate on whether university degrees remain valuable in the age of AI.

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