• In Focus

    Mental health of agricultural workers

    Surveys suggest that people working in farming tend to have poorer mental health than the general population. While different pieces of research point to different causes of poor mental health among farmers, some causes cited more than once are bad or unpredictable weather and climate, financial pressures, isolation and negative portrayals of farming in the media. The government has said it is improving access to mental health services in rural communities.

  • In Focus

    Reducing gambling harm among young people

    Concerns have been raised about the impact of gambling on children and young people, particularly in relation to online gambling and exposure to advertising. This briefing summarises current regulatory protections for children and vulnerable people in the way gambling is licensed in Great Britain, statistics on gambling participation and gambling harms among children and young adults, and proposals from campaigners, parliamentarians and the government to reduce gambling-related harm.

  • In Focus

    Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions (Macolin Convention): UK ratification

    The Macolin Convention aims to coordinate prevention, detection and sanction of match-fixing and similar fraud internationally. The UK signed in 2018 and intends to ratify in 2026. The government has said the UK already meets the convention’s requirements, but ratification would ensure quick information-sharing and involvement in ongoing governance. The House of Lords International Agreements Committee has reported on the agreement for special attention and debate given its legal and political significance.

  • In Focus

    Sports clubs and enterprise zones

    Enterprise zones and industrial strategy zones are designated areas intended to support local economic growth by offering certain benefits to business and local authorities. The government has also recognised the contribution of sport and sports clubs to the UK economy and local areas. The government has talked about the role of sports stadiums in helping local regeneration, but has not explicitly linked this to enterprise zone status.

  • In Focus

    Private members’ bills in the House of Lords

    Members of the House of Lords who are not ministers can introduce private members’ bills. With limited time available, they rarely become law without government, and usually cross-party, support. This briefing provides a profile of private members’ bills in the Lords including examples of the types of private members’ bills introduced and commentary on the reasons why a member might table a private member’s bill.

  • In Focus

    Prison and probation services in England and Wales

    Prison and probation services in England and Wales are facing significant pressures, including limited prison capacity and increasing demands on probation. Parliamentary committees have examined prison conditions, rehabilitation and probation performance, raising concerns about the resilience and effectiveness of both services. The government has responded with reforms including sentencing changes, prison expansion, enhanced offender supervision and additional victim support. However, stakeholders have argued that more must be done.

  • In Focus

    Independent schools: VAT and business rates

    Since 2025, VAT has been charged on private school fees. In addition, most private schools with charitable status in England have lost business rates charitable relief. Estimates published before the changes forecast increased tax revenues and a reduction in private school attendance. Recent data shows lower pupil numbers in the independent sector, though there is debate over the extent to which this reflects the tax measures rather than broader demographic changes.

  • In Focus

    House of Lords Retirement and Participation Committee: Report and proposals

    The House of Lords Retirement and Participation Committee was tasked with looking at options for introducing a retirement age and a participation requirement for members of the House of Lords, following commitments in Labour’s general election manifesto. The committee proposed a maximum retirement age of 80 be phased in over five years from July 2029. It also said members should be required to attend at least 20% of sitting days averaged over two parliamentary sessions.

  • In Focus

    UK fiscal outlook: September 2026

    The UK fiscal outlook is expected to remain challenging as rising borrowing costs could reduce government headroom against its fiscal rules. Spending remains above pre-pandemic levels and the tax take is forecast to reach a historic high within five years. The Burnham government said it would honour Labour manifesto commitments on tax but has promised reform in several areas—such as adult social care—that could add to spending pressures.

  • In Focus

    Improving social mobility: Lords Social Mobility Policy Committee report

    Social mobility can broadly be defined as the link between the socio-economic circumstances someone grew up in and their own outcomes as adults. Numerous factors affect social mobility, including ethnicity, gender and regional inequality. The House of Lords Social Mobility Policy Committee published a report in November 2025 considering how education and work opportunities could be better integrated to improve social mobility in the UK.

  • In Focus

    Government’s political and legislative agenda

    Andy Burnham became UK prime minister on 20 July 2026. Since then, the government has made a series of policy announcements and has provided an indication of its political priorities, particularly regarding the devolution of powers to local areas. This briefing summarises those announcements ahead of a debate in the House of Lords on the government’s political and legislative plans.

  • In Focus

    Skills and post 16 education policy: Reducing barriers and supporting regional growth

    Research has suggested workforce skills and qualifications are linked to employment rates, earnings and economic productivity, with disadvantaged groups more likely to have poorer educational and labour market outcomes. Official statistics also show that disadvantaged pupils are at greater risk of not sustaining a destination in education, apprenticeships or employment. This briefing outlines government policies on skills, apprenticeships, further and higher education and regional devolution aimed at improving opportunities and supporting economic growth.

  • In Focus

    Parliamentary sessions: Years without a King’s Speech

    A speech by the sovereign at the start of a parliamentary session usually takes place every year. However, there have been seven years since 1900 without a speech. Most can be ascribed to the preceding session being longer than average. The most recent year without a King’s Speech was 2025, resulting from the Starmer government’s decision to extend the session beginning in July 2024 until April 2026.

  • In Focus

    Home ownership in England

    Home ownership in England has fallen by 6% since 2003. The ratio of average house prices to earnings has risen significantly and many people who would like to buy a home cannot. The reasons for the increase in unaffordability are debated and include foreign investment, cheap credit and insufficient housebuilding. The government has committed to delivering 1.5mn new homes by the end of the parliament, supported by planning reforms and investment in affordable housing.

  • In Focus

    Quality and reliability of parcel delivery services

    The UK parcel delivery market is competitive, with Ofcom regulating postal services and monitoring operators’ performance. Recent evidence shows generally high consumer satisfaction but highlights persistent delivery problems, alongside concerns over accessibility and customer service. The government has said delivery operators should improve service standards, while recognising their operational independence. Ofcom has stated that it continues to monitor the sector, issue guidance and take enforcement action where necessary.

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