In Focus
Since 2010, various sources have reported that funding for the arts has decreased creating challenges for organisations and individuals in the sector. This briefing examines how the arts are currently funded, what challenges the sector faces and what recent action the government has taken in this area. It also provides an overview of a recent independent review of the Arts Council England.
In Focus
The level of abuse and intimidation aimed at those seeking or holding elected office in local government has been increasing. The Local Government Association has found that almost three-quarters of local councillors in England report feeling personally at risk when fulfilling their role. The government has called such abuse and intimidation unacceptable and is pursuing a range of measures in response, including via the Representation of the People Bill.
In Focus
The UK does not have AI-specific legislation or regulators. The government previously planned to introduce an AI bill to “ensure the safe development and use of AI models” but has since opted for a more targeted approach. Supporters of cross-sector legislation argue it is required to mitigate a broad range of current and future AI risks while critics claim this approach may stifle innovation through excessive regulatory burdens.
In Focus
The House of Lords Home-based Working Committee published its report on home working in November 2025. The report examined how remote and hybrid working has affected workers, employers, and the UK’s wider economy and society. The committee said one of its key findings was that home working could help more people into work. The committee made a number of recommendations for the government, which the government responded to in February 2026.
In Focus
The draft Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026 would make changes to three sets of assimilated regulations which concern chemicals in Great Britain. The government has said that the changes would rectify a number of issues that could not be addressed at EU exit. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on Northern Ireland, divergence from the EU, efficiency savings and further legislation.
In Focus
The government’s ‘Clean power 2030 action plan’ (December 2024) set out a transition towards clean, low carbon electricity in Great Britain. This included plans to expand energy infrastructure and transmission networks. However, some MPs and campaign organisations have raised concerns about the impact of expanded network infrastructure on rural communities. To support local areas, the government is considering a proposal to introduce community benefits for low carbon energy infrastructure.
In Focus
This briefing summarises changes made to the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Act 2026 as it went through Parliament. The House of Lords made amendments about the exclusion of hereditary peers and the abolition of by-elections, unsalaried ministers, the rights of life peers to sit in the Lords, and resignation from the Lords on behalf of a peer who lacks capacity. Only amendments on the latter subject were accepted by the House of Commons. The House of Lords did not insist on its other amendments.
In Focus
Cancer diagnoses in England have increased over time. Evidence also shows the UK has lagged behind comparable countries on cancer mortality rates (deaths per 100,000 people). Researchers have identified a link between consistent cancer policy and improved cancer outcomes. Various policies to improve England’s cancer outcomes have been announced in recent years, the most recent being the government’s ‘National cancer plan for England’ published in February 2026.
In Focus
The motion “that this bill do now pass” is moved immediately after a bill’s final stage in the House of Lords (known as third reading). It is amendable and so provides an opportunity for the House to oppose, delay or record a view on a measure if there is enough support. This briefing provides examples of amendments to the motion and what the outcome was each time.
In Focus
People with a learning disability often face challenges accessing appropriate health care. Several organisations have identified people with a learning disability as having worse life expectancy on average than the population in general. Both the current and previous governments have introduced measures intended to reduce these health inequalities, including training and the use of reasonable adjustments to improve access to care.
In Focus
The national curriculum contains the subjects and standards that must be used to teach primary and secondary pupils in maintained schools. The Labour manifesto committed to modernising the curriculum. The government established a curriculum and assessment review in July 2024. Its final report was published in November 2025. The government has responded to the review and confirmed a revised curriculum will be published in 2027, for first teaching in 2028.
In Focus
Millions of people experienced sudden loss of their sense of smell during the Covid-19 pandemic. Most recovered, but for some, the changes were permanent, affecting their health, safety, and how they experience the world. This briefing looks at the impacts of anosmia, its other causes and the latest research into treatments.
In Focus
The House of Lords Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee published a report in October 2025 examining how Northern Ireland politicians and stakeholders can participate in the Windsor Framework structures. Its findings overlapped with those of an independent review of the Windsor Framework commissioned by the government. In response, the government set out how it was working to engage stakeholders and facilitate democratic scrutiny. It is also creating a new ‘one stop shop’ to help businesses understand the rules that apply under the Windsor Framework.
In Focus
Cyber security is becoming an increasingly salient issue as society becomes more dependent on digital services and the capabilities of malicious actors evolve. The government is a significant target for cyber attacks, particularly those aiming to disrupt public services or conduct espionage. This briefing provides an introduction to cyber security and recent plans to strengthen government cyber security.
In Focus
The UK government strategy is to take a ‘whole-of-society’ approach to national security and to homeland resilience and preparedness. It has pledged to develop a new ‘social contract’ between the government and the British people, beginning with a new national conversation about the threats facing the UK. The government published several strategies in 2025, which set out its approach to strengthening civil preparedness. However, concerns have been expressed about the progress being made on these strategies.
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