Research Briefing
This paper on the Loans to Ireland Bill has been prepared for the Second Reading Debate on the Bill in the House of Commons. The Bill authorises the Treasury to loan up to £3.25bn to Ireland, and contains an order-making power to increase this limit subject to affirmative procedure in the Commons. It also arranges for six-monthly reporting to Parliament on the status of the loan. All Commons stages were taken on 15 December 2010.
Research Briefing
This note provides an overview of the main back-to-work schemes that offer support to unemployed individuals in their job search. The system is currently in a state of transition between the New Deal programmes of the previous Government and the Coalition Government's policy of replacing them with a new scheme called the Work Programme by summer 2011.
Research Briefing
This Research Paper series summarises the main economic indicators currently available for the UK, along with comparisons with other major OECD countries. Quarterly GDP growth of 0.8% in Q3 was confirmed, with broad gains across all sectors of the economy. Consumer spending in Q3 increased by only 0.3%, compared with a 0.7% rise in Q2, while government expenditure increased by 0.4% compared with a 1.0% rise in Q2. Exports rose by 2.2% in Q3; with imports increasing by only 0.7%, net trade provided a large positive contribution to overall GDP growth, raising hopes that the economy is starting to rebalance. [Articles:'Quantitative Easing - how does it work?' and 'Businesses and recession']
Research Briefing
This note provides background on the 2010 Autumn Statement which will be presented to the House by the Chancellor on monday 29 November.
Research Briefing
This Research Paper series summarises the main economic indicators currently available for the UK, along with comparisons with other major OECD countries. It includes articles entitled 'The outlook for the public finances' and 'Which sectors are driving the economic recovery?' [Articles:'The outlook for the public finances' and 'Which sectors are driving the economic recovery?']
Research Briefing
This Paper has been prepared for the Second Reading debate in the House of Commons of the Postal Services Bill. The Bill has four main parts. Part 1 provides for changes to the ownership structure of Royal Mail Holdings plc and its subsidiaries (including Post Office Ltd). Part 2 provides for Royal Mail’s historic pension deficit to be transferred to government. Part 3 provides for changes in the regulatory arrangements for postal services and Part 4 provides for a “special administration regime” should there be a risk to the universal postal service from the possibility of the provider becoming insolvent.
Research Briefing
This note sets out the background to the Spending Review which will take place on 20 October.
Research Briefing
This note summarises the main measures of the 2010 Spending Review.
Research Briefing
The G20 has met at leaders' level since November 2008. The second summit in 2010 takes place in Seoul in November. This note provides background to the G20, outcomes of summits so far, the agenda for Seoul, and the G8/G20 relationship.
Research Briefing
This Research Paper series summarises the main economic indicators currently available for the UK, along with comparisons with other major OECD countries. Employment in the three months to July 2010 was 286,000 higher than the previous quarter, mainly due to an increase in part-time employment. This is the largest quarterly increase in employment since records began in 1971. GDP growth in Q2 2010 was confirmed at 1.2%, the fastest quarterly increase in national output since 2001. Manufacturing output continues to recover strongly, increasing by 4.9% in the year to July, although employment in the sector fell. [Articles: 'Saving the Economy?' and 'Comparing earnings in the public and private sector']
Research Briefing
This Research Paper series summarises the main economic indicators currently available for the UK, along with comparisons with other major OECD countries. This issue includes articles entitled 'The North-South divide' and 'Comparing UK Unemployment Internationally'. [Articles: 'The North-South divide' and 'Comparing UK Unemployment Internationally']
Research Briefing
This Research Paper series summarises the main economic indicators currently available for the UK, along with comparisons with other major OECD countries. This issue includes articles entitled 'Analysing the recent recession' and 'UK aid budget: under pressure?'. [Articles: 'Analysing the recent recession' and 'UK aid budget: under pressure?']
Research Briefing
UK aid to India was £297 million in 2008/09, and India has received more UK overseas aid than any other country since 1998. As one of the rapidly expanding emerging 'BRIC' economies, this aid programme has come under increasingly intense scrutiny. Recent commentary and Government statements are summarised.
Research Briefing
This note provides an update to the second reading and committee stage Library research papers on the Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Bill, also known as the 'Vulture Funds' Bill. The Act entered into force in June 2010 and will lapse if not renewed within a year due to a 'sunset clause'.
Research Briefing
This Research Paper series summarises the main economic indicators currently available for the UK, along with comparisons with other major OECD countries. This edition includes articles on future growth in the UK economy, and the CPI and benefit indexation. [article:'Future growth in the UK economy' and 'The CPI and benefit indexation']
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