Research Briefing
Public inquiries established under the Inquiries Act 2005
Use our interactive dashboard to explore the cost and duration of statutory public inquiries since 2005, alongside key facts about each inquiry.
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Research Briefing
Business rates
A brief guide to the system of non-domestic rating, better known as ‘business rates’.
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Research Briefing
Visitor levies: policy and debates
A briefing about transient visitor levies or 'tourist taxes', including information on plans for the introduction of tourist taxes in Scotland and Wales.
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Research Briefing
Why does the UK not have a “written” constitution?
The UK does not have a codified “written” constitution. What are the arguments for and against having one?
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Research Briefing
Number 10 North
The Prime Minister has established No10 North in Manchester as a branch of the new Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet. What are its responsibilities?
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Research Briefing
What is a ‘whole of society’ approach to defence and security?
What is the government doing to prepare the UK for crisis or conflict?
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Research Briefing
Home defence: A new ‘Home Guard’?
The 2025 Strategic Defence Review recommended the government explore options to create a new Reserve-style force to protect critical national infrastructure.
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Research Briefing
Home defence: What is the War Book?
The government is working on new plans for the country in the event of a military attack. During the 20th century, plans were set out in the War Book.
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Research Briefing
Debate: Government support for rural upper-tier local authorities
A briefing on the debate on government support for rural upper-tier local authorities scheduled for 2 September 2026 in Westminster Hall.
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Research Briefing
What is happening to business rates on pubs?
Some pubs in England saw significantly higher business rates from April 2026. This followed business rates revaluation and the removal of covid-era relief.
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Research Briefing
How might a cap on donations affect political party income in the UK?
Modelling suggests that a cap on political donations would have substantially reduced annual party income in the year of, and the year before, the 2024 general election.
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Research Briefing
Proposed unitary authorities 2026: Maps
Maps of the new unitary authorities proposed by the Government in 2026.
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Research Briefing
When do political donations have to be disclosed?
There are a number of different regulated entities in UK politics that, when certain thresholds are met, have to a) ensure that donations come from permissible sources and b) disclose information about the donor (often to the Electoral Commission).
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Constituency casework,Research Briefing
How do I challenge my business rates bill in England?
Businesses in England can contact the Valuation Office Agency about their property’s rateable value or contact their billing authority about any reliefs.
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Research Briefing
Could Andy Burnham let mayors raise more taxes?
What taxes can regional mayors raise and could this change with a new Prime Minister?
Total results (page 2 of 62)