This paper analyses the Children and Social Work [HL] ahead of Commons Report Stage. The Bill concerns children in care and care leavers, safeguarding children arrangements, powers for local authorities to test different ways of working, and the regulation of social workers among other matters.
This Commons Library Briefing Paper covers developments since the Government's announcement in December 2015 that it would consider “giving more responsibility to councils in England, and to Wales, to support older people with care needs – including people who, under the current system, would be supported through Attendance Allowance.” The proposal was dropped by the Government in January 2017. This paper gives background information on the Government’s proposals, the decision not to proceed with any changes, and reaction from local government and other stakeholders.
Today the Supreme Court ruled, by a majority of 8 to 3, that the Government cannot legally use prerogative powers to trigger Article 50. The judgment rejected the Government’s appeal against the November 2016 High Court ruling, and stated that Ministers “require the authority of primary legislation” in order to give the Article 50 notice.
How much information does the Government give Parliament about its position in advance of treaty negotiations? Is it bound to provide Parliament with information on its 'red lines' and strategies? This note looks at some past examples of White and Green Papers ahead of treaty negotiations.
This Commons Library briefing paper looks at the process of withdrawing from the EU under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. There could be a complex and difficult negotiation lasting two years or more, or the UK could leave without settling its exit terms or its future relationship with the EU.
The House of Commons Library prepares a briefing in hard copy and/or online for most non-legislative debates in the Chamber and Westminster Hall other than half-hour debates. Debate Packs are produced after the announcement of parliamentary business. They are intended to provide a summary or overview of the issue being debated and identify relevant briefings and useful documents, including press and parliamentary material. More detailed briefing can be prepared for Members on request to the Library.
The Parking Places (Variation of Charges) Bill (Bill 18 of 2016-17) is scheduled for its Second Reading debate on Friday 25 November 2016. This is a Private Member’s Bill, brought forward by the Conservative MP David Tredinnick. The Bill has the support of the Government.
This House of Commons Library Briefing Paper looks at collective responsibility, a constitutional convention in the UK whereby the Government is collectively accountable to Parliament for its actions, policies and decisions.
The High Court has ruled that the UK Government does not have prerogative power to give notice under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union for the UK to withdraw from the EU. The Government is appealing to the Supreme Court. Some press reports suggest the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) would have the last word on this. But can the CJEU rule on matters of UK constitutional Law? Many experts believe that the question central to the case, but not ruled on by the High Court, was whether Article 50 notice, once given, could be withdrawn. If it can be revoked, then the argument that Article 50 notice leads inevitably to a loss of rights under the European Communities Act 1972 might not hold. This paper looks at the questions of revocability and referral to the EU Court.
This House of Commons Library Briefing Paper sets out the current rates of Members' pay and ministerial salaries. It provides background to recent changes. It also charts the changes in the rules relating to and budget limits for Members' expenses since 2010.
The High Court has today given its judgment in the Article 50 judicial proceedings. The Judgment and summary are available here. What did the Court decide? The Court has ruled that the Government cannot lawfully use prerogative powers to trigger Article 50. Prerogative powers are those residual powers inherent in the Sovereign and now exercised