Research Briefing
The Barnett formula and fiscal devolution
This briefing looks at how the Barnett formula works and includes a brief summary of the debate surrounding the formula.
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Research Briefing
Ministers in the House of Lords
Cabinet Ministers are sometimes members of the House of Lords. This paper sets out recent examples and considers the accountability arrangements for Cabinet Ministers in the Lords. It also looks at the appointment of ministers from outside Parliament.
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Research Briefing
Sitting Members imprisoned since 1945
Sitting Members of the House of Commons imprisoned since 1945, including the length of the sentence, reason for imprisonment and the date the House was notified.
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Research Briefing
Reviewing and reforming business rates
A briefing paper explaining local government finance reform in the late 2010s and early 2020s.
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Research Briefing
Ethics and Integrity Commission
The Ethics and Integrity Commission promotes high standards in UK public life by advising public authorities and reporting to the Prime Minister.
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Insight
Africa in 2026: Conflict, elections and a new UK framework
What challenges and opportunities face the African continent in 2026? This brief discusses the G20 summit, elections, armed conflict, aid and UK engagement.
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Debate Pack
E-petition debate: Call an immediate general election
There will be a Westminster Hall debate on 12 January 2026 on an e-petition calling for a new general election. The debate will be opened by John Lamont MP. The Petitions Committee agreed to the debate in response to e-petition 727309 that attracted over 1 million signatures.
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Research Briefing
Council tax: local referendums
This briefing note explains the system of referendums on council tax increases in local authorities. It sets out the legislative framework and the thresholds that have been set in previous years.
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Insight
What are the effects of political financing?
The effects of money on politics are contested. However, academics generally agree that money affects the chances of electoral success.
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Research Briefing
Political financing: Donations, loans and state funding
‘Political financing’ refers to all money that is raised and spent for political purposes.
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Research Briefing
Ministerial severance pay
Government ministers who leave office for any reason are generally entitled to severance pay.
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Research Briefing
Business rates reliefs
Reliefs available to ratepayers on business rate bills in England
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Research Briefing
Business rates: the 2026 revaluation
A briefing on the 2026 business rates revaluation, which takes effect on 1 April 2026
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Research Briefing
Georgia’s ‘foreign influence’ law: legal and political developments one year on
This research briefing considers the impact of Georgia’s “foreign influence” law and legal and political developments that have followed in its wake.
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Research Briefing
A visitor levy for English mayors?
The government is proposing to allow English mayors to introduce visitor levies/ ‘tourist taxes’ to help councils raise money to improve local economies.
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