Research briefings

This page provides access to research briefings produced by the House of Commons Library, the House of Lords Library and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST). You can filter the research briefings by date, type, or one of 350 topics. Pick your options from the dropdown menus.

The role of men in preventing violence against women

Published Tuesday, February 2, 2016 | Commons Debate packs CDP-2016-0034

A debate on the role of men in preventing violence against women will be held on Thursday 4 February 2016 at 13.30 in Westminster Hall. The members in charge of the debate are Gavin Newlands, Jess Phillips and Andrew Percy

Topic: Crimes of violence

Under-occupying social housing: Housing Benefit entitlement

Published Tuesday, February 2, 2016 | Commons Briefing papers SN06272

This House of Commons Briefing Paper provides information on which claimants are affected by the reduction in Housing Benefit when under-occupying a social rented home. The policy is often referred to as 'the removal of the Spare Room Subsidy' or the 'bedroom tax'. The benefit reduction has been in place since 1 April 2013. The paper summarises some of the key legal challenges to the under-occupation deduction from Housing Benefit.

Topics: Housing, Housing benefits, Social rented housing, Working age benefits

Flood insurance

Published Tuesday, February 2, 2016 | Commons Briefing papers SN06613

This note outlines issues relating to flood insurance within the UK and the establishment of the Flood Re scheme by the Water Act and subsequent Regulations.

Topics: Environmental protection, Financial services, Flooding, Water

The Zika Virus: Update, February 2016

Published Tuesday, February 2, 2016 | Lords In Focus LIF-2016-0011

This House of Lords Library briefing examines the recent outbreak of the Zika Virus.

Topics: Health services, Latin America, Medicine, North America

Regional Schools Commissioners

Published Tuesday, February 2, 2016 | Commons Briefing papers CBP-7308

This briefing provides information on the role of Regional Schools Commissioners and outlines some of the issues that have been raised since their creation.

Topics: Local authorities: education, Schools

Parliamentary sovereignty and EU renegotiation

Published Tuesday, February 2, 2016 | Commons Debate packs CDP-2016-0033

This is a Debate Pack for the debate on 'Parliamentary sovereignty and EU renegotiations' on Thursday 4 February 2016. Debate Packs are collections of parliamentary and other relevant material produced for most non-legislative debates in the Chamber and Westminster Hall, other than half-hour adjournment debates.

Topics: EU institutions, EU law and treaties, EU political integration, Parliament

Benefit Entitlement (Restriction) Bill 2015-16

Published Tuesday, February 2, 2016 | Commons Briefing papers CBP-7491

The Benefit Entitlement (Restriction) Bill 2015-16 had its First Reading on 6 July 2015 and is scheduled for its Second Reading on 5 February 2016. The Bill is a Private Members' Bill presented by Christopher Chope. The Bill aims to restrict entitlement to benefits of non-UK Citizens from the EU and EEA.

Topics: Benefits administration, Benefits policy, Immigration

Exchange rates: Key Economic Indicators

Published Tuesday, February 2, 2016 | Commons Briefing papers SN02811

Exchange rates: Data on the value of the pound relative to other major international currencies.

Topics: Economic policy, Economic situation, World economy

Junior doctor contracts in England

Published Tuesday, February 2, 2016 | Commons Briefing papers CBP-7314

This Commons Library briefing provides background information on plans for the introduction of a new contract for doctors in training (junior doctors) in England, including a summary of the proposed changes, and an update on the current state of negotiations between NHS Employers and the BMA. The briefing also provides some brief information on the delivery of seven day services and proposed changes to the consultant contract.

Topics: Health services, Health staff and professions

Obesity Statistics

Published Tuesday, February 2, 2016 | Commons Briefing papers SN03336

24% of adults in England are obese. A further 36% are overweight. This briefing provides statistics on the obesity among adults and children in the UK, along with data on prescriptions, surgery, and international comparisons.

Topics: Diseases, Health education and preventive medicine, Health services, Obesity

Help with energy bills

Published Monday, February 1, 2016 | Commons Briefing papers SN06163

This Commons Library Briefing paper sets out sources of financial and practical help for constituents with domestic energy bills. It links to sources for more information. It also outlines policy developments in this area.

Topics: Benefits administration, Electricity, Energy, Energy conservation, Fuel poverty, Oil, petrol and natural gas

Summer-born children: starting school

Published Monday, February 1, 2016 | Commons Briefing papers CBP-7272

This House of Commons Library briefing paper provides an overview of the flexibility for parents of summer-born children in England to request for their children to be admitted to school outside of their normal age group, and potential future changes.

Topic: Schools

Conflict in Yemen

Published Monday, February 1, 2016 | Commons Debate packs CDP-2016-0032

This is a Debate Pack for the debate on the 'Conflict in Yemen' on Thursday 4 February 2016. Debate Packs are collections of parliamentary and other relevant material produced for most non-legislative debates in the Chamber and Westminster Hall, other than half-hour adjournment debates.

Topic: Middle East

Economic Indicators, February 2016

Published Monday, February 1, 2016 | Commons Briefing papers CBP-7490

Analysis of the latest key UK and international economic indicators.

Topics: Economic policy, Economic situation

Individual Electoral Registration

Published Monday, February 1, 2016 | Commons Briefing papers SN06764

This Commons Briefing Paper provides information about the introduction of the new system of electoral registration (IER) in Great Britain and funding both for the transition period and to support a range of initiatives to increase the level of voter registration among under-registered groups, including students. Registration in Northern Ireland has been on an individual basis since 2002.

Topics: Elections, Electoral register

Debate Pack: Fuel Poverty

Published Monday, February 1, 2016 | Commons Debate packs CDP-2016-0029

This Debate Pack has been compiled ahead of the debate on Fuel Poverty to be held on Wednesday 3 February 2016 at 09:30 in Westminster Hall. The Member in charge of the debate is Derek Thomas MP

Topics: Energy, Fuel poverty

Education expenditure: Social Indicators page

Published Monday, February 1, 2016 | Commons Briefing papers SN02631

Trends in spending since the late 1970s and international comparisons. Updated to include spending figures published in Public Expenditure Statistical Analysis 2014 and Education at a Glance 2014

Topics: Further education, Higher education, Schools

Examination results: Social Indicators page

Published Monday, February 1, 2016 | Commons Briefing papers SN02627

Trends in examination results in England at Key Stage 2, GCSE and A level. Includes 2014 results.

Topics: Further education, Schools

House of Commons Commission (External Members)

Published Monday, February 1, 2016 | Commons Debate packs CDP-2016-0030

A motion to appoint two external members to the House of Commons Commission is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday 2 February 2016, in the Chamber.

Topic: House of Commons

Housing Market: Key Economic Indicators

Published Monday, February 1, 2016 | Commons Briefing papers SN02820

Housing market: Data on house prices, mortgage approvals and house-building.