Select Committee Inquiries

Select Committees are composed of either MPs or Members of the House of Lords, and have the power to launch inquiries into any issue or Government actions. Evidence is received by the inquiry and the Committee publish a report of their findings.



Inquiry Opened Select Committee Status
8 Dec 2021 Academies Sector Annual Report and Accounts 2019-20 View sample
Public Accounts Committee (Select)

Follow a series of work on schools funding and financial sustainability and on the end of the PFI contracts that were involved in the development of many Academies the Committee will question senior officials at the Department for Education and  Education and Skills Funding Agency on financial transparency and accountability in the Academies sector.

If you have evidence on these issues please submit it here by Monday 17 January 2022.

29 Apr 2020 Addressing the Legacy of Northern Ireland’s past: The UK Government's New Proposals View sample
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (Select)

The Committee has launched an inquiry to examine the UK Government’s proposals to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. On 18 March, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Brandon Lewis MP, outlined the Government’s new approach to addressing the legacy of the past in a written statement to the House of Commons. The statement also set out that these would include some “significant” changes from the Stormont House Agreement. The inquiry will examine whether the Government’s proposals deliver for victims, survivors and their families.

 

Terms of reference

The Committee is particularly interested in receiving written evidence that addresses:

  • Whether the Government’s proposed approach will meet the needs of victims, survivors and their families;
  • What steps the Government can take to ensure that the proposed new legacy body is independent, balanced and open, and complies with the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and ECHR commitments;
  • The differences between the Government’s new proposals and the draft Stormont House Agreement Bill;
  • Whether and how the Government’s proposals will promote reconciliation in Northern Ireland;
  • The potential merits of consolidating the bodies envisaged in the Stormont House Agreement into a single organisation;
  • The equity of the Government’s proposed approach to the re-investigation of cases;
  • What legislative steps the Government can take to address what have been described as vexatious claims against veterans.

23 Nov 2021 Afghanistan View sample
International Development Committee (Select)

Report published

We have now published our Report and found that the UK Government failed to work effectively or quickly enough to provide support for aid workers and the Afghan people, says a new report from the International Development Committee - Afghanistan: UK support for aid workers and the Afghan people.

Furthermore, the Committee is concerned about the pace at which the UK Government has disbursed pledged UK aid to Afghanistan and whether it will act swiftly enough to disburse pledged UK aid to Ukraine.

10 Sep 2021 Airlines and airports: supporting recovery in the UK aviation sector View sample
Transport Committee (Select)

This inquiry will be examining airlines’ and airports’ recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. The sessions will also examine the effects of the Government’s policy on international travel, including the system for international travel and travel requirements such as PCR testing. 

This inquiry will consider:

  • Airlines’ and airports’ recovery from the effects of the pandemic
  • The Government’s system for international travel
  • Barriers to the reopening of international travel
  • The cost and necessity of PCR testing

Read the call for evidence for more detail about this inquiry.

27 Jul 2021 Airports in Scotland View sample
Scottish Affairs Committee (Select)

The Committee will be inquiring into airports in Scotland. The focus will be:

  • the impacts of coronavirus and how this has been managed;
  • how the local community is affected by the airport - including through tourism, access to work, and emergency services; and
  • environmental concerns within the footprint of the airport.

The Committee would like to hear from people who are involved with, work in or live near any airport in Scotland. This includes the main commercial airports, airports owned by the Highlands and Islands enterprise, and local authority airports. 

Read the call for evidence for more detail about the inquiry

30 Sep 2020 Artificial Intelligence Committee – follow-up View sample
Liaison Committee (Lords) (Select)

The Liaison Committee will be holding a one-off evidence session to follow-up on the recommendations of the Artificial Intelligence Select Committee. The report of the Committee and the government response can be found on the former Committee’s webpage.

22 Oct 2021 Autumn Budget and Spending Review 2021 View sample
Treasury Committee (Select)

An inquiry to scrutinise the Government’s 2021 Autumn Budget announcements, its Spending Review, and the Economic and Fiscal Outlook produced by the Office for Budget Responsibility.

13 Jul 2020 Biodiversity and Ecosystems View sample
Environmental Audit Committee (Select)

  1. The Environmental Audit Committee is launching a new inquiry into biodiversity and ecosystems. The inquiry will examine how best to protect and enhance biodiversity whilst considering nature-based solutions to climate change (ctions that protect, manage and restore natural and modified ecosystems to address societal challenges and enhance human wellbeing[1]) and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
  2. The inquiry will review the UK Government’s performance on achieving international and domestic targets in preparation for the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which is now due to be held in autumn 2021 in Kunming, China.
  3. Concerns about a mass extinction crisis began in the 1980s[2], but biodiversity is continuing to decline faster now than at any time in human history.[3] The UK has seen a 13% decline in average species’ abundance and 15% of species within the UK are threatened with extinction.[4] The UK’s Overseas Territories are home to 94% of British endemic species.[5]
  4. Ecosystems are critical in providing food, energy, medicines, sustaining air, water and soil quality and being the sole sinks for anthropogenic carbon emissions. These provisions are vital for human existence and good quality of life, however 14 of the 18 categories of ‘contributions of nature’ assessed in the IPBES Global Assessment Report have declined since 1970.[6]
  5. The main pressures on nature in the UK are climate change, urbanisation, pollution, hydrological change, invasive non-native species and aspects of agricultural and woodland management.[7]
  6. The costs of biodiversity loss are being evaluated within the up-coming Review of the Economics of Biodiversity: the Dasgputa Review, commissioned by the HM Treasury.[8] Incorporating the multiple values of ecosystem functions into economic incentives can result in better ecological, economic and social outcomes, if set at a level that conservation of ecosystems can compete with the production of commodities such as cattle, crops and timber.[9] However, nature also has intrinsicvalue and its non-material benefits must be recognised.
  7. 2020 was named “the super year for nature” by the UN Environmental Programme because of the range of conferences covering climate change and biodiversity that were scheduled to take place this year. When these conferences will go ahead is now uncertain given the COVID-19 pandemic. However, 2020 remains a crucial year to link climate strategies with promoting sustainable development and tackling biodiversity loss.
  8. The UK has commitments under the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals to promote sustainable use of terrestrial and marine ecosystems and to halt biodiversity loss (Goal 14 ‘Life below water’ and Goal 15 ‘Life on land’). The UK is also a signatory to the 2010 Aichi Biodiversity Targets which committed the UK to at least halving the rate of loss of natural habitat and preventing the extinction of all known threatened species by 2020.
  9. In addition, the UK has its own domestic targets set out in the 25 Year Environmental Plan. New landmark environmental legislation is set to deliver important conservation mechanisms. The Agriculture bill commits to establishing an Environmental Land Management scheme and the Environment Bill provides for the creation of a new biodiversity net gain requirement for developments. The Environment Bill also commits to creating or restoring 500,000 hectares of wildlife habitat as part of a Nature Recovery Network. This will require active participation from local authorities.

 

[1] IUCN [accessed May 2020] Nature-based solutions

[2] Wilson (1988) Biodiversity. National Academy of Sciences. Washington, DC

[3] IPBES (2019): Summary for policymakers of the global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.

[4] Hayhow et al., (2019): The State of Nature 2019. The State of Nature partnership.

[5] Churchyard et al., (2014): The UK’s wildlife overseas: a stocktake of nature in our Overseas Territories. RSPB

[6] IPBES (2019): Summary for policymakers of the global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.

[7]  Hayhow et al., (2019): The State of Nature 2019. The State of Nature partnership. Pg. 10

[8] UK Government (2019): The Economics of Biodiversity: The Dasgupta Review

[9]  IPBES (2019): Summary for policymakers of the global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.

 

1 Dec 2020 Brexit: The future operation of the Channel Tunnel Fixed Link View sample
European Scrutiny Committee (Select)

The European Scrutiny Committee is considering the Government’s plans for the operation of the Channel Tunnel Fixed Link after the end of the Transition Period (as established by the UK/EU Withdrawal Agreement). The EU argues that EU law should continue to apply on the UK side of the Tunnel at the end of the Transition Period and that it should be overseen by the EU Court of Justice. In November 2020, the EU adopted legislation that permitted France to negotiate an agreement with the UK—on the future operation of the Tunnel—subject to the inclusion of these and other related conditions. The Government has repeatedly rejected the EU’s position and has stated in correspondence with the Committee that it favours an agreement that is compatible with “the UK’s status as a sovereign nation”. The Committee’s inquiry will consider the need for an agreement on the future operation of the Channel Tunnel, the EU’s position, the alternative arrangements suggested by the Government, and the potential implications of changes in the governance of the Tunnel for affected stakeholders.

For further information see: European Scrutiny Committee – Twenty-first Report (2019-21) HC 229-xvii, Chapter 5 (16 September 2020); Twenty-third Report (2019-21) HC 229-xix, Chapter 4 (1 October 2020); and Twenty-ninth Report (2019-21) HC 229-xxv, Chapter 2 (19 November 2020)

19 Jan 2022 Building Safety: Remediation and Funding View sample
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee (Select)

The purpose of this inquiry is to examine the effectiveness and impact of the Government’s planned measures to make developers and industry cover the costs of remediation, to scrutinise whether the Secretary of State’s approach goes far enough to finally fix this crisis, and to examine what the funding arrangement to be agreed with industry should look like.

Due to the fast-moving nature of this policy area, the Committee would welcome early submissions of written evidence. The Committee aims to start taking oral evidence shortly.

6 Jul 2021 Cancer services View sample
Health and Social Care Committee (Select)

This inquiry will ask why cancer outcomes in England continue to lag behind comparable countries internationally and examine evidence relating to the underlying causes of these differences.

 

We will also consider what impact disruption to cancer services during the covid-19 pandemic will have on efforts to catch up, and ask whether the ambitions set out in the NHS Long Term Plan will help close the gap with the best performing countries worldwide.

24 Sep 2021 Carbon border adjustment mechanisms View sample
Environmental Audit Committee (Select)

The Environmental Audit Committee is launching an inquiry into carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAMs). The inquiry is looking at the role a CBAM could play in addressing potential carbon leakage and meeting the UK’s environmental objectives. The inquiry is also considering the wider impacts, risks and opportunities which might arise if the UK Government were to introduce its own, i.e. unilateral, CBAM.

Read the call for evidence for more detail about the inquiry.

16 Sep 2021 Central Bank Digital Currencies View sample
Economic Affairs Committee (Select)

The House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee is launching an inquiry on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).

HM Treasury and the Bank of England are exploring the potential of a possible CBDC for the UK. The Committee will take evidence on the main issues confronting HM Treasury and the Bank as they conduct this work. It will also examine how a CBDC might affect the role of the Bank, monetary policy and the financial sector

You can read the Inquiry’s call for evidence here

29 Jan 2021 Children and young people's mental health View sample
Health and Social Care Committee (Select)

The Committee is undertaking an inquiry into Children and Young People’s Mental Health. The inquiry will examine the progress that has been made by Government against their own ambitions to improve children and young people’s mental health provision.

We will also consider whether the system should be reformed toward a more holistic approach that prioritises early intervention and prevention as well as crisis care and explore how to tackle worrying trends in self-harm and suicide.

28 Jul 2021 Children in poverty: No recourse to public funds View sample
Work and Pensions Committee (Select)

Children in poverty: No recourse to public funds

This inquiry is looking at children in poverty. This is a complex subject, so the Committee’s work will be in several parts.

For the second part of the inquiry, we are looking  at  the experiences of children who have no recourse to public funds.

 

Read the call for evidence to find out more about the inquiry

15 Dec 2021 Citizenship and Civic Engagement - follow-up View sample
Liaison Committee (Lords) (Select)

The Liaison Committee will be holding a one-off evidence session to follow-up on the recommendations of the Citizenship and Civic Engagement Committee. The report of the Committee and the government response can be found on the former Committee’s https://old.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/lords-select/citizenship-civic-engagement.

In 2020 the Liaison Committee wrote to the Secretary of State at the then Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government undertaking initial follow-up. The letter from the Senior Deputy Speaker as well as the reply from the Government can be found on the Liaison Committee's former https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/187/liaison-committee-lords/publications.

18 Dec 2020 Citizenship and Passport Processes in Northern Ireland View sample
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (Select)

The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement gives the people of Northern Ireland the right to identify themselves as British, Irish or both, and the right to hold both British and Irish citizenship. This inquiry examines specific issues that have arisen related to citizenship and passport processes in Northern Ireland.

Read the inquiry launch and terms of reference

13 May 2021 Citizens’ Rights View sample
European Affairs Committee (Select)

The European Affairs Committee is holding a short inquiry into Citizens’ Rights issues, covering both UK nationals living in the EU and EU citizens living in the UK. The inquiry takes place in the context of the forthcoming deadline for the UK’s EU Settlement Scheme and equivalent deadlines in certain EU member states, and will focus in particular on the issues faced by vulnerable groups on both sides of the Channel.

25 Feb 2021 Cladding Remediation - Follow-up View sample
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee (Select)

Following the Secretary of State’s announcement on 10 February of additional funding for cladding remediation, the Committee will take evidence from MHCLG, the UK Cladding Action Group, LGA and others. We will look at how this support will be allocated, and the steps that will be taken to ensure that leaseholders and tenants are protected from bearing the costs of historical building safety defects.

20 Jul 2021 Clearing the backlog caused by the pandemic View sample
Health and Social Care Committee (Select)

The Committee has launched a new inquiry to quantify the level of pent-up demand for key healthcare services; and to consider whether fundamental changes to the organisation and delivery of NHS services will be required to manage the backlog of cases caused by the pandemic.

MPs will examine levels of funding, capacity, organisation and leadership for addressing the current backlog for non-covid health services, and concerns that these issues are likely to continue in the longer-term. There will be a focus on elective surgery, emergency care, General Practice, mental health, and long-covid.

21 Sep 2020 Code of Conduct View sample
Committee on Standards (Select)

The Committee on Standards has announced that it will carry out a comprehensive and far-reaching inquiry into the operation of the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament. It will do this in liaison with the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards who will carry out an independent review of the Code. The Committee’s inquiry will include a series of public oral evidence sessions, to be held in autumn 2020. This will be the first stage in a multi-stage process of preparing a new text of the Code, and the associated Guide to the Rules, for approval by the House.

29 Nov 2021 Code of Conduct consultation View sample
Committee on Standards (Select)

The Committee on Standards is carrying out a comprehensive and far-reaching inquiry into the operation of the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament. The Committee published its initial report  (incorporating the Commissioner’s own review of the Code) with proposals for public consultation on 29 November 2021. This consultation is the second stage in a multi-stage process of preparing a new text of the Code, and the associated Guide to the Rules, for approval by the House. The Committee invites written responses to the consultation by 12.00 on 20 January 2022.

 

21 Jan 2021 Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) View sample
International Agreements Committee (Select)

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a trade agreement between 11 countries (Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam). The Government has expressed its intention to pursue accession to CPTPP as a key part of its trade negotiations programme.

This inquiry will focus on the Government’s aims and objectives, the progress of negotiations, and the possible impacts of a final deal for people and businesses across the UK. The Committee will be looking at the impacts of a potential deal on the agriculture and food sectors, regulations and standards, professional services, digital trade, investment, intellectual property, and on UK policy objectives to combat global climate change and promote sustainability. It is not yet known when the talks will conclude, but this inquiry will run for the duration of those talks. .

13 May 2020 Constitutional implications of COVID‑19 View sample
Constitution Committee (Select)

The Covid-19 pandemic and the Government’s measures to respond to it have significant constitutional implications, as well as health, social and economic ones. These include:

  • The ability of Parliament to hold the Government to account 
  • Scrutiny of emergency powers
  • The operation of the courts 

The Constitution Committee is considering these issues and exploring questions such as:

  • What can Parliament do to maximise its scrutiny of the emergency regulations and to hold the Government to account effectively during lockdown? How are adjustments to procedures and processes working in the House of Lords?
  • What emergency powers has the Government sought during the pandemic and what powers has it used and how? What lessons are there for future uses of emergency powers, their safeguards and the processes for scrutinising them?
  • How is the court system operating during the pandemic? What has been the impact of virtual proceedings on access to justice, participation in proceedings, transparency and media reporting?

The Committee has so far published calls for written evidence for the courts and the Parliament strands of the inquiry and is taking oral evidence from experts, stakeholders, ministers and others.

9 Dec 2021 Coronavirus Act 2020 Two Years On View sample
Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (Select)

The Coronavirus Act 2020 was passed at pace at the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Act has been subject to renewal at six-monthly intervals since its entry into force.

After two years on the statute books, its provisions are set to expire automatically at the end of March 2022, unless the Government chooses to extend them.

This inquiry will examine the extension process itself and the evidence that the Government should produce to justify such an extension.

6 Oct 2020 Coronavirus: lessons learnt View sample
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee (Select)

The Health and Social Care Committee and Science and Technology Committee are holding a joint inquiry into lessons to be learned from the response to the coronavirus pandemic so far.

The two Select Committees will jointly conduct evidence sessions examining the impact and effectiveness of action taken by government and the advice it has received. Each Committee will draw on specialist expertise and call witnesses to consider a range of issues including:   

• the deployment of non-pharmaceutical interventions like lockdown and social distancing rules to manage the pandemic;   

• the impact on the social care sector;   

• the impact on BAME communities;   

• testing and contact tracing;   

• modelling and the use of statistics;   

• Government communications and public health messaging;   

• the UK’s prior preparedness for a pandemic; and   

• the development of treatments and vaccines.   

30 Jul 2020 Court Capacity View sample
Justice Committee (Select)

The Commons Justice Committee has published a report on the significant crisis in delays to court cases – and therefore justice - caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The report is Coronavirus (Covid-19): The impact on courts.

The Committee has also announced an inquiry into how these delays could be addressed. It will review the practical experience of delays in the courts for lawyers, witnesses, victims and defendants. It will investigate whether the increase of 4,500 court sitting days will be sufficient to clear the backlog of cases and what long term solutions to the delays, including digital hearings, may be possible.

The deadline for written submissions is 7 September. The first oral evidence session is expected to be in late September.

 

10 Mar 2021 Covid-19 and the criminal law View sample
Justice Committee (Select)

This inquiry will examine the way in which the government has created these new offences, how the criminal law has been adapted to deal with the pandemic, and how covid-19 offences have been enforced, applied and reviewed by the police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts.

Read the call for evidence to find out more about the inquiry.

3 Mar 2020 Decarbonisation and Green Finance View sample
Treasury Committee (Select)

The Treasury Committee has re-launched an inquiry into the decarbonisation of the UK economy and green finance. This inquiry will scrutinise the role of HM Treasury, regulators and financial services firms in supporting the Government’s climate change commitments. It will also examine the economic potential of decarbonisation for the UK economy in terms of job creation and growth.

Read the terms of reference press notice for the inquiry

2 Oct 2020 Decarbonising heat in homes View sample
Business and Trade Committee (Select)

The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee has launched an inquiry examining the path to decarbonising heating in homes.

The BEIS Committee will examine the Government’s ‘Buildings and Heat Strategy’, due in November, and investigate the policies, priorities and timelines which are needed to decarbonise heating in residential buildings and help ensure the UK gets on track to deliver Net Zero by 2050.

The Committee’s inquiry on decarbonising heat follows a successful pitch by Dr Jan Rosenow, Principal and European Programme Director, Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP), at the Committee’s “MyBEIS” evidence hearing in July and is part of the BEIS Committee’s ongoing work on net zero and its follow-up to the findings of the Climate Assembly.

The decarbonising heat in homes inquiry is likely to examine areas such as the technological challenges to decarbonising heat including issues related to the future of hydrogen, network capacity and the distribution of costs, incentives, consumer engagement and protection, and how to co-ordinate and deliver low-carbon heating.

Witness details for the Committee hearings will be confirmed at a later date.

13 Jun 2019 Democracy and Digital Technologies View sample
Democracy and Digital Technologies Committee (Select)

No description available

19 Jul 2021 Digital regulation View sample
Communications and Digital Committee (Select)

Regulators must continually adapt to the fast-changing digital world. This inquiry will investigate the effectiveness of digital regulation and how to ensure that it is forward-looking, joined-up, and subject to Parliamentary scrutiny.

15 Dec 2020 Digital trade and data View sample
International Trade Committee (Select)

Background

1. The Committee has launched an inquiry into digital trade and data. Digital trade refers to digitally enabled, or digitally delivered, trade in goods and services. Such trade involves the movement of data.  

 

2. The Committee’s inquiry will explore a range of issues, including digital trade and data provisions in Free Trade Agreements, concerns around the security and privacy of data, the environmental impact of digital trade, and the relevant legal frameworks. 

22 Jul 2019 Discontinuing seasonal changes of time View sample
EU Internal Market Sub-Committee (Lords select committee)

The inquiry will examine the implications for the UK of the European Commission's proposal to end seasonal clock changes in the EU. It will consider what preparations the Government should make for the possibility that the Directive is adopted, and what factors should inform its approach. This will include the implications of non-alignment, especially for Northern Ireland, or how the Government should approach the choice between permanent summer-time or winter-time, if it is required or decides to align with the proposal.

5 Feb 2020 Draft Finance Bill 2019 View sample
Finance Bill Sub-Committee (Select)

The Sub-Committee will focus on the Government's proposal to extend the off-payroll working rules –  which were introduced for the public sector in 2017 – to large and medium-sized organisations in the private sector from April 2020. The proposal would mean that businesses will be responsible for deciding whether contractors they hire are liable to pay income tax and national insurance contributions, and if so, for paying those sums.

The inquiry is accepting written submissions until 25 February 2020. Please read the call for evidence.

16 Sep 2021 Draft Finance Bill 2021-22 View sample
Finance Bill Sub-Committee (Select)

The sub-committee will focus on two areas of the draft Bill:

  • proposals for income tax basis period reform  
  • notification by large businesses of uncertain tax treatment. 

The sub-committee is accepting written evidence until 13 October 2021. Please read the call for evidence at https://committees.parliament.uk/call-for-evidence/585/.

26 Aug 2021 DWP Accounts- Fraud and error in the benefits system View sample
Public Accounts Committee (Select)

Fraud and mistakes in benefit payments rose again in 2020-21 to the highest level on record. The need to relax checks to ensure the record number of new Universal Credit claims in the Covid19 crisis could be processed and paid was a major factor in this increase, but the National Audit Office has qualified its opinion on the regularity of DWP’s accounts for 33 years running, due to material fraud and error.

DWP has identified four of the largest causes of fraud and error within Universal Credit that it needs to tackle: incorrectly reported self-employment earnings, savings, living arrangements and housing costs.

It has also identified several organised criminal attacks during the pandemic, with fraudsters targeting Universal Credit in particular and making claims in other people’s names.

The Department is owed £5 billion in benefits overpayments, placing additional strain on its resources and causing uncertainty and hardship to claimants. It is not sure how much of its estimated loss of £8.4 billion in 2020-21 it will recover, as it has attempted to recover only 10% of the estimated loss in the last 5 years.

DWP estimates that 132,000 pensioners have been receiving less State Pension than they are entitled to due to ongoing control failings. The Department has now set aside £1 billion to reimburse people who have been underpaid their State Pension over the past 30 years. The Committee will return to the issue of state pension underpayments in a later inquiry.

The Committee will question senior officials at DWP. If you have new evidence on fraud and error in the benefits system, please submit it here by 6pm on Tuesday 7 September 2021.

19 Mar 2020 Economic impact of coronavirus View sample
Treasury Committee (Select)

The Treasury Committee launched the first stage of this inquiry on 18 March when it issued a call for evidence on the speed, effectiveness and reach of the Government’s and Bank of England’s immediate financial responses to coronavirus. The Committee will continue to highlight gaps in support to the Treasury.

The terms of reference for the next stage are set out in the call for evidence. In this stage, the Committee will examine the operational effectiveness, cost and sustainability of the Government’s and Bank of England’s support packages.

The Committee will also examine the impact on the economy and different sectors, the implications for public finances, and how the Government can work towards a sustained recovery.

Read the key points in an interactive summary of our new interim report on gaps in support

The deadline for submitting your written evidence has been extended until 26 June 2020. However please note that given the pace of change, earlier submissions will be of more use to the Committee.

13 Jun 2019 Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 View sample
Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 Committee (Select)

The inquiry is accepting further written submissions until 4pm on 4 March 2020. Please see the call for evidence.

3 Nov 2021 Energy National Policy Statements View sample
Business and Trade Committee (Select)

The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee is to carry out an inquiry into the revised energy National Policy Statements (NPS). The current suite of energy National Policy Statements were designated by the Department of Energy and Climate Change in 2011. The revised energy NPS were tabled by the Government on 20 September 2021 (HCWS295). They set out the Government’s policy for the delivery of energy infrastructure and provide the legal framework for planning decisions in key energy policy areas: fossil fuels (EN-2); renewables (EN-3); gas supply and gas and oil pipelines (EN-4); electricity networks (EN-5); and nuclear (EN-6). They each sit below an overarching energy NPS (EN-1) which sets out the need for new energy infrastructure.

The Government announced a review of the current suite of energy National Policy Statements (NPS) in the Energy White Paper: Powering our net zero future in December 2020.

The Government launched a public consultation on the draft revised energy National Policy Statements, supporting habitats and sustainability reports and associated appendices on 6 September 2021.  This is a separate process to the Select Committee’s inquiry and is closing on 29 November 2021.

Inquiry background

The Government’s Energy White Paper set a long-term strategic vision for the energy system, consistent with net zero emissions by 2050. The White Paper establishes a goal of moving away from fossil fuels to clean energy and the Government reviewed all the National Policy Statements for energy infrastructure and determined that EN-1 to EN-5 documents should be amended to reflect the policies set out in the White Paper and support the investment required to build the infrastructure needed for transition to net zero. A review of EN-6 concluded that it will not be amended and therefore it does not form part of the Government’s consultation or this inquiry.

The NPS has effect for the decisions by the Secretary of State on applications for energy developments that are nationally significant under the Planning Act 2008. For such applications this NPS, combined with any technology specific energy NPS where relevant, provides the primary policy for decisions by the Secretary of State. Under the Planning Act 2008 the Secretary of State must also have regard to any local impact report submitted by a relevant local authority, any relevant matters prescribed in regulations, the Marine Policy Statement (MPS) and any applicable Marine Plan, and any other matters which the Secretary of State thinks are both important and relevant to the planning decision.

The NPS must receive Parliamentary approval before new major energy infrastructure can be delivered. The Secretary of State will decide all applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects in England and Wales, adjacent territorial waters and the offshore Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) (except any part in relation to which Scottish Ministers have functions). In Northern Ireland, planning consent for all nationally significant infrastructure projects is devolved to the Northern Ireland Executive.

19 May 2021 Equality Act 2010 and Disability Committee – follow-up View sample
Liaison Committee (Lords) (Select)

The Liaison Committee will be holding a one-off evidence session to follow-up on the recommendations of the Equality Act 2010 and Disability Committee. The report of the Committee and the government response can be found on the former Committee’s webpage.

26 Jan 2022 Excess votes 2020-21: Serious Fraud Office View sample
Public Accounts Committee (Select)

The Committee will hold a brief hearing on Serious Fraud Office exceeding the £1 million it is authorised to spend annually by Parliament.

The SFO’s 2020-21 annual accounts were qualified by the NAO because it breached this annual spending limit by £2.55 million, due to legal costs arising from a failed prosecution.

If you have evidence on the SFO’s spending please submit it here by Wednesday 2 February 2022 at 18:00.

19 Feb 2021 Financial Exclusion - follow-up View sample
Liaison Committee (Lords) (Select)

The Liaison Committee will be holding a one-off evidence session to follow-up on the recommendations of the Finacial Exclusion Select Committee. The report of the Committee and the government response can be found on the former Committee’s webpage.

26 Nov 2020 Fixed-Term Parliaments Act View sample
Joint Committee on the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act (Select)

The Joint Committee on the Fixed-term Parliaments Act has been established by the House of Lords and the House of Commons to:

1) carry out a review of the operation of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011, pursuant to section 7 of that Act, and if appropriate in consequence of its findings, make recommendations for the repeal or amendment of that Act; and

(2) consider, as part of its work under subparagraph (a), and report on any draft Government Bill on the repeal of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 presented to both Houses in this session.

A draft Bill is expected to be published shortly.

The Committee will take evidence on the Fixed-term Parliaments Act already given to the House of Lords Constitution Committee and to the House of Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee into account in its work.

The Committee invites written evidence on either the operation of the Act or the draft Bill.

Read the call for evidence for more detail about the inquiry.

25 Jul 2019 Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 View sample
Constitution Committee (Select)

The inquiry will consider the operation and implications of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011. It will explore how the Act has worked in practice, how the 14-day period following a successful no confidence motion would work in practice, the Act's effect on the concept of the House of Commons having 'confidence' in the Government, and what the consequences of repealing or amending the Act might be. Following recent developments, the inquiry has been expanded to consider the potential constitutional implications of the recent court judgment on the proroguing of Parliament.

4 Mar 2020 Flooding View sample
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (Select)

Summary and objective 

Recent events have brought the challenges of managing flood risk back to national attention, and climate change means these events are likely to become more frequent. Building on the previous Committee’s interim report on coastal flooding and adaptation to climate change, this inquiry would focus on the Government’s approach to managing the risk of inland flooding in England.  

The inquiry will also take into account evidence received and questions raised during the coastal flooding inquiry.

If you are attempting to submit evidence once the submission period has closed, please contact efracom@parliament.uk

13 Jun 2019 Food, Poverty, Health and the Environment View sample
Food, Poverty, Health and Environment Committee (Select)

No description available

29 Oct 2020 Freedom of expression online View sample
Communications and Digital Committee (Select)

Debates and exchanges of information and content increasingly take place online. The internet has enabled individuals to publish and share their views with large audiences in a way that was not previously possible. This inquiry will investigate how public policy can best protect the right to freedom of expression on the internet and how that right should be balanced with other priorities.

19 Mar 2021 Future Governance of the UK View sample
Constitution Committee (Select)

The United Kingdom as currently constituted marks its centenary in 2021. It is also under strain. Both Brexit and the differences in the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic between the UK Government, the devolved administrations and English local government have highlighted long-standing tensions in inter-governmental relations.

The Constitution Committee is exploring how power can best be shared within the UK to establish stable and effective governance arrangements throughout the UK for the 21st century. The inquiry will consider issues such as:

  • The current balance of powers within the UK
  • The current challenges for multi-level governance in the UK
  • The current approach to devolution within England
  • The common purpose of the UK

22 Jan 2021 Future UK-EU Relations: governance View sample
European Union Committee (Select)

The European Union Committee is holding a short inquiry into the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.  The inquiry will look at the governance arrangements contained in the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation agreement with a focus on the provisions on dispute resolution and arbitration.

14 Jan 2021 Future UK-EU relations: trade in services View sample
EU Services Sub-Committee (Select)

This inquiry will examine the future of UK-EU relations on trade in services, including the impact of the provisions set out in the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

The service sectors of interest to the Committee’s inquiry include, but are not limited to: financial services; professional and business services (such as legal services, accountancy, auditing, architecture, engineering, advertising, market research, recruitment services); research and education; the creative industries (including audio-visual services); and data and digital services.

23 Feb 2021 Gender Sensitive Parliament View sample
Women and Equalities Committee (Select)

Women MPs in the House of Commons, like their counterparts globally, continue to face barriers to gender equality. Today the Women and Equalities Committee is launching a new inquiry to assess recent progress and make recommendations to create a more ‘gender-sensitive’ Parliament.

Following The Good Parliament report in 2016 by Professor Sarah Childs, a gender-sensitive audit was carried out on the UK Parliament in 2018 finding that barriers included:

• The culture of Parliament as highlighted in recent reports of bullying and harassment, and sexual harassment;

• The challenges that working in Parliament poses for family life, including the unpredictability of business and potential long hours;

• The financial impact of standing for Parliament; and

• Online threats and threats to physical security, in particular gender-based intimidation, harassment and violence against female Parliamentarians and female candidates.A series of actions includes a new Proxy Voting scheme for those on parental leave (and for COVID-related reasons) and an Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme containing a Behaviour Code for the whole Parliamentary Community.

This work is in line with action internationally where the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has published Guidelines for the elimination of sexism, harassment and violence against women in parliament and the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians has published the Gender Sensitising Parliaments Guidelines: Standards and a checklist for Parliamentary Change.

Committee Chair Caroline Nokes MP said:

“While there has been progress and important changes in recent years, Parliament still remains too much of a “boys’ club”, and this can be experienced negatively by men as well as women. We are launching this inquiry during Women’s History Month to look at how the House of Commons has progressed in implementing changes set out in previous reports, and how far there is still to go in making it more gender sensitive. If we want to see equal representation, we need to create a Parliament where equal treatment and modern working conditions can be taken for granted by future generations of women and men, whatever their background.”

6 Sep 2021 Green homes grant voucher programme View sample
Public Accounts Committee (Select)

In July 2020, the government allocated £3 billion to reduce carbon emissions from current heating systems in 600,000 homes and public buildings. This included £1.5 billion to help property owners cover the cost of installing energy efficient measures, such as insulation or renewable heat systems.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (the Department) contracted with a digital services company to develop an IT platform so people could apply for Green Homes Grant vouchers.

In Spring 2021 it was reported that only a small proportion of the vouchers had been allocated.

The Committee will question senior officials at BEIS on the Green Home Grant’s design and objectives; the procurement of the contract for the Green Home Grant IT platform; and how the Green Home Grant has been managed and what has been achieved to date.

If you have evidence on these questions, please submit it here by 6pm on Thursday 16 September 2021.

 

17 Nov 2020 Green Jobs View sample
Environmental Audit Committee (Select)

The Environmental Audit Committee is launching an inquiry into Green Jobs. The inquiry will look at how green jobs can help tackle the expected rise in unemployment due to COVID-19 in a sustainable way. It will also look at the jobs, skills and training needed to achieve the UK’s longer-term climate and environmental ambitions and what planning and work is taking place to meet these requirements.

13 May 2020 Greening the post-Covid recovery View sample
Environmental Audit Committee (Select)

Greening the post-Covid recovery

In May the Committee held a session on the environmental implications of the Covid-19 crisis. Witnesses stressed how critical it would be to align the post-crisis recovery stimulus with the UK’s goals on climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development – given the short window of opportunity remaining to keep global temperature rises to a manageable level. The Committee has since agreed to launch an inquiry looking at how to align any post-pandemic economic stimulus package with the UK’s climate and environment goals.

Economic impact and policy response

The coronavirus pandemic has triggered a global macroeconomic shock unprecedented in peacetime. UK Gross domestic product (GDP) fell by 10.4% in the three months from February to April – with monthly output collapsing by 20.4% in April after the lockdown was introduced. As the UK emerges from the initial public health crisis, the economic challenges may intensify as the Government tapers its employee and business support packages.

In Oct 2018, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned that time is running out to achieve the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global temperature rises to 1.5°C. In this context, Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change from 2010-2016, explained to the Committee how critical it is that climate change mitigation is at the heart of the post-COVID recovery:

"Those rescue packages, US$10 trillion to US$20 trillion, will not only be defined but very likely allotted over the next 18 months. Because of the scale, they will determine the characteristics of national economies and of the global economy for several decades. It is exactly this decade, between 2020 and 2030, where climate science has been lucidly clear that we need to halve our emissions, reduce to 50% the emissions that we have right now."

The Committee also heard from Professor Cameron Hepburn, Director of the Economics of Sustainability Programme at the Oxford Martin School, about the potential for green investment to boost the economy, providing more jobs; delivering higher short-term returns per pound spent by Government, and leading to increased long-term cost savings.

Global leadership

In 2021 the UK will be hosting COP26 and will also hold the G7 Presidency. This provides a platform for the UK to take an international leadership role and galvanise a green and climate-friendly global response to the economic crisis caused by the pandemic.

The Committee’s inquiry will consider how the post-pandemic recovery can be aligned with the UK’s climate and environment goals and the role that the UK can play in driving a green recovery internationally. Please submit evidence by 14th August, by clicking on the button below.

9 Jul 2021 Health and Safety Executive’s approach to asbestos management View sample
Work and Pensions Committee (Select)

This inquiry is looking at how the Health and Safety Executive manages the continued presence of asbestos in buildings.

We’ll be asking about the current risks posed by asbestos in the workplace, the groups of people who are most affected, and how well the current laws and regulations for the management of asbestos are working.

 

Read the call for evidence to find out more about the inquiry.

11 Jan 2022 Human Rights Act Reform View sample
Human Rights (Joint Committee) (Select)

The Government has launched a three-month consultation to reform the Human Rights Act 1998.

The consultation seeks views on the Government’s proposals to revise the Human Rights Act and replace it with a Bill of Rights.

It follows a report from the Independent Human Rights Act Review Panel which examined how the Human Rights Act is working after 21 years in operation.

This Report contains the Committee’s views on the topics which were the focus of that Independent Review.

The Committee will respond to the Government proposals which form the basis of its consultation.

30 Nov 2020 ICAI's review of support for the African Development Bank View sample
International Development Sub-Committee on the Work of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (Select)

The International Development Sub-Committee on the work of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) held an evidence session on UK support to the African Development Bank.

The session will hear from Minister James Duddridge and others including a representative of the Bank and ICAI's Chief Commissioner Dr Tamsyn Barton. The Committee explored the thinking behind ICAI’s review of the effectiveness of UK support, and questioning the Minister and officials on their response to the review and future policy in relation to the Bank.

 

9 Feb 2021 ICAI's review on Assessing DFID’s results in nutrition View sample
International Development Sub-Committee on the Work of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (Select)

The International Development Sub-Committee on the work of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) will be holding an evidence session on ICAI’s review on the way the former DFID managed its nutrition programmes.

The Sub-Committee will be exploring: how stakeholders have reacted to the ICAI’s review and DFID’s performance in nutrition; consider in more detail the thinking behind ICAI’s assessment of DFID’s efforts on nutrition; and to probe the Minister and officials on their response to the ICAI review and future policy in relation to nutrition.

17 Sep 2021 ICAI's review on International Climate Finance: UK aid for halting deforestation and preventing irreversible biodiversity loss View sample
International Development Sub-Committee on the Work of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (Select)

In July 2021, the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) published its review “International Climate Finance: UK aid for halting deforestation and preventing irreversible biodiversity loss.” The purpose of this session is to examine ICAI’s review, recommendations, and the Government Response and to question the government on its response to ICAI, its policies and priorities moving forwards for biodiversity and deforestation efforts.

18 Mar 2021 ICAI's review on The UK’s approach to tackling modern slavery through the aid programme View sample
International Development Sub-Committee on the Work of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (Select)

The International Development Committee's Sub-Committee on the work of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) is to hold an evidence session on ICAI's review of the UK aid programme's approach to tackling Modern Slavery.

The Sub-Committee will explore the issue with the ICAI commissioner concerned with the review and will also learn of the experience of victims of modern slavery from those with knowledge of the situation, including a survivor. Members will also probe the effectiveness of the Government’s strategy for tackling modern slavery with key academic experts.

22 Apr 2021 Introductory inquiry into the operation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland View sample
Windsor Framework Sub-Committee (Select)

The Sub-Committee on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland is conducting introductory inquiry into the operation of the Protocol in April 2021. It wishes to examine the following issues: 

  • the current situation in Northern Ireland as it relates to the Protocol, including views and concerns of communities and stakeholders; 
  • the current state of play regarding the Protocol’s operation; 
  • the continuing dialogue between the UK and the EU regarding the Protocol in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee and the governance bodies reporting to it; and  
  • efforts to identify solutions to the problems thus far identified. 

21 Apr 2021 Investigation and prosecution of rape View sample
Home Affairs Committee (Select)

As part of the Committee’s overarching work into violence against women and girls, the Committee wishes to explore the key question of why rape prosecutions are falling. 

Read the call for evidence for more detail about this work.

The Committee is keen to understand from victims and survivors of rape and serious sexual assault what changes they think could help improve the experience of reporting what has happened to the police and going to court to get justice.

If you would like to submit your lived experience to the Committee, you can find questions about going through the criminal justice system following experiences of sexual violence here. You can also share why you might have chosen not to go through the criminal justice system. Responses to these questions should be received by 11 May 2021.

Find out more about the Committee’s wider work into violence against women and girls.

 

18 Dec 2020 Inward Foreign Direct Investment View sample
International Trade Committee (Select)

Background

1. The Committee has launched an inquiry into inward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) – where overseas investors acquire ownership of, or a controlling stake in, UK businesses.

 

2. The Committee’s inquiry will look at issues including: Government strategy for promoting and facilitating inward FDI; the role of the new Office for Investment; the proposed National Security and Investment Regime; and the role played in UK inward investment by foreign governments’ Sovereign Wealth Funds.

15 Sep 2021 Labour shortages in the food and farming sector View sample
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (Select)

There have been reports of labour shortages affecting some businesses throughout the food and farming sector, for example:

  • farms have been unable to hire all the seasonal workers they need to harvest food (and pick other crops such as flowers);
  • businesses in the food and drink processing sector – the country’s largest manufacturing sector – have seen their output fall due to recruitment problems;
  • shortages of HGV drivers, who provide the vital linkages within the food supply chain;
  • some empty shelves at supermarkets & local stores and some menu items being unavailable at restaurants, which have had impacts for consumers.

The reasons are complex: Brexit following the end of the Transition Period on 31 December - including the introduction of the Government’s new immigration policy - and the covid-19 pandemic in particular are often cited, but are other factors also at play, and are the causes temporary or permanent?

This inquiry will explore what is causing labour shortages, and the impact on the food and farming sector both now and in the future.

It will also ask what other factors are affecting the food supply chain. This is likely to focus on the new post-Brexit trading relationship with the EU, including the latest impact of additional red tape and checks at the border since 1 January 2021 on businesses exporting food (and other “Sanitary and Phytosanitary”, or SPS, goods) to the EU. The inquiry will also consider the Government’s latest delay to introducing border controls and checks for SPS imports from the EU, including the effect on the competitiveness of British businesses.

5 Jul 2021 Lessons from Greensill Capital View sample
Public Accounts Committee (Select)

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the government launched a series of schemes providing financial support to businesses of all sizes. Of these, the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) provided support to the largest businesses—those with a minimum turnover of £45 million. Commercial lenders (for example, banks, building societies and peer to peer lenders) provided financial support directly to businesses. Borrowers are expected to repay the debt in full and government provides a guarantee to the lenders.

The British Business Bank (BBB), acting as scheme administrator on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, authorised lenders to provide financial support under CLBILS following an accreditation process. BBB authorised Greensill Capital to issue financial support in June 2020. Greensill Capital filed for insolvency on 8th March 2021.

Drawing on Committee’s previous work and the National Audit Office’s  report on Greensill Capital, the inquiry will consider the operation of the Covid 19 financial support packages for business, in particular Greensill Capital’s involvement in the schemes including the accreditation process, and any post-accreditation monitoring of Greensill Capital’s activities.

The Committee will question senior officials at the Treasury and Department for Business, and the chief executive of the British Business Bank. If you have evidence on these issues please submit it here by 6pm on Tuesday 20 July 2021. 

 

27 Apr 2021 Liberty Steel and the Future of the UK Steel Industry View sample
Business and Trade Committee (Select)

The BEIS Committee is holding an inquiry into Liberty Steel and the Future of the UK Steel Industry.

On 8 March 2021, the supply chain finance firm Greensill collapsed into administration after months of speculation about its financial viability. Greensill was the principal financial backer of GFG Alliance, owner of Liberty Steel, which is the third largest steel manufacturer in the UK. The collapse of Greensill puts 5,000 jobs at risk at Liberty Steel and other firms.

UK taxpayers are reported to be exposed to more than £1bn of debt from the collapse of Greensill Capital via three Government guarantees, including a state-backed coronavirus lending scheme, which enabled Greensill to advance hundreds of millions of pounds to companies linked to GFG Alliance.

On 28 March 2021, the Government rejected a request for £170m in financial support from Mr Gupta for Liberty Steel due to concerns over GFG Alliance's opaque accounting procedures. This raises questions about the effectiveness of auditing and corporate governance regulations, and about the risks posed to UK industry by high-risk financing methods.

The UK steel industry has faced serious challenges for many years, particularly due to the excess of steel on the international market which has depressed prices, and which resulted in plant closures and staff lay-offs during the 2015/16 steel industry crisis. The sector is also grappling with the Government's ambitious target of 2035 to achieve net zero emissions in relation to steel production.

1 Jun 2020 Life beyond COVID View sample
COVID-19 Committee (Select)

In its first inquiry, the Committee is inviting people to share their hopes and fears about what the pandemic might mean in the long-term for our home and working lives, and for how we function as a society – what might it mean for social cohesion, for (in)equality, for our environment or for arts and culture?

28 Oct 2020 Living online: the long-term impact on wellbeing View sample
COVID-19 Committee (Select)

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated our rapidly increasing reliance on digital technology. This inquiry will look at the long-term impact this may have on our social and economic wellbeing and, in particular, on four key drivers of wellbeing: physical health, mental health, social interaction and quality of working life.

1 Apr 2021 Major cultural and sporting events View sample
Culture, Media and Sport Committee (Select)

The inquiry will examine the role of major cultural and sporting events in celebrating the UK’s national identity. Several events of international importance are due to be hosted in the UK in 2022, prompting this inquiry by MPs. 

The inquiry will consider the challenges in the road ahead to the Festival UK* 2022, the start of the FIFA World Cup 2030 bidding process and the Commonwealth Games, among others. A key focus will be how the Government is using these events as opportunities to define what the UK means to both its citizens and the rest of the world. The Committee is seeking views on what is needed for these events to bring together the people and values of all four nations of the UK and the kind of impact they should aim to achieve. 

4 Dec 2020 Major transport infrastructure projects: appraisal and delivery View sample
Transport Committee (Select)

Billions of pounds of investment has been committed during 2020 to the UK’s transport infrastructure.

This inquiry will consider:

  • transport infrastructure strategy and priorities;
  • the appraisal and funding of transport infrastructure;
  • oversight, accountability and governance of transport infrastructure projects;
  • factors influencing the cost and capacity and skills required to deliver the infrastructure plans.          

The extent to which the coronavirus pandemic will affect the necessity and cost-effectiveness of major transport infrastructure projects will factor in the Committee’s work. The Government also has a legal commitment to meet net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and infrastructure is a major contributor to the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.

22 Jun 2021 Meeting the UK’s housing demand View sample
Built Environment Committee (Select)

This inquiry will investigate the demand for new housing in the UK and how barriers to meeting this demand can be overcome.

This inquiry will consider the key factors shaping the type, tenure and quality of housing needed in the UK. It will examine a range of challenges to meeting that demand including skills shortages in the construction industry and some specific aspects of the planning system. The Committee will report by the end of the year and make recommendations to the Government.

The inquiry is accepting written submissions until 10 September 2021. Please see the call for evidence.

20 Apr 2021 Mental Health in Prison View sample
Justice Committee (Select)

This inquiry seeks to understand the current scale of mental health need in prisons, and to identify what support exists and whether there are any gaps in provision.

Read the call for evidence to find out more about the inquiry.

15 Oct 2020 National Plan for Sport and Recreation View sample
National Plan for Sport and Recreation Committee (Select)

No description available

9 Jun 2021 Nature-based solutions for climate change View sample
Science and Technology Committee (Lords) (Select)

The Committee is investigating the role of nature-based solutions in mitigating climate change. The inquiry will consider how protecting, managing, and restoring natural ecosystems can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing co-benefits to people and nature. It will also examine any scientific uncertainties surrounding their effects, and barriers to their effective implementation. The Committee has issued a call for written evidence, and will be taking oral evidence in autumn 2021.

6 Mar 2020 Net zero and UN climate summits View sample
Business and Trade Committee (Select)

The BEIS Committee has launched a standing inquiry on the UK’s ‘Net Zero’ target and the UN Climate Summits. The Committee expects this inquiry to run for the duration of this Parliament. It will consider issues including:

  • Progress in delivering the UK’s 2050 net zero target; 
  • Progress in cutting emissions to meet the UK’s five-yearly Carbon Budgets; 
  • The role of BEIS in leading climate change mitigation policy across Government; 
  • The potential role of business and industry in the net zero agenda; 
  • Preparations for the 2021 Climate Summit in Glasgow, and the UK’s performance as Summit host; 
  • The ongoing role of the UK in international climate talks and initiatives to tackle climate change. 

Background

On 27 June 2019 the UK’s ‘Net Zero’ target came into force, setting a new goal to reduce the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 100% (compared to 1990 levels) by 2050. The Net Zero target replaces the UK’s previous goal to reduce UK emissions by 80% by 2050, established by the Climate Change Act 2008.

The net zero target aligns UK legislation with the ambitions of the Paris Agreement, as agreed by the world’s nations at the 2015 UN Climate Summit (COP21). The Paris Agreement sets an aim to limit global temperature rise to "well below 2°C" above pre-industrial levels and to "pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C".

In September 2019 the UK was awarded the Presidency of the next UN Climate Summit (COP26), in partnership with Italy. The Summit will now take place in Glasgow in November 2021.

Calls for evidence

The Committee is working with the Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology (POST) on a survey of priorities for COP26, the results of which will feed into this inquiry.  As part of this exercise POST is also creating a database of COP26 experts.  This is an invitation to anyone with expertise in areas relating to COP26 to provide feedback. For more information and to take the survey please visit https://post.parliament.uk/horizon-scanning/cop26-expert-database/.

We are not currently inviting written submissions for this inquiry. As the inquiry progresses, we may issue a targeted call for evidence on a specific issue. If you would like to provide any information or have any queries regarding this inquiry please email us at beiscom@parliament.uk

9 Mar 2020 New Decade, New Approach Agreement View sample
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (Select)

The New Decade, New Approach agreement provided the basis for restoration of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland following a three-year period without an Executive or functioning Assembly.

The New Decade, New Approach agreement includes measures and consequent funding commitments that are intended to transform public services in Northern Ireland. It also includes initiatives to improve the scrutiny and transparency of the Northern Ireland Executive, as well as changes to improve the sustainability of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland.

As part of the New Decade, New Approach Agreement, the UK Government has made financial commitments to support government in Northern Ireland. Those measures include funding to help the Executive transform public service provision and support the health service in Northern Ireland. The UK Government has committed to providing funding of £2 billion, £1 billion of which it has described as “Barnett-based investment”.

 

Terms of reference

The Committee would welcome the submission of written evidence that addresses:

  • whether the UK Government’s commitment of £2 billion is sufficient to transform public service provision in Northern Ireland;
  • what evidence and calculations underpin the £2 billion commitment;
  • how UK Government funding should be allocated to Northern Ireland and whether it should be linked to the functioning of devolved institutions in Northern Ireland;
  • the potential merits and/or demerits of establishing an Independent Fiscal Council in Northern Ireland to assess the Executive’s use of public money;
  • the potential effect of the New Decade, New Approach agreement on the future sustainability of devolved institutions in Northern Ireland; and
  • whether the deal excludes other measures that might improve good governance in Northern Ireland.

26 May 2021 New technologies and the application of the law View sample
Justice and Home Affairs Committee (Select)

The Justice and Home Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry into the use of new technologies in law enforcement. The Committee seeks to explore the use of advanced algorithmic tools in activities to discover, deter, rehabilitate, or punish people who breach the law in England and Wales. Border management may also be under consideration. The Committee will examine the existing legal framework enabling the development of these tools, ethical issues raised by their use in law enforcement contexts, and the lived experiences of users and citizens interacting with them.

16 Jun 2021 Ofgem and net zero View sample
Industry and Regulators Committee (Select)

The Committee will consider the role of the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), the UK’s energy regulator, in the transition to net zero. It will consider Ofgem’s work in this area, whether changes are needed to its objectives and powers, how net zero relates to Ofgem’s other responsibilities, and Ofgem’s relationship to Government and Parliament.

22 Jul 2021 Online safety and online harms View sample
Culture, Media and Sport Sub-committee on Online Harms and Disinformation Committee (Select)

The Sub-Committee will investigate how focus has shifted since the introduction of the Online Safety Strategy Green Paper in 2017, including concerns that the definition of harm is now too narrow and may fail to address issues such as non-state intervention in elections, racist abuse and content that contributes to self-harm and negative body image. It will also explore key omissions of the draft Bill, such as a general duty for tech companies to deal with reasonably foreseeable harms, a focus on transparency and due process mechanisms or regulatory powers to deal with urgent security threats and how any gaps can be filled before the Bill is finalised. Another focus will be on where lessons can be learnt from international efforts to regulate big tech, such as in France, Germany and Australia.

This inquiry by the House of Commons DCMS Sub-Committee is distinct from any work by the Joint Committee on the Draft Online Safety Bill, established by the House of Lords and the House of Commons on 23 July. 

18 Jan 2022 Operation Isotrope: the use of the military to counter migrant crossings View sample
Defence Committee (Select)

The session will consider the role of the Armed Forces in countering Channel crossings by migrants (Op Isotrope), and the wider implications for Defence, including what assets will be used, who will pay for them, how success will be measured and what the chain of command and reporting arrangements will be.

 

23 Mar 2021 Permitted Development Rights View sample
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee (Select)

The aim of this short inquiry is to examine the Government’s recent and proposed changes to permitted development rights in respect of large-scale development, commercial-to-residential conversions and changes of use between different types of commercial and retail premises. In particular, the inquiry will explore their role in supporting economic growth and their impact on local authorities, including their ability to plan development holistically, developer contributions, the provision of services and social housing and the supply and quality of new homes.

11 Aug 2020 Police conduct and complaints View sample
Home Affairs Committee (Select)

This inquiry will examine the role and remit of the Independent Office for Police Conduct in relation to the police conduct and discipline system. It will look at how the IOPC and police forces around the country work to resolve complaints and at progress in reforming the system following criticisms of the time taken to resolve complaints. It will also investigate what reforms are required to secure public confidence in the police conduct and disciplinary system.

4 Mar 2020 Post Office and Horizon View sample
Business and Trade Committee (Select)

This inquiry explores issues emerging from the Horizon IT Court cases, looking at the impact on sub-postmasters and its effect on the future viability of the Post Office, and examining the lessons the Government and Post Office Ltd have learned from a scandal which saw hundreds of sub-postmasters accused of fraud.

In the 2017-19 Parliament, the Committee undertook an inquiry on the Future of the Post Office network (the Horizon case was live at that time and sub-judice so the Committee were unable to take specific evidence on that aspect) which made recommendations to the Government and the Post Office Limited.

In the current Parliament, the BEIS Committee has taken evidence on Post Office & Horizon but later planned sessions were cancelled due to the impact of Covid-19. The BEIS Committee followed up on the issues raised through correspondence from Darren Jones, BEIS Committee Chair, to a number of relevant parties.

The Committee is likely to return to the issues raised once the Independent Review into the Post Office Ltd has been completed.  

Visit our news story for further information.

23 Oct 2020 Post-Brexit common frameworks View sample
Common Frameworks Scrutiny Committee (Select)

The Common Frameworks Scrutiny was appointed on 17 September 2020 to scrutinise and consider matters relating to Common Frameworks.

The United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union will result in a number of powers that are currently held by the EU being returned to the UK. Many of these powers currently intersect with the competences of at least one of the Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish governments.

Common frameworks are a mechanism for the UK and devolved governments to mutually agree some amount of regulatory consistency for policy areas where returning EU powers are within devolved competence.

The Committee is considering how the common frameworks programme will operate and relate to other initiatives, how it could be reviewed and improved in the future, and the role for parliamentary scrutiny across the UK.

24 Jul 2020 Post-pandemic economic growth: Levelling up - local and regional structures and the delivery of economic growth View sample
Business and Trade Committee (Select)

This sub-inquiry - Levelling up: local and regional structures and the delivery of economic growth - forms part of the Committee’s overall ‘super-inquiry’ into Post-Pandemic Economic Growth.

Our ‘levelling up’ inquiry will look at how local and regional government structures (including the role of powerhouses, local enterprise partnerships and growth hubs, city and regional mayoralties, and councils) could be reformed or better equipped to deliver growth locally.

We want to hear your views on these issues. Read the call for evidence and submit.

Sign up to our Post-Pandemic Economic Growth mailing list to receive updates about this inquiry as it progresses.

10 Apr 2020 Procedure under coronavirus restrictions View sample
Procedure Committee (Select)

The Procedure Committee is monitoring and evaluating the use of the temporary procedures and practices agreed to by the House of Commons on 21 and 22 April.These temporary changes have been introduced in consequence of the public health restrictions on movement and association introduced to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

21 Jul 2021 Proposal for a draft Bereavement Benefits (Remedial) Order 2021 View sample
Human Rights (Joint Committee) (Select)

Proposal for a draft Bereavement Benefits (Remedial) Order 2021

Inquiry

This inquiry will examine the proposed draft Remedial Order.

The Committee is interested to hear views on:

  • Does the proposed Remedial Order meet the procedural conditions for making a Remedial Order (are there compelling reasons to proceed by way of remedial order)?
  • Does the proposed Remedial Order address the legislative incompatibility with Article 14 ECHR identified in the Supreme Court case of McLaughlin and the High Court case of Jackson?
  • Would the legislation governing Widowed Parent’s Allowance and Bereavement Support Payment be compatible with Article 14 ECHR if the changes proposed in the Remedial Order were made?

Read the call for evidence for more details about the inquiry

23 Feb 2021 Protecting pension savers – five years on from the Pension Freedoms: Accessing pension savings View sample
Work and Pensions Committee (Select)

Protecting pension savers – five years on from the Pension Freedoms: Accessing pension savings

This inquiry is looking at how savers are prepared and protected to move from saving for retirement to using their pension savings.

This is the second of our three-part inquiry, looking at decisions make about accessing their pensions. We concluded taking evidence on our first part, pension scams, in January 2021. We are interested in:

• The options open to people when they come to access their pensions

• The advice and guidance which is available

• The information people need to make an informed choice about retirement products.

 

Read the call for evidence to find out more about the inquiry

28 Oct 2020 Reform of the Gender Recognition Act View sample
Women and Equalities Committee (Select)

The Government has published its proposals for changes to the gender recognition process and set out how it plans to move forward. The Women and Equalities Committee will examine these proposals, gathering evidence on whether the Government’s proposed changes are the right ones and whether they go far enough.

This inquiry will explore what changes, if any, should be made to the existing legislation, in order for current legislation to improve transgender equality. 

The written evidence published as part of this inquiry will be used to inform the work of the Committee. Publication of written evidence does not equate to an endorsement of the views it contains by the Committee.

25 Mar 2021 Revision of the Cabinet Manual View sample
Constitution Committee (Select)

The Cabinet Manual was first published in 2011 and provides authoritative guidance to ministers and officials by recording (rather than prescribing) rules and practice relating to the operation of government.

The Manual is not intended to be a fixed text and is expected to adapt to legislative and constitutional developments. Since the Manual’s publication there have been significant developments in relation to Brexit, the devolution arrangements and the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Constitution Committee is exploring whether the Manual needs to be updated and what role it should play as a public facing document.

15 Oct 2020 Risk Assessment and Risk Planning View sample
Risk Assessment and Risk Planning Committee (Select)

The Risk Assessment and Risk Planning Committee is appointed to consider risk assessment and risk planning in the context of?disruptive national hazards

13 Oct 2021 Road pricing View sample
Transport Committee (Select)

We launched an inquiry into road pricing in December 2020 to explore several issues:

  • The case for introducing some form of road pricing and the economic, fiscal, environmental and social impacts of doing so;
  • Which particular road pricing or pay-as-you-drive schemes would be most appropriate for the UK context and the practicalities of implementing such schemes;
  • The level of public support for road pricing and how the views of the public need to be considered in the development of any road pricing scheme;
  • The lessons to be learned from other countries who are seeking to decarbonise road transport and/or utilise forms of road pricing.

We published the written evidence we received and held a first oral evidence session earlier this year. We plan to take further oral evidence in Autumn 2021.

3 Mar 2021 Role of batteries and fuel cells in achieving Net Zero View sample
Science and Technology Committee (Lords) (Select)

The Committee is investigating the role of battery and fuel cell technologies in achieving the UK’s ambition to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The work will consider the use of these technologies in transport, and also in other sectors such as power grids, agricultural machinery and heat production. The Committee has issued a call for written evidence, and will be taking oral evidence in spring 2021.

14 Apr 2021 Russia and Ukraine border tensions View sample
Defence Committee (Select)

The Committee is holding a one-off evidence session to examine the extent of Russian military build-up along the border of Eastern Ukraine over recent months. This session will focus on Russia’s military intentions and what the UK Government and NATO can do to de-escalate tension in the region.

3 Mar 2022 Russia: effective economic sanctions View sample
Treasury Committee (Select)

No description available

11 May 2019 Select Committees and Contempts View sample
Committee of Privileges (Select)

The Committee of Privileges has resumed this long-standing inquiry into select committee powers and contempts. Back in 2016 the matter of “the exercise and enforcement of the powers of the House in relation to select committees and contempt” was referred to the Committee of Privileges. The Committee’s inquiry is assessing different options for enforcing the House’s powers to summon witnesses and call for production of documents. This includes reviewing the House’s available sanctions in cases of non-compliance by witnesses and other contempts.

13 Jun 2019 Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry View sample
Gambling Industry Committee (Select)

No description available

9 Dec 2021 Spiking View sample
Home Affairs Committee (Select)

As part of the Committee’s overarching work into violence against women and girls, the Committee wishes to explore the incidence of spiking at nightclubs and pubs, festivals and private house parties.

Read the call for evidence for more detail about this work.

As part of this inquiry, the Committee has also launched a public survey to give individuals who have experienced or witnessed these incidents the opportunity to explain what happened and what support was provided following the incident, including what happened if the incident was reported. You can also share why you might have chosen not to report an incident. You can complete this survey here until 11.59pm on Wednesday 5 January 2022.

 

8 Jul 2020 Supporting our high streets after COVID-19 View sample
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee (Select)

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has announced a new inquiry to examine how high streets can survive the economic and social consequences of Covid-19.

In their report published last year, the Committee highlighted the challenges facing high streets and town centres due to strong competition from online competitors, an unfair taxation regime and the fragmented ownership of commercial properties. The Covid-19 pandemic has placed a further burden on shops and businesses, with non-essential businesses having to close, and others having to adapt to continue operating during lockdown. As the country emerges from lockdown, businesses face the challenge of providing services in a manner that will ensure the health of customers and staff is not endangered, while at the same time being able to operate at a profit or simply break even.

The inquiry will examine the long-term consequences of the Covid-19 outbreak on the future of the high street. It is interested in how government, at all levels, can mitigate the economic and social impact and develop policies to ensure high streets remain the centre of local communities. The Committee will look at the impact of existing measures to support the high street, including the business rate holiday, as well as the broader role of taxation in enabling high street businesses to remain viable.

14 May 2020 Tackling Online Abuse View sample
Petitions Committee (Select)

The Petitions Committee has launched an inquiry into tackling online abuse, to consider issues raised in a number of petitions from the last Parliament and to follow up on the Committee’s previous inquiry into online abuse and the experiences of disabled people. The Committee’s inquiry comes as people are spending more time online due to social distancing, and in the wake of the Government’s white paper on online harms, which was published in February.

17 Jul 2020 Tax after coronavirus View sample
Treasury Committee (Select)

The Treasury Committee is today launching a new inquiry today called ‘Tax after coronavirus’.

The reconstruction of the economy after the unprecedented economic fallout of the coronavirus crisis is an opportunity for the Committee to examine the tax system.

The Committee will look at what the major long-term pressures on the UK tax system are, what more the UK can do to protect its tax base from globalisation and technological change, and whether such pressures should be met with tax reform.

The Committee will also seek evidence on what overall level of taxation the economy can bear, the role of tax reliefs in rebuilding the economy, and whether there is a role for windfall taxes in the post-coronavirus world.

11 Jun 2021 The Benefits System in Wales View sample
Welsh Affairs Committee (Select)

The Welsh Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry examining the benefits system in Wales. The new inquiry comes following a period of unprecedented challenge for the benefits system as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

 

11 Nov 2020 The contribution of innovation Catapults to delivering the R&D Roadmap View sample
Science and Technology Committee (Lords) (Select)

The Committee will investigate the contribution of the UK’s innovation Catapults to delivering the UK’s Research and Development Roadmap, including their role in stimulating long-term private investment and supporting new innovation tie-ups. The Committee will be taking oral evidence in December and early January, and will publish a report shortly afterwards. The Committee is not issuing a call for written evidence submissions. Please contact HLScience@parliament.uk for further information about the inquiry.

21 Jul 2021 The economic and cultural impacts of trade and environmental policy on family farms in Wales View sample
Welsh Affairs Committee (Select)

The Welsh Affairs Committee is conducting a short inquiry to explore the impact of major policy changes (particularly, but not exclusively, international trade and climate change) on family farms in Wales.  

20 Jul 2021 The Elections Bill View sample
Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (Select)

The Committee has launched an inquiry to examine all aspects of the Elections Bill.

19 Apr 2021 The experiences of minority ethnic and migrant people in Northern Ireland View sample
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (Select)

Data from the Northern Ireland Census 2011 illustrates that 1.8% (32,400) of the population belonged to non-white minority ethnic groups; and 2% (35,700) had been born in the 12 countries that had joined the EU since 2004. Northern Ireland was the least ethnically diverse region in the UK. 

Since then, trends in people’s attitudes towards minority ethnic and migrant people, and levels of racist incidents and crimes, have fluctuated. Some 30 per cent of people believed that racial prejudice was increasing in 2019, compared with 49 per cent in 2016 and 2017; 24 per cent believed it was decreasing in 2019, compared with 11 per cent in 2016.

The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee is conducting an inquiry to investigate and explore the experiences of minority ethnic and migrant people and communities in Northern Ireland today.

Read the full terms of reference here, and the evidence heard so far under the 'publications' tab below.

7 Apr 2020 The FCDO’s role in blocking foreign asset stripping in the UK View sample
Foreign Affairs Committee (Select)

This inquiry will examine how the FCO assesses whether a potentially hostile party is seeking to secure significant influence or control over a UK company and in what circumstances the FCO should intervene.

The Committee will also focus on what safeguards are required in the forthcoming National Security and Investment Bill to ensure that the FCO has a full role in the decision-making process in relation to interventions.

13 Aug 2021 The future of Channel 4 View sample
Communications and Digital Committee (Select)

Since its launch in 1982, Channel 4 has been in public ownership. However, the Government is consulting on a possible privatisation of the broadcaster. This inquiry, building on the Committee’s previous work on Channel 4 and public service broadcasters, will examine the case for privatisation and possible changes to the remit and regulation of Channel 4.

7 Sep 2020 The Future of Legal Aid View sample
Justice Committee (Select)

The Justice Committee is conducting an inquiry into the future of legal aid. The legal aid system in England and Wales was fundamentally changed by the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO). Since then there have been a number of legislative changes and post-legislative reviews of LASPO. The Justice Committee examined the changes to civil legal aid in 2014 and the changes to criminal legal aid in 2018. This inquiry aims to look ahead to the future of legal aid, to identify the major challenges facing clients and providers and how they might be tackled. The inquiry is especially keen to hear about the sustainability of the legal aid market, the impact of Covid-19 and the increasing reliance on digital technology to deliver legal advice and court services.

8 Oct 2020 The future of the planning system in England View sample
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee (Select)

In a White Paper, the Government has set out significant changes to streamline the planning system. Proposals include simplified designations for land usage, including automatic permission in principle for development in some areas, greater use of digital technology in the planning process and a National Design Guide to ensure “high quality development” that reflects “local character and preferences”.

The Committee’s inquiry will build on their previous report on land value capture in 2018. The Climate Assembly jointly commissioned by the Committee made recommendations on local decision-making and the planning system. Both of these will feed into this inquiry.

The inquiry will examine how well the proposed reforms would support the Government’s wider building strategy, including its target to build 300,000 new homes a year, as well as ensuring high quality construction that is fit for purpose. It will also examine how well the new proposals protect existing buildings or localities, and provide mechanisms for local engagement in the planning system.

30 Nov 2020 The Government's response to covid-19: human rights implications of long lockdown View sample
Human Rights (Joint Committee) (Select)

In order to seek to control the impact of Covid-19, the Government has introduced successive restrictive measures, with varying degrees of severity, both nationally and locally. The impact of these measures has been widely felt, and some groups have been more affected than others.

As part of the ongoing work into the Government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Joint Committee on Human Rights is examining the impact of lockdown restrictions on human rights and whether those measures only interfere with human rights to the extent that is necessary and proportionate. In particular, we are interested in the impact of long lockdown on certain communities.

29 Nov 2021 The Government’s Catch-up programme View sample
Education Committee (Select)

The inquiry will focus on the educational experiences of children and young people from a Gypsy, Roma and Traveller background.

It will examine the educational challenges faced by these groups and will also examine the effectiveness of the Government’s recent £1 million education programme for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children which will focus on attainment, exclusion rates, and employment outcomes.

 

Read the call for evidence for more detail about the inquiry

 

21 Jan 2021 The Government’s Independent Human Rights Act Review View sample
Human Rights (Joint Committee) (Select)

The Government have set up an independent panel to review the operation of the Human Rights Act. 

In this short inquiry, we are seeking views to help inform its response to the independent review and its outcome. We will submit written evidence to the inquiry, but our own inquiry will continue to run alongside the Independent Review. 

Read the call for evidence for more detail about the inquiry.

19 Mar 2020 The Government’s response to Covid-19: human rights implications View sample
Human Rights (Joint Committee) (Select)

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has announced measures which aim to protect individuals’ right to life (Article 2 ECHR) and further steps will need to be taken over the coming days, weeks and months. Amongst other measures, it is expected that the Government will introduce emergency legislation on Thursday giving it new powers which are intended to help in containing and coping with the pandemic in the UK.

As this situation develops the UK Parliament’s Human Rights Committee will seek to examine the Government’s actions to ensure that its approach is compliant with human rights – not least the right to life (Article 2 ECHR). While it is likely that steps will need to be taken that interfere with human rights, for example the right to liberty (Article 5 ECHR) and the right to respect for family life (Article 8 ECHR), this must be done in a way that is proportionate.

The impact of these measures will be widely felt, and some groups will be affected more than others.

 

13 Mar 2020 The impact of coronavirus on businesses and workers View sample
Business and Trade Committee (Select)

24 May 2021 The long-term impact of the pandemic on towns and cities View sample
COVID-19 Committee (Select)

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed our relationship with towns and cities, and the dynamic within those areas. This inquiry will look at the long-term impact of the pandemic on large towns and smaller cities, concentrating particularly on housing and green spaces, the changing nature of employment and public transport, and the resulting impact on inequality. The Committee will also explore the potential to develop and implement an innovative vision for the future of towns and cities, especially how we create more equal towns and cities.

5 Jun 2020 The Macpherson Report: twenty-one years on View sample
Home Affairs Committee (Select)

The Home Affairs Committee has confirmed its intention to complete its predecessors’ work on The Macpherson Report:  twenty years on, and will take new evidence on policing and race including on concerns raised about the policing of the Covid-19 lockdown and reported disproportionality in fines and investigations of individuals from BME communities.

23 Apr 2021 The Navy: purpose and procurement View sample
Defence Committee (Select)

This inquiry will examine what role the Navy should expect to play over the next 20 years and whether naval procurement and support plans are delivering the capabilities required.

The inquiry will assess the threats and standing commitments the Navy is likely to face, as well as specific issues in equipment and programmes that pose a risk to the Navy’s ability to deliver planned capabilities and could threaten the Navy’s overall effectiveness.

16 Feb 2021 The role of public services in addressing child vulnerability View sample
Public Services Committee (Select)

Our second major inquiry, ‘The role of public services in addressing child vulnerability’ will ask whether reforming public services can address the growing problem of child vulnerability. The inquiry will cover how public services support mothers and families during pregnancy, and how they support children in their early years and school years.

13 Jan 2021 The role of the GEO: embedding equalities across Government View sample
Women and Equalities Committee (Select)

The Committee will examine how the Government Equalities Office (GEO) is delivering on its responsibilities, which are:

- improving equality and reducing discrimination and disadvantage for all in the UK;

- taking the lead on the Equality Act 2010 and being the lead department on gender, and LGB&T issues in government including the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, and Civil Partnership Act 2004;

- supporting and implementing international equality measures in the UK, including the UK’s international commitments. The inquiry will consider the organisational structure and functioning of the GEO and assess the effectiveness of the role of the Minister for Women and Equalities.

The inquiry will explore cross-cutting Government equalities strategies and consider recommendations for change to embed equalities across Government.

26 Feb 2021 The roll-out and safety of smart motorways View sample
Transport Committee (Select)

This inquiry will look at the safety of smart motorways and public confidence in their use as well as their impact upon congestion.

Concerns about the safety of smart motorways have been emphasised recently with a number of fatalities on them and criticism by coroners investigating those deaths.

In 2020, the Department for Transport published an evidence review of smart motorway safety. This concluded that “in most ways, smart motorways are as safe as, or safer than, conventional motorways”, and made pledges to improve their safety.

Read the call for evidence for more details about the inquiry.

25 Feb 2021 The UK’s security and trade relationship with China View sample
International Relations and Defence Committee (Select)

The inquiry will consider the Government’s approach to China, and how this has evolved. It will examine the UK’s security interests vis-à-vis China, the UK’s partners and allies, including the Five Eyes partnership, and the UK’s diplomatic, defence and security resourcing for further engagement in China’s neighbourhood. It will also consider China’s importance as a trade partner and source of investment.

18 Nov 2020 The Windrush Compensation Scheme View sample
Home Affairs Committee (Select)

This inquiry will examine the design and implementation of the Windrush Compensation Scheme and the support that is provided to individuals through the ‘Windrush Scheme: support in exceptional circumstances’ policy. It aims to understand whether these schemes are operating effectively for people who apply and whether changes are needed so that people who apply feel their applications have been considered fairly and swiftly. It would also like to know what the Home Office can do to provide better support to anyone who applies to the scheme.

20 Sep 2021 Trade in goods View sample
European Affairs Committee (Select)

The House of Lords European Affairs Committee, chaired by Lord Kinnoull, has launched an inquiry into trade in goods between Great Britain (GB) and the EU. The launch of this inquiry follows the decision on 14 September 2021 by the UK Government to further delay the introduction of new import controls on goods entering GB from the EU, many of which will now not be introduced until 1 July 2022. The inquiry will also examine the overall impact to date of Brexit and the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) on GB-EU trade in goods in both directions, in the UK’s first year outside the Single Market and Customs Union.

3 Feb 2021 Treatment of autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities View sample
Health and Social Care Committee (Select)

Limited progress in improving the way autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities are treated is to be examined by the Health and Social Care Committee. 

The short inquiry will hold the first of two evidence sessions next week with particular focus on the use of restraint and “sectioning”. It will also consider issues around seclusion, taking into account criticisms regarding human rights. 

Alexis Quinn, who is diagnosed with autism and has spoken publicly of her poor experiences of being held in the secure estate, will appear before MPs at the first session. 

The inquiry will consider what the Government plans to reform mental health legislation will mean for autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities. A white paper on reforming the Mental Health Act was published last month.

1 Oct 2020 Tree Planting and Woodlands View sample
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (Select)

The Government has promised a massive acceleration in the rate of tree planting to help offset greenhouse gas emissions. But questions have been raised about whether the targets are the right ones, whether the right types of trees will be planted in the right places, and whether enough is being done to protect existing woodlands.

The inquiry will examine these questions and what lessons can be learnt from the failure to meet previous tree planting ambitions in England. It will also consider how to balance the drive to plant more trees with the many other benefits for health, nature, and the economy derived from woods and forests.

 

30 Jul 2020 UK Export Finance View sample
International Trade Committee (Select)

Background

  1. UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK’s official export credit agency. It aims to support British exporters by ensuring that “no viable UK export fails for lack of finance or insurance from the private sector, while operating at no net cost to the taxpayer.” This is done by means of “a combination of guarantees, insurance and financing (often in partnerships with banks).” UKEF is a department in its own right but is strategically aligned with the Department for International Trade and has the same ministerial team.
  2. In June 2020, UKEF published its business plan to 2024. Its delivery objectives include to provide export finance, insurance and guidance to business of all sizes in support of the Government’s Export Strategy; adapt and focus activity on sectors and countries where UKEF support will have the greatest economic benefit; and improve awareness of the support available from UKEF.
  3. In addition, UKEF has supported exporters during the COVID-19 pandemic by temporarily extending its Export Insurance Policy and it is formally launching new General Export Facility and Export Development Guarantee products shortly to further support businesses impacted by the pandemic.

1 Apr 2020 UK Freeports View sample
International Trade Committee (Select)

Background

1. Freeports are designated areas where goods can be imported without paying customs duties. Customs duty becomes payable only when the goods, possibly after processing, enter the domestic market – and none are payable if they are re-exported. They may also enjoy other tax and planning advantages and reduced bureaucracy. There are currently no freeports in the UK, after the legislation establishing their use expired in 2012 (one exists on the Isle of Man, which is a UK Crown-dependent territory).  

2. In February, the Government announced a ten-week consultation on freeports. It aims to create up to ten freeports which would have different customs rules to the rest of the country, be innovation hubs, boost global trade, attract inward investment, and increase productivity. It is seeking a model that could work for rail, sea and airports and outlined an accompanying package of proposals including tariff flexibility, simplified customs processes, tax measures, planning reforms, and targeted funding. The Government is committed to announcing locations this year so that the first freeport can be opened in 2021.  

3. This inquiry will examine: the Government’s freeport proposals; how freeports will align with the UK’s trade and investment priorities; the criteria for choosing freeports; how freeports will contribute to economic regeneration; and potential negative impacts of freeports, including how these could be mitigated. 

Submit Written Evidence 

The Committee welcomes submissions on some, or all, of the following questions by 5pm on Friday, 22 May. Submissions should be made using the UK Freeports inquiry page.  

Terms of Reference 

  • What benefits might freeports bring to the UK – and how should these be measured? 
  • What negative impacts could freeports have – and how might these be mitigated?
  • How comprehensive is the package of measures proposed by the Government in its freeport model – and what others, if any, should be considered? How should these measures be adapted for different locations?   
  • Are the proposed criteria for selecting sites to become freeports appropriate? When evaluating proposals, should greater weight be given to certain criteria? What role will the Department for International Trade play in this process? 
  • What impact could freeports have on the overall regeneration and expansion of industrial areas? Is there a risk of displacement and economic disadvantage to areas not selected – and how could this be mitigated? 
  • What can the UK learn, and what competition will it face, from established freeports around the world? 

27 Aug 2020 UK parliamentary scrutiny of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee and application of the Northern Ireland Protocol View sample
European Scrutiny Committee (Select)

The European Scrutiny Committee is considering how effective scrutiny of the EU/UK Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee (the ‘Joint Committee’) can be carried out by Parliament, in particular during the transition period and in relation to the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland (the ‘Protocol’).  It will also consider the related matters of interpretation, application and enforcement of the Protocol – including potential areas of dispute between the UK and EU - in light of further information from the Government as to how it intends to implement the Protocol (see, for example, the Command Paper “The UK’s approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol”).

20 Mar 2020 UK Science, Research and Technology Capability and Influence in Global Disease Outbreaks View sample
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee (Select)

The Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak is the latest in a series of disease outbreaks that have spread internationally, presenting major challenges to communities, national governments and international institutions. 

Scientific knowledge and advice are foundational to the prevention, management and treatment of these global outbreaks, at both an international and national level. 

Once the COVID-19 pandemic has passed its peak, it will be necessary for international and national systems to learn from the crisis. The Science and Technology Committee will inquire formally into the place of UK research, science and technology in the national and global response, and what lessons should be learned for the future. 

23 Oct 2020 UK trade negotiations: Agreement with Japan View sample
International Trade Committee (Select)

Background

1.    Through this inquiry the Committee will scrutinise the  UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

2.    The Committee is particularly interested in finding out how this agreement will affect people and businesses across the UK; the economic, social and environmental impacts of the agreement; and how the agreement differs from the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.

3.    This Committee intends to provide parliamentary scrutiny of the trade agreement by:

·       inviting written evidence from interested stakeholders;

·       speaking to expert witnesses and the Secretary of State in oral evidence sessions; and

·       publishing a short report on the agreement, in which the Committee may recommend that the agreement is debated in the House of Commons Chamber.

4.    Under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 (CRAG), after the agreement is laid before UK Parliament there is a period of 21 sitting days in which either House may choose to pass a motion stating that it should not be ratified. The Committee intends during that 21-day period to publish a report on the agreement.

5.    The Government has said it will endeavour to provide time for the agreement to be debated on the floor of the House of Commons should the Committee recommend such a debate.

6.    Due to the limited time available to scrutinise the agreement, the Committee  will not be undertaking a full and comprehensive analysis of the agreement text. Instead the Committee will seek evidence from stakeholders, and publish a short report summarising the views it hears.

30 Jul 2020 UK trade remedies policy View sample
International Trade Committee (Select)

Background

  1. Trade remedies (also referred to as trade defence) describes the use of policy measures to restrict imports where a country believes those imports are unfairly damaging its own producers – i.e. where goods are dumped, subsidised or part of an unforeseen surge of imports. Trade defence measures (TDMs) usually take the form of a temporary tariff on the relevant import, proportionate to the level of harm caused.
  2. Following the end of the post-Brexit transition period, the UK will conduct its own independent trade remedies policy. The Government is seeking to legislate for the creation of the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) through the Trade Bill. This provides for the TRA to have responsibility for conducting trade defence investigations and making recommendations about the imposition of TDMs (subject to an “economic interest” test) to the Secretary of State for International Trade. The power for the Secretary of State to introduce TDMs is contained in the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018.
  3. The TRA will be a non-departmental public body, i.e. an arm’s-length body, operating independently of the Department for International Trade (DIT). It is to be made up of a Chair, other non-executive members, a Chief Executive and other executive members. There must be no more than nine members altogether.
  4. In March 2019, the Government established the Trade Remedies Investigations Directorate within DIT to fulfil the functions of the TRA pending the creation of the Authority.
  5. The EU has over 100 TDMs currently in place. These measures continue to apply to the UK throughout the transition period. Following a consultation with business in 2018, the Government identified 43 existing EU TDMs to be maintained in the future, pending review. Sixty-three other measures will not be transitioned (for example, because the measures do not affect UK producers).
  6. In February, the Government announced that it is reviewing each of the 43 EU TDMs over the coming months. Where a TDM meets the criteria to be retained, it will continue to apply at the end of the transition period. There is some debate as to where transitioned TDMs and the review process stand in relation to World Trade Organization law.

15 Oct 2021 UNCLOS: fit for purpose in the 21st century? View sample
International Relations and Defence Committee (Select)

The Committee’s inquiry will explore the extent to which the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which came into force in 1994, remains fit for purpose in 2021. It will examine the enforcement of UNCLOS, its dispute resolution mechanisms, and the extent to which is has proved able to adapt to new and emerging challenges, including climate change, autonomous maritime systems, and issues of human rights and human security at sea. It will explore the UK’s current policy towards UNCLOS and approach in practice, and consider which international partners and alliances will be important for the UK to address these challenges and uphold its interests. 

16 Sep 2020 United Kingdom Internal Market Bill View sample
Constitution Committee (Select)

The inquiry will consider the constitutional implications of the UK Internal Market Bill. It will explore the implications that the Bill poses for the Rule of Law and devolution.

5 Aug 2020 Universities and Scotland View sample
Scottish Affairs Committee (Select)

The future funding of Scotland’s universities and fees for overseas and non-EU students will be the subject of this inquiry. The Committee will also use this inquiry as an opportunity to examine the impact policies made in Whitehall will have on Scottish Universities, their students, their employees and on research.

The deadline for submissions is Monday 19 October. 

Read the inquiry launch news story. 

 

8 Dec 2020 Water Quality in Rivers View sample
Environmental Audit Committee (Select)

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) is launching an inquiry into water quality in rivers. The EAC has previously inquired into nitrate pollution so this inquiry intends to focus on the water industry and urban diffuse pollution.

1 Dec 2020 Women in the Armed Forces: From Recruitment to Civilian Life View sample
Defence Committee (Select)

This inquiry will explore the experience of female service personnel from recruitment to transition and consider whether there are unique challenges that are not adequately addressed by the current policies and services.

Challenges that the inquiry will explore, include:

  • Recruitment and retention of female personnel;
  • Incidences where female serving personnel are the victim of sexual offences;
  • Overrepresentation in the complaints system;
  • Female personnel are more likely to make bullying and harassment complaints;
  • Female personnel are more likely to be assessed with a mental health disorder; and
  • Transition to civilian life, where female service leavers have a lower employment rate and a higher economic inactivity rate.

Other areas of interest that the Committee are keen to cover within the scope of the inquiry include issues around pensions, terms and conditions of employment, housing and general wellbeing.

Read the call for evidence for more detail about the inquiry. 

Take part in our survey for female serving personnel and veterans

23 Jun 2021 Working Practices: one year on View sample
International Agreements Committee (Select)

No description available

11 May 2021 Written parliamentary questions View sample
Procedure Committee (Select)

No description available

28 Jan 2021 Youth Unemployment View sample
Youth Unemployment Committee (Select)

No description available

18 Dec 2020 Zero emission vehicles and road pricing View sample
Transport Committee (Select)

This inquiry will consider the implications of accelerating the shift to zero emission vehicles and the potential for introducing road pricing, or pay-as-you-drive, schemes.

The Transport Committee was one of the six commissioning committees behind the first UK-wide Climate Assembly, which published its report in September 2020. The Assembly put the emphasis on moving to electric vehicles and improving public transport rather than large reductions in car use. It also called for solutions which are accessible and affordable to all sections of society.