August 2007

Gambling Act 2005 in force

The ‘Gambling Act 2005’ received Royal Assent in April 2005. It comes fully into force on 1st September 2007, when all current gambling law for Great Britain will be replaced by the 2005 provisions.

Jobcentre Plus performance evaluated

Jobcentre Plus is an executive agency of the Department for Work and Pensions, supporting people of working age from welfare into work, and helping employers to fill their vacancies.

This publication ‘Jobcentre Plus Annual Report and Accounts 2006-2007’ (HC 712) evaluates the agency’s performance and success in delivering key objectives.

UK immigration statistics for 2006 released

The Immigration Research and Statistics Service (IRSS) collects and published statistics on immigration control, enforcement, citizenship and asylum as part of the National Statistics work programme.

In this Report ‘Control of Immigration: Statistics United Kingdom 2006’ (Cm. 7197), the IRSS publishes the results of its immigration and asylum research programme.

Private equity industry examined

The private equity industry is of growing importance; 8% of the UK workforce is now employed in private equity owned companies and there are a rising number of take-overs of large companies.

'Private Equity: Volume II' (HC 567-II) presents evidence given to the Treasury Select Committee’s inquiry into the private equity industry.

Human rights of older people

This Report ‘The Human Rights of Older People in Healthcare’ (HL 156-I/HC 378-I) examines how human rights principles can be applied to ensure that older people in hospitals and care homes are treated with greater dignity and respect.

Tackling internet crime

In this Report, 'Personal Internet Security’ (HL 165-I), the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee calls for incentives, regulation and investment to tackle Internet crime.

Middle East foreign policy examined

In this Report, 'Global Security: The Middle East’ (HC 363), the Foreign Affairs Committee looks at the role of UK diplomacy in the region and urges the Government to consider ways of engaging politically with moderate elements within Hamas.

This Report is the first in a new series on global security matters.

Tighter controls on arms exports needed

In this Report ‘Strategic Export Controls: 2007 Review’ (HC 117), the Quadripartite Committee calls for tighter controls on UK arms export trade.

Council Tax benefit system “unfair” for poorest

This Report 'Local Government Finance: Council Tax Benefit' (HC 718-I) says that the current council tax relief system is unfair for low income households.

Future sustainability of Higher Education

This Report ‘The Future Sustainability of the Higher Education Sector: International Aspects’ (HC 285-I) examines aspects of the higher education (HE) sector, particularly in relation to international students.

Highly skilled migrants immigration rights examined

This Report ‘Highly Skilled Migrants: Changes to Immigration Rules’ (HL 173/HC 993) examines the changes made to the Immigration Rules in 2006, in the light of the impact on the Highly Skilled Migrants Programme.

Building schools for the future

This Report ‘Sustainable Schools: Are we Building Schools for the Future?’ (HC 140-I) examines the Government’s Building Schools for the Future programme.

Key climate change policies examined

This Report ‘Beyond Stern: From the Climate Change Programme’ (HC 460) is about how the Government sets targets for reductions in UK green house gases, assesses progress by forecasting likely levels of future emissions and revises its policies in the light of experience.

Mental health ‘deprivation of liberty’ safeguards introduced

The main purpose of the Mental Health Act 2007 is to amend the Mental Health Act 1983. It also introduces "deprivation of liberty safeguards" through amending the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and extends the rights of victims by amending the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004.

Human Tissue and Embryos Draft Bill: key concerns

This Report ‘Human Tissue and Embryos (Draft) Bill’ (HL 169-I / HC 630-I) from the Joint Committee on the Human Tissue and Embryos (Draft) Bill scrutinises proposals set out within the Government’s 'Human Tissue and Embryos (Draft) Bill (Cm. 7087)'.

After scrutinising the Draft Bill, the Committee challenge a number of aspects of the Government’s approach.

“Not enough evidence” for 56-day detention

'Counter-Terrorism Policy and Human Rights: 28 Days, Intercept and Post-Charge Questioning’ (HL 157 / HC 394) focuses on the Government's new proposals on counter-terrorism, including the suggestion to double the pre-trial detention period from 28 days to 56 days.

Reform of cohabitation law needed

Cohabitation outside marriage in England and Wales has become increasingly common over recent decades and is expected to become more prevalent in the future.

This Report from the Law Commission 'Cohabitation: The Financial Consequences Of Relationship Breakdown’ (Cm 7182) makes recommendations to Parliament on certain aspects of the law relating to cohabitants.