Fairness encouraged through political party donation cap
To control campaign spending and encourage fairness, the Committee on Standards in Public Life proposes a £10,000 cap on funding provided by individuals and organisations to political parties.
The report 'Political Party Finance: Ending the Big Donor Culture’ (Cm. 8208) believes that the only safe way to remove big money from party funding is to put a cap on donations from all sources.
Expenses supervision often costs more than claims
As identified in ‘Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority’ (HC 1426), money claimed by politicians in over a third of cases was less than the amount spent to process them by the independent body responsible.
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) established an expenses system in May 2010 and overall in 2010-11, 38% of claims submitted were for less than the average cost of IPSA’s administration costs.
Committee recommends changes to ministerial decision-making process
The report, 'Select Committees and Public Appointments’ (HC 1230), considers the experience of some three years of holding 'pre-appointment' hearings by select committees to examine the 'preferred candidate' for certain public appointments before that appointment is confirmed.
The Liaison Committee considers the experiment a success. However, they recommend a number of changes including that the list of posts to which the procedure applies be refined.
Justification of localism scrutinised by Committee
Government plans to devolve power to communities are neither supported consistently across Whitehall nor consistently applied by departments, an inquiry concludes.
The report 'Localism’ (HC 547) examines the interpretation and implementation of the Localism Bill throughout Government and finds that the approach to the principle of localism has been marked by inconsistency and incoherence.
Plans outlined for House of Lords election reform
Proposals to change the House of Lords into a more democratically elected second chamber are outlined in the draft Bill and White Paper, 'House of Lords Reform Draft Bill’ (Cm. 8077).
A cross-party Committee met seven times from June to December 2010 and considered all reform issues related to the House of Lords. Agreement was reached on a large number of issues but differences in opinion remain on the size of the elected element and the type of electoral system. The Government now wants to take the discussion forward to a debate on the detail.
Committee recommends a cut in ministers to reflect smaller Government
The work of ministers has been reviewed to assess the current quality in Parliament for a possible cut to help the public sector tackle the UK’s deficit.
In 'Smaller Government: What do Ministers do?’ (HC 530), the Public Administration Select Committee (PASC) argues that the Government appoints too many ministers and should reduce their number by the middle of the Parliament, as it devolves real power and responsibility to local communities.
New benefit plans outlined in Welfare Reform Bill
The ‘Welfare Reform Bill’ (HC Bill 154) calls on a number of proposals set out in preceding Parliamentary papers to improve the current welfare system.
The Bill extends on the ideas put forth in the consultation document '21st Century Welfare’ (Cm. 7913) and the proposals outlined in the White Paper 'Universal Credit: Welfare that Works’ (Cm. 7957).
Major departmental savings revealed in Spending Review 2010
Chancellor George Osborne announced £81 billion worth of savings to be implemented by 2014-15 in the Coalition Government’s first ‘Spending Review 2010 (Cm. 7942)’.
Inheriting one of the most challenging current fiscal positions in the world, the government strives to reduce the nation’s largest deficit in its peacetime history.
Ministry of Justice take steps to improve financial management
The National Audit Office reports that the Ministry of Justice (the Ministry) has made progress in keeping track of its finances but its overall approach falls short of consistent best practice.
The financial performance of the Ministry impacts upon taxpayers, its partners and suppliers through its use of resources to deliver its core objective of developing a modern, fair, cost-effective and efficient system of justice.
Group set up to consider financial support for House of Lords members
An ad-hoc group was set up in December 2009 to consider and consult on matters relating to the fiscal contributions provided for Members of the House of Lords.
The group was formed following an agreement by the House to the principles of a recent report by the Review Body on Senior Salaries (SSRB), to follow terms of reference set by the House.
HM Treasury outlines the Government’s upcoming spending review
Freedom, fairness and responsibility are the three main values leading the coalition Government’s plans to make fiscal cuts and reduce the country’s deficits to improve and encourage a stronger society.
Changes to the machinery of government involved ‘wholly inadequate’ consultation
In 'The Cabinet Office and the Centre of Government’ (HL 30) the House of Lords Constitution Committee suggest that power within the cabinet has become increasingly centralised to the Prime Minister and recommend that structures of accountability should be reformed to mirror that change.
The Committee expresses support for the principles of collective responsibility but recognise that increasingly the Cabinet Office has become responsible for overseeing the delivery of government policy across departments. They stress that accountability mechanisms within the UK constitution are not set up to reflect this new reality with parliamentary and select committee scrutiny based on individual Ministers reporting to Parliament for activities within their departments
House of Commons should reflect our diverse society recommends Speaker’s Conference
The House of Commons agreed unanimously in November 2008 to establish this Speaker's Conference. The Conference was asked to look into the reasons why women, members of the black and minority ethnic communities and disabled people are under-represented in the House of Commons, and to recommend ways in which the situation can be improved. Issues relating to the representation of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities were also considered.
Currently most MPs are white, male, middle-aged and middle-class: the House of Commons should reflect more closely the diverse society in which we live.
House of Lords undergo financial support review
In 'Review of Financial Support for Members of the House of Lords, Report No. 71 (Cm. 7746)' the Review Body on Senior Salaries was asked to review the system of financial support for Members of the House of Lords as it is currently constituted, pending more fundamental review. Focus would be paid to clarity and transparency, public acceptability, value for money and the geographical diversity of the House, among other factors.
Many Peers give up time and other earnings opportunities to work, unsalaried, in the House of Lords and they deserve a contribution to income as well as repayment of expenses necessarily incurred in carrying out their Parliamentary duties.
Enhance the credibility of select committees, recommends report
The Select Committee on Reform of the House of Commons was appointed by the House of Commons on 20 July 2009 to consider and report on four specified matters. ‘Rebuilding the House’ (HC 1117) examines the appointment of members and chairmen of select committees; the appointment of the Chairman and Deputy Chairmen of Ways and Means; scheduling business in the House; and enabling the public to initiate debates and proceedings in the House and closely connected matters.
Queen's Speech outlines 2009-10 legislative plans
The Queen's Speech, officially known as 'Her Majesty's Most Gracious Speech to Both Houses of Parliament - Delivered on Wednesday, 18 November 2009 (Cm. Unnumbered)', outlines the Government's legislative programme for the 2009-10 session of Parliament.
New Bills receive Royal Assent
On 12 November 2009 a total of 13 Bills along with an item of secondary legislation received Royal Assent. These will be the last bills to be enacted in the 2008-09 parliamentary session.
Consultation on weekend voting begins
There is a perception that Thursday is not the most accessible day for voting and that moving Election Day to the weekend would improve access and opportunities.
This consultation paper, 'The Governance of Britain - Election Day: Weekend Voting' (Cm. 7334), aims to promote debate on the merits of moving Election Day from Thursday to the weekend and on the best way to do this for UK Parliamentary general elections, local elections in England and Wales, and European Parliamentary elections.
Legal and political functions of Attorney General should be separated
As both a politician and an independent legal adviser, the Attorney General's roles in enhancing the administration of justice, the maintenance of the rule of the law, and the protection of the public interest have the potential to create tension with each other.
This Report, 'Draft Constitutional Renewal Bill (Provisions Relating to the Attorney General)' (HC 698), examines the Draft Constitutional Renewal Bill to see how far its provisions put into effect the recommendations of the Constitutional Affairs Committee's July 2007 Report.
Independent body should determine MPs' pay
Following a January 2008 Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) Report on parliamentary pay, the Government asked Sir John Baker to review the options for determining MPs' remuneration and to identify an independent mechanism for doing so in future.
This paper, 'Review of Parliamentary Pay and Pensions by Sir John Baker CBE' (Cm. 7416), presents Sir John's findings on the issue.
Conduct of Sir Nicholas and Lady Winterton examined
This Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges, 'Conduct of Sir Nicholas and Lady Winterton' (HC 744), examines a complaint made against Sir Nicholas and Lady Ann Winterton, Members of Parliament for Macclesfield and Congleton respectively. The complaint from a Mr Gary Poole and Mr Michael Barnbrook related to the MPs respective Additional Costs Allowances (ACAs) on the rental of a property in London.
Improvements to Government's constitutional renewal plans suggested
In this Report, 'Constitutional Renewal: Draft Bill and White Paper' (HC 499), the Public Administration Select Committee makes constructive suggestions for improving the Government's proposals put forward in the March 2008 White Paper on Constitutional Renewal and the accompanying Draft Bill.
'Deep problems' with administration of Scottish elections
On 3 May 2007 combined elections were held in Scotland, electing members to the Scottish Parliament and all 32 of Scotland's local councils. The number of spoilt ballots cast in these elections was unusually high and difficulties with the electronic counting machines led to the count being suspended in some constituencies. The Electoral Commission engaged Ron Gould CM to conduct an independent assessment of the elections.
This Report from the Scottish Affairs Committee, 'Experience of the Scottish Elections' (HC 78), examines the findings of the Gould Report and its recommendations.
Taxis for Speaker's wife 'consistent with permitted use'
Mr Mark Wallace - Campaign Director of the Taxpayers' Alliance - submitted a complaint to the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner in which he claimed that the cost of certain taxi journeys undertaken by Mrs. Mary Martin, the wife of Mr Speaker, had been improperly met - through the Speaker's Office - from public funds.
This Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges, 'Conduct of Mr Speaker'
(HC 559), examines the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standard's decision to dismiss the complaint on the grounds that 'the journeys were consistent with the permitted use of taxis for official business and a reasonable use of public funds'.
Role of the Attorney General examined
This Report, 'Reform of the Office of Attorney General' (HL 93), examines the role of the Attorney General as provider and co-ordinator of legal advice, and senior legal advisor to the Crown. It also examines the role of the Attorney General in individual prosecutions and its functions as a minister.
House of Commons 'e-Petitions' scheme proposed
Historically, it has been seen as the right of every commoner to prepare and present petitions to the House of Commons in case of grievance and for the House to receive and respond to them.
This report, 'e-Petitions' (HC 136), follows on from a May 2007 Procedure Committee Report, in which support was expressed in principle for an e-petitioning system for the House of Commons.
Constitutional renewal for Britain proposed
In July 2007, the Green Paper 'The Governance of Britain'
(Cm. 7170) was published, which set out the Government's vision and proposals
for constitutional renewal, calling on the public, Parliament and other
organisations to submit their views. A further five consultation papers were
issued following the July 2007 Green Paper.
This three-volume White
Paper, 'The Governance of Britain - Constitutional Renewal' (Cm. 7342-I/II/II),
is the result of the consultation process and forms part of the Governance of
Britain series examining constitutional renewal.
Conduct of Mr Peter Hain examined
This Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges, 'Conduct of Mr Peter Hain' (HC 324), sets out the current state of the investigation into the conduct of Mr Peter Hain, Member of Parliament for Neath and former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
Conduct of Derek Conway MP examined
This Report from the Commons Committee on Standards and
Privileges, ‘Conduct of Mr Derek Conway’ (HC
280), examines the conduct of Derek Conway, Member of Parliament for Old
Bexley and Sidcup.
Alternative voting systems reviewed
'The
Governance of Britain - Review of Voting Systems' (Cm. 7304) examines the
experience of new voting systems in the United Kingdom since 1997.
MPs salaries set to rise
‘Review
Body on Senior Salaries Report # 64: Review of Parliamentary Pay, Pensions and
Allowances 2007’ (Cm. 7270) examines the pay, pensions and allowances for
members of the House of Commons and House of Lords.
Plaid Cymru MPs conduct criticised
This Report, ‘Conduct
of Mr Elfyn Llwyd, Mr Adam Price and Mr Hywel Willliams’ (HC 94), examines
complaints into the conduct of three Plaid Cymru Members or Parliament,
following allegations of misuse of parliamentary allowances.
Science and Technology Committee to be
dissolved
‘The Last Report’ (HC 1108) is the
final report from the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee.
Governance of Britain: protest, war making and
judicial appointments
In July 2007,
'The Governance of Britain' (Cm.
7170) presented the Government's proposals for constitutional renewal.
The four main themes of the Governance of Britain series are:
- Limiting the power of the executive
- Making the executive more
accountable
- Re-invigorating democracy
- The relationship
between the citizen and the state.
Party finance and spending to be reformed
This White Paper presents the Government's proposals on party funding, which follow the broad approach outlined by Sir Hayden Phillips in his March 2007 Report 'Strengthening Democracy: Fair and Sustainable Funding of Political Parties - The Review of the Funding of Political Parties'.
Governance: reviewing the Attorney General’s role
and Public Petitions
In its Green Paper
'The
Governance of Britain' (Cm. 7170), the Government set out proposals for
radical constitutional reform to rebalance power between the executive,
legislature and the people.
Among the proposals to improve the
engagement between Parliament and the people were:
- A commitment to
reforming the role of the Attorney General
- Changes to the system of
Public Petitions and Early Day Motions.
George Galloway investigated
'Conduct
of Mr George Galloway' (HC 909-I) examines the memorandum produced by the
Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards on the outcome of his investigation of
complaints against the conduct of Mr George Galloway MP (the text of the
memorandum is included as an appendix to the report).
The Commissioner's
investigation focused on allegations published in a series of articles in the
Daily Telegraph in April 2003 that Mr Galloway had received substantial
undeclared personal financial benefits from the former Iraqi regime ran by
Saddam Hussein by way of the UN Oil for Food programme, and that in doing so he
had breached the Commons' rules on registration of interests and the Commons'
Code of Conduct.
Empowering women: Ministers for Women set out
priorities
This statement
‘Priorities
for the Ministers for Women’ (Cm 7183) sets out the Ministers’
priorities for policies designed to empower and support women in Britain.
Government announces draft legislative
programme
This Command Paper
'The
Governance of Britain - The Government's Draft Legislative Programme' (Cm.
7175) is the first annual statement setting out a draft legislative
programme to be laid before the next Parliament.
Where previously the
legislative programme was not divulged in advance of the Queen's Speech at the
State Opening of Parliament, this new annual statement allows Parliament and
the public advance notice of the legislation that the Government plans to bring
forward.
Wide constitutional reform proposed
Aimed at restoring public trust in politics, this Green
Paper
'The
Governance of Britain' (Cm. 7170) sets out the Government's vision and
proposals for constitutional renewal. Plans focus particularly on modernising
the role of the Executive in the UK system of governance.
The four main
themes are:
- Limiting the power of the executive
- Making the
executive more accountable
- Re-invigorating democracy
- Improving
the relationship between the citizen and the state.
Register of Members' Interests
This edition of the
Register
of Members' Interests (HC 436) records Members' Interests as at 26 March
2007.
The main purpose of the Register is to encourage transparency by
providing information of any pecuniary or other material benefit which an MP
receives, which might reasonably be thought by others to influence his or her
actions, speeches or votes in Parliament.
David Cameron’s party fund raising
This Report
'Conduct
of Mr David Cameron' (HC 429) considers a complaint that Mr Cameron’s
Parliamentary office in the House was being used as part of a party fund
raising strategy.
Political party financing in UK is “unstable”
Political parties are key institutions in any system of representative democracy.
In this Report, the Constitutional Affairs Committee finds that the present system of party financing in the UK is “unstable”.
Improving educational facilities at Parliament
This Report ‘Improving Facilities for Educational
Visitors to Parliament’ (HC 434) looks at improving visitor's access to
Parliament, and assesses what the focus of Parliament's visitor services should
be and who should be the main target audience.
Funding of political parties examined
This Report explores options for reforming the funding of
political parties. Undertaken in response to a request by the Prime Minister
following recent controversy surrounding peerages for donors and loans made to
political parties, the report acknowledges that there is a widespread public
disenchantment with party politics and politicians.
Government outlines Equality plan
A substantial body of equality legislation has been introduced over the last four decades but such legislation has become complex and difficult to understand.
This publication, 'Framework for a Fairer Future - The Equality Bill (Cm. 7431)', sets out the Government's aims for the forthcoming Equality Bill, which will simplify and strengthen the law and introduce a new Equality Duty on the public sector.