Our topic this episode discusses directly-elected mayors in England and Wales, a system introduced by the Local Government Act 2000. There are three main ways local authorities can be run: mayor and cabinet, leader and cabinet, or the committee system. Discover how mayors are introduced, either by referendum or council resolution, and why most referendums have voted against them. We also distinguish local authority mayors from different roles like metro-mayors or ceremonial mayors.

Key Takeaways:

• Directly-elected mayors for local authorities were introduced in England and Wales by the Local Government Act 2000.
• Local authorities can choose one of three main political management setups: mayor and cabinet, leader and cabinet, or the committee system.
• A mayor can be created either by a referendum vote or a resolution passed by the full council.
• Most referendums held to create an elected mayor have resulted in a 'no' vote.
• Local authority mayors in England and Wales do not automatically have more powers than authorities using other systems.
• There are different types of mayors, including metro-mayors and ceremonial mayors, who are distinct from directly-elected local authority mayors and have different roles or powers.
• The voting system for elected mayors changed from Supplementary Vote to First Past the Post in May 2023.

Definitions

• Directly-elected mayor and cabinet: One of three ways a local authority can be run, where a mayor is elected by the public and leads an executive cabinet.
• Committee system: A traditional way for local authorities to make decisions through policy committees approved by the full council.
• Metro-mayors: Elected chairs of combined authorities covering multiple council areas, established under different legislation and having distinct powers (like transport and economic development) compared to local authority mayors.

Discussion: most referendums on elected mayors have resulted in 'no' votes. Why do you think local electorates have often rejected this model?

Source: Directly-elected mayors - Briefing Paper

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No outside chatter: source material only taken from Hansard and the Parliament UK website.

Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.

This episode looks at how the essential jobs, or "core tasks," of UK House of Commons select committees have changed over time. First set in 2002 to make committee work more organised and accountable, these tasks were updated in 2012 to match growing demands and add new areas like "Strategy" and "Public Engagement". More recent proposals, like in 2019 and 2024, have focused on not just what committees should do, but how they should do it, including better engagement and scrutinising the government's "National Strategy".

Key Takeaways

• Select committees first adopted a set of ten core tasks in 2002 to make their scrutiny more methodical.
• The tasks were revised in 2012 to reflect increased workload and changing priorities, adding areas like strategy and public engagement.
• In 2019, a shorter list was proposed focusing on the "how" of committee work, like collaboration and follow-up, but this was not endorsed by the House.
• A 2024 report recommended adding a "National Strategy" task to the 2019 list to improve scrutiny of government strategic thinking.
• The evolution shows a move towards a more defined and strategic approach to parliamentary oversight.

Important Definitions and Concepts

• Select Committees: Groups of Members of Parliament who examine the work, spending, and policies of government departments.
• Core Tasks: Agreed-upon objectives that guide select committees in their work and help hold them accountable.
• Liaison Committee: A specific committee in the House of Commons that looks at the overall work of select committees and is involved in setting their core tasks.

Discussion: Considering the proposed shifts in core tasks, especially the focus on "how" committees work and the addition of "National Strategy," how might these changes impact the ability of select committees to truly influence government policy and hold ministers accountable?

Source: Select Committees - Core Tasks - Research Briefing

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No outside chatter: source material only taken from Hansard and the Parliament UK website.

Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.

This episode looks at the world of lobbying in UK politics, exploring its definition, perceived benefits and drawbacks. We discuss the existing regulatory framework, primarily the Transparency of Lobbying Act 2014, which focuses on consultant lobbyists. Drawing on scrutiny and academic analysis, we highlight key criticisms of the Act, such as its narrow scope and perceived lack of transparency. The impact of the Greensill Capital collapse and subsequent inquiries is examined. Finally, we look at suggested reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the UK lobbying landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Lobbying involves individuals or groups trying to persuade those in Parliament or public office to support specific policies or campaigns.
• Lobbying can provide policymakers with diverse perspectives and expert input, potentially leading to better-informed decisions.
• It can also be problematic if privileged access leads to policies favouring select interests over the public good, potentially undermining public confidence.
• The primary legislation, the Transparency of Lobbying Act 2014, requires consultant lobbyists to register their clients, aiming to increase transparency.
• The Act has been widely criticised for being too narrow, missing most lobbying activity (like in-house lobbyists).
• Incidents like the Greensill Capital collapse have led to calls for reform, including proposals to broaden transparency requirements and strengthen rules.
• Recall petitions can be triggered by lobbying activity that breaches parliamentary rules, although this process doesn't always result in a by-election.
• Academic rankings suggest UK lobbying regulation has "low robustness" compared to countries like the USA.

How can we balance the democratic good lobbying can represent (introducing diverse perspectives) against the problems of privileged access and potential for undue influence? How can a regulatory system best navigate this tension to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence?

Source: Lobbying in UK Politics - Research Briefing.

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Follow and subscribe to 'The Bench Report' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for new episodes on weekdays: thebenchreport.co.uk

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No outside chatter: source material only taken from Hansard and the Parliament UK website.

Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.

Do you worry about the safety of children on their way to school? Are you concerned about the decline in walking and cycling and the impact this has on their health and our environment?

A recent debate in the House of Commons addressed these crucial issues, exploring how we can create safer routes and encourage more active travel to school. This episode highlights the key discussions and potential solutions that were raised, which are vital for the well-being of our children and communities.

Key Points Discussed:

• Worrying Trends: The sharp drop in children walking or cycling to school since the 1970s, now with only 3% cycling nationally
• Children's Desire: Many children want to walk, wheel, or cycle more but need to feel safe
• The Danger: Road casualties are unacceptably high, with danger greatest near schools
• Infrastructure Matters: The need for safe, high-quality streets and segregated cycle paths, especially at junctions and in new developments. Examples from the Netherlands and low-cost UK solutions were mentioned.
• Training is Key: Bikeability training builds confidence and safety skills, significantly increasing the intent to cycle to school
• Policy Barriers: Pavement parking was a major concern, highlighting the need for better enforcement powers for councils.
• Proven Solutions: School Streets and 20 mph zones are effective in creating safer environments around schools
• Upcoming Strategy: The new national road safety strategy is a critical opportunity to address these issues comprehensively
• Government Action: The Minister highlighted the role of Active Travel England, ongoing strategy development, and announced funding for active travel.

Source: Road Safety and Active Travel to School
Volume 765: debated on Tuesday 22 April 2025

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No outside chatter: source material only taken from Hansard and the Parliament UK website.

Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.

Is your local salon facing an uncertain future? Parliament's recent debate exposed a critical situation for the UK's hair and beauty industry. Soaring costs and unfair tax policies are squeezing these vital community hubs, threatening jobs and apprenticeships. Understand the challenges and why it matters to your high street.

This episode examines the parliamentary discussions revealing the immense financial pressures crippling UK hair and beauty businesses.

You'll learn about the unfair VAT system penalizing employment, the alarming forecasts for job losses (potentially 93% by 2030), and the risk to future skills due to the apprenticeship crisis (possible zero new starts by 2027).

We also explore the broader impact on local economies and the potential loss of essential community spaces.

Finally, we cover the proposed solutions, including VAT reform and business rates relief, and what the government's initial response has been.

Source: Hair and Beauty Sector: Government Policy
Volume 765: debated on Wednesday 23 April 2025

Support the show

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No outside chatter: source material only taken from Hansard and the Parliament UK website.

Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.

Today we explore the critical issue of flood preparedness in Carlisle.

This episode highlights the challenges the city faces and ongoing efforts to protect residents and properties from future flooding events, especially with the increasing risks posed by climate change. Carlisle experienced devastating floods in 2005, the worst since 1822, causing three fatalities and flooding 1,800 properties. Just ten years later, in 2015, record rainfall led to even more widespread flooding, affecting 2,200 properties.

While new flood defences were built after 2005, protecting the city from a 1 in 200 chance storm, the 2015 storm surpassed their capacity.

Progress has been made since 2015, with new or raised defences better protecting 1,650 homes. However, concerns remain about climate change increasing storm intensity and the delay of the promised Caldew flood risk management scheme (Carlisle phase 3) meant to protect over 1,700 properties.

Natural flood management techniques, like tree planting and wetland creation, are also being used to slow and store water upstream. Acknowledging community concerns, there are efforts to explore making potential emergency shelter locations available in advance.

Essential listening for anyone living in or near an area at risk of flooding.

Source: Flood Preparedness: Carlisle
Volume 765: debated on Thursday 24 April 2025

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No outside chatter: source material only taken from Hansard and the Parliament UK website.

Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.

While the UK is generally safe for childbirth, persistent and deadly inequalities exist for Black and minority ethnic women. Black women are three times more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth than white women. This critical issue demands urgent attention and action.

Key takeaways.

• Beyond mortality, Black women face higher rates of miscarriage, preterm birth, neonatal death, and mental health struggles. Black ethnicity is now considered a risk factor for miscarriage.
• Significant issues in antenatal care, pathology, and follow-up/reviews were identified for a higher % of Black women and babies compared to white women and babies who experienced stillbirth or neonatal death.
• Poor care experiences are common, with 27% of Black women surveyed feeling they received "poor" or "very poor" care during pregnancy, labour, and postnatally. 42% rated childbirth care as "poor" or "very poor".
• Contributing factors to these disparities are multifaceted, including structural racism, unconscious bias, gaps in culturally competent care, and socioeconomic inequalities. Socioeconomic deprivation doubles the maternal mortality rate for women in the most deprived areas compared to the least.
• Institutional racism and unconscious bias within the NHS can lead to poor care, such as inaccurate assumptions about pain tolerance causing women to be denied pain relief or disbelieved when raising concerns.
• Access to services is also unequal: Black women are 25 x less likely to access fertility treatment. Black and Asian patients had lower IVF success rates and struggled to access donor eggs.
• There is a lack of comprehensive, dedicated medical study specifically on racial disparities in maternity care and outcomes.
• Advocacy groups like Five X More, Mimosa Midwives, and The Motherhood Group are crucial in highlighting the issue, empowering women, offering support, and pushing for systemic change.

Source: Black Maternal Health Awareness Week
Vol 766: debated on 29 April 2025

Visit blkmaternalhealthweek.com for more information.

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No outside chatter: source material only taken from Hansard and the Parliament UK website.

Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.

Hey there, future master's student!

Thinking about postgraduate studies in the UK but worried about the cost? You're not alone! Navigating the world of funding can seem daunting, but there are actually many potential avenues to explore. We want to give you a clear picture of the possibilities.

Today on The Bench Report, Amy and Ivan break down the key ways you might be able to pay for your postgraduate studies in the UK. From government support to university funding and beyond, we'll give you the essential information to start planning.

We break down the main avenues for funding, starting with government support. Discover specific funding for pre-registration healthcare courses like nursing and midwifery, which often differs from other master's degrees. Find out about the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), which helps cover extra costs due to disability. For international students, we touch on national scholarship schemes like Chevening, Commonwealth, and GREAT Scholarships.

Next, we look at university support, including academic scholarships for excellent students, widening participation scholarships for under-represented groups, and alumni discounts for returning graduates. We also examine research council funding available for research-focused master's degrees that may lead to a PhD. Don't overlook educational charities and trusts that offer smaller grants, which can be combined. Finally, we consider employer support and degree apprenticeships as potential funding routes.

We hope this episode has provided you with a solid starting point to explore the many ways you might be able to finance your postgraduate studies in the UK!

Source: Finding funding for a master’s degree
Constituency casework - 29 January, 2025

Support the show

Follow and subscribe to 'The Bench Report' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for new episodes on weekdays: thebenchreport.co.uk

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No outside chatter: source material only taken from Hansard and the Parliament UK website.

Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.