Public affairs Flashcards
What is the key role of the whip?
Enforcing party discipline, especially in relation to party voting to ensure their party colleagues vote according to the leader’s agenda. They also ensure that backbench concerns are communicated to the party leadership.
What are the stages of a Bill through Parliament before it becomes law?
First Reading (formally launches the bill), Second Reading (first proper debate - on the principles of the Bill), Committee Stage (detailed scrutiny of the Bill usually by a committee of MPs), Report Stage and Third Reading (final chance to debate the contents of a Bill). The bill is then sent to the other House where it goes through similar stages before the final stage of Royal Assent. Royal Assent is a formality.
What is a backbench MP and what are their key roles?
Backbench MP is neither a member of the government or shadow front bench. Their key roles are Representation (representing their constituents in Parliament, consulting with constituents and taking up their problems), Legislation (they are part of the Legislature and involved in debating, voting on and amending legislation, and may be members of public bill committees. They may also introduce their own Private Members’ Bills). Scrutiny (scrutinising the Executive through debates on policy, question times, PMQs, written questions and select committees) and Debate (working for their political parties, where relevant, by supporting their parties in votes/debates and complying with party whips). The Backbench Business Committee chooses the subjects that are debated in the time set aside for topics raised by backbench MPs.
What is the importance of FOI legislation?
Allows for scrutiny of public bodies and investigative journalism by giving the public/media the right to access information from over 100,000 public bodies.
Which bodies are covered by the FOI Act?
Main grounds for refusal are absolute and qualified exemptions. Absolute exemptions relate mainly to national security bodies like MI6. Also exempt is personal data and information that may prejudice a criminal investigation or trial. Qualified exemptions cover similar areas to absolute exemptions e.g. national security but there is a public interest test. Bodies can refuse if the request is vexatious, costly or similar to previous requests.
How is an FOI request made?
The request should be in writing (email/letter) and should identify the information required and the individual requesting it. A response should be made within 20 working days.
What is the purpose of a referendum?
National or regional vote open to all eligible electorate, normally on an issue of constitutional importance that will often require a simple yes or no answer. They are not legally binding as such but are often used as a lever to change the law.
What is the difference between revenue and capital budgets?
Revenue expenditure are items that last for less than a year such as staffing and running costs. Capital expenditure is money spent on long-term durable assets such as a fleet of vehicles, a building etc.
What is council tax and who has to pay?
Council tax is a domestic property tax based on property values and at least two adults living in a home. There is one bill per household. The billing authorities are the second tier in a two-tier council (district or borough level) and unitary authorities. Some people get a discount determined locally, such as an adult living alone. There are also some exemptions for people e.g. students, and buildings such as designated ‘religious dwellings’.
How is Council tax calculated?
It is calculated by a banding system (A-H in England) with A being the cheapest band and H the most expensive. This dates back to 1991, there has been no revaluation in England since. The average band is D. The higher the banding the higher a household’s council tax bill will be. Each local authority sets its own council tax.
What is an academy school and what perceived freedoms does it have?
Self-governing state schools, run by head teachers and boards of governors that are free from day-to-day control of their local authorities. They are directly funded by central government and some of their perceived freedoms are the ability to hire and fire their own staff, ability to set their own term dates and lengths of their school day, ability to adapt or deviate from the national curriculum and some freedoms and some flexibility over their admissions policy. They were originally low performing schools that were often sponsored but now most schools can convert to academy status and most academies belong to multi-academy trusts (MATs).
What are the three key different structures of local government across England and Wales?
The two-tier structure (England only), where a county council and a number of district/borough councils are separately elected, separately funded and develop their own policy and make their own financial decisions. They may be under the control of different political parties but they are obliged to work in partnership in some areas of shared services while other services are divided between the two tiers. Unitary authorities are single tier, all purpose councils providing the majority of local services. Hybrid structures are where two-tier and unitary authorities exist in one county area.
What is a combined authority?
A form of super-council that enables councils to collaborate and take decisions across council boundaries. Combined authorities can take on significant powers and resources devolved from national government. They are expected to adopt directly elected mayors, with enhanced powers that also encompass the police governance role fulfilled in other areas by police and crime commissioners. E.g. Greater Manchester.
What services might be provided for adult social care and which local authorities are responsible for providing these?
County councils (in two-tier areas) and unitary councils (in single tier areas) are responsible for assessing and providing a care package for elderly people who meet the needs criteria/means test. Care packages may include care home places or services to support them in the community such as care workers, home aids and adaptations, meals on wheels, transport etc.
Explain the role of the Care Quality Commission and its remit.
CQC is the independent regulator which monitors and inspects all health and social care services in England. It publishes its findings and performance ratings. Responsibilities include: ensuring that care provided by hospitals, dentists, ambulance services, care homes and services in people’s own homes and elsewhere meet government standards of quality and safety.
Which authorities are responsible for processing a planning application and list the main stages it has to go through and possible outcomes.
District/borough, unitary and London borough councils are responsible for planning applications. The main stages it has to go through are submission of plan to the council - council consultation, publication in planning register, recommendations of planning offers, decision by planning committee and options i) approval, ii. approval with conditions, iii) refusal. Applicants can appeal against refusal or conditional approval.
Briefly outline the role and composition of the EU Commission.
The civil service of the EU that helps put policy into action (after approvals of proposals from European Parliament & Council of Ministers) and also initiates policy ideas and directives. Commissioners are nominated (by their government); one per member country and each is assigned a portfolio. It is also the guardian of EU treaties and negotiates on behalf of the EU with non-EU countries.
Identify the purpose and role of the Budget.
To manage and control the economy. The main aim is to control inflation, reduce unemployment, stimulate economic growth and encourage exports and investment. The Budget usually covers medium-term forecasts, finalising spending plans, a review of the economic policy, government spending plans and any taxation changes.
Identify the different types of payments and allowances councillors may be entitled to.
All councillors receive a basic allowance to cover the work they do as members of the council. Councillors with extra responsibility (council leader, executive members, committee chairs etc.) will receive an extra special responsibility allowance. Other allowances may include expenses for travel, childcare, subsistence etc. The full council decides the level of allowances after recommendations are made by an independent remuneration panel.
Who are the main groups that currently sit in the House of Lords?
92 elected hereditary peers, life peers and lords spiritual (i.e. senior C of E bishops and archbishops).
