This episode explores the significant issue of banking fraud in the UK. We'll cover the two main types: unauthorised fraud, where criminals make payments without permission, and authorised push payment (APP) fraud, where victims are tricked into sending money themselves. Learn about the scale of losses – £1.2 billion stolen in 2023. We'll discuss how law enforcement and the government are working to tackle fraud, including criticisms of past efforts. Crucially, we examine the banking industry's role and recent changes like mandatory reimbursement for APP fraud victims.

Key Takeaways

• Criminals stole £1.2 billion through banking fraud and scams in 2023.
• Fraud accounted for over 40% of crimes against individuals in England and Wales in 2024.
• Unauthorised fraud involves payments made without the account holder's permission. Payment providers almost always reimburse victims.
• Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud is where a victim is tricked into sending money.
• From October 2024, payment service providers are legally required to reimburse APP fraud victims up to £85,000, subject to conditions.
• The police response to fraud has been criticised, with a low percentage of reported cases leading to investigation.
• The government published a Fraud Strategy in 2023 aiming to stop fraud, pursue criminals, and help victims.
• Banking industry actions include the Banking Protocol scheme, sharing intelligence with police, and implementing Confirmation of Payee.

Important Definitions and Concepts

• Authorised Push Payment (APP) Fraud: Occurs when a victim is tricked into sending money directly from their account to an account controlled by a criminal.
• Action Fraud: The national reporting centre for fraud in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which collects reports before they are analysed by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB).

Source: Banking fraud
Research Briefing
19 May, 2025

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

UK MPs recently debated the future of public libraries, highlighting their vital role as community hubs providing books, digital access, study spaces, and support. Despite facing real-terms cuts since 2010, leading to closures and reduced hours, libraries continue to deliver immense educational, economic, and social value. Speakers stressed the need for better funding, improved national data collection, and implementing recommendations from the Sanderson review, such as a national strategy and increased recognition. The debate explored how libraries adapt through innovation, community involvement, and providing non-transactional safe spaces.

Key Takeaways:

• Public libraries are seen as essential community hubs offering diverse services beyond books.
• Libraries face significant challenges including funding cuts and closures since 2010.
• Local authorities have a statutory duty to provide a comprehensive library service, though the definition is vague.
• There is a strong call for a national strategy for libraries, supported by robust data collection.
• Libraries play a crucial role in supporting digital inclusion, tackling isolation, and promoting lifelong learning.

Important Definitions and Concepts:

• Statutory Duty: A legal requirement for local authorities in England and Wales to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.
• Sanderson Review: An independent review of public libraries in England commissioned by the government, which made several recommendations including a national data hub, national branding, and a Libraries Laureate.
• Community Hubs: Libraries are evolving beyond just borrowing books to offer diverse services like digital access, study spaces, community events, and support, acting as central points for local residents.

Discussion: Given the evolving role of libraries and funding pressures, what innovative approaches could ensure libraries remain vital and accessible resources for all community members in the future?

Source: Future of Public Libraries
Volume 767: debated on Wednesday 14 May 2025

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

Our fourth and final episode on local government discovers how local government in England is held accountable. Councils answer to both their local voters and the central government. They are financially independent with their own assets and ability to borrow. Central oversight comes through the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and designated Accounting Officers, who are personally responsible for public funds. This system uses financial rules, audits, and transparency to ensure councils spend money prudently. The government can intervene if a council fails its Best Value duty.

Key Takeaways:

• English local authorities are accountable locally to voters and centrally to government departments like DLUHC.
• Councils are financially independent but must follow statutory financial codes and rules.
• Every council has an Accounting Officer personally accountable for public funds, often to Parliament.
• Central government collects various data to get assurance about local spending and services.
• Important financial rules include guidance on treasury management, investments, minimum revenue provision (MRP), and borrowing limits under the Prudential Code.
• Councils have a Best Value duty to continuously improve services efficiently.
• The government can legally intervene if a council is failing its Best Value duty.
• OFLOG was established to publish performance data but is being closed.

Important Definitions & Concepts:

• Accounting Officer: A senior official (often the Chief Executive) in a local authority personally accountable to Parliament (usually via the Public Accounts Committee) for the use of public funds.
• Best Value Duty: A legal requirement for principal local authorities in England to continuously improve how they perform their functions, considering economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Prudential Code: A code that provides guidance on borrowing and managing capital finance for local authorities, including setting limits.

Source: Local government in England: structures
Research Briefing
Published Tuesday, 22 April, 2025

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Understanding local council money in England is complex. Councils primarily get funds from four sources: Council Tax from residents, Business Rates from companies (partially retained locally), Central Government Grants, and Local Fees and Charges for services. Most of these funds aren't 'ring-fenced', giving councils spending flexibility. The Local Government Finance Settlement, decided annually by central government, determines grant levels and how business rates are shared. Councils are accountable to voters but can face government intervention for serious financial issues or failing their Best Value duty.

Key Takeaways:

• Local government finance in England is complex and distinct from other UK nations.
• Main funding comes from Council Tax, Business Rates, Central Government Grants, and Local Fees/Charges.
• Most funding isn't 'ring-fenced', offering councils spending flexibility.
• Council Tax levels are set locally but subject to government limits.
• Councils collect Business Rates, retaining 50% locally via a redistribution system.
• Central Government Grants include non-ring-fenced (like RSG) and specific grants.
• The Local Government Finance Settlement annually determines main grants and business rate distribution.
• Councils are accountable locally but face government intervention for failure or failing the Best Value duty.

Important Definitions & Concepts:

• Council Tax: A local tax on residential properties, set by councils based on property value bands determined by the VOA.
• Business Rates: A tax on non-domestic properties, collected by councils, with 50% kept locally via a redistribution system.

Discussion and Reflection Question: Considering the mix of local revenue sources and the annual nature of the main central government settlement, what are the potential challenges for councils in planning long-term finances and ensuring stable services for their communities?

Source: Local government in England: structures
Research Briefing
Published Tuesday, 22 April, 2025

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Part 2 of how local government works in England, focusing on elections and the changing structure of councils. We'll explore the First Past the Post electoral system used in wards, how boundaries are set by the LGBCE, and different election cycles like electing "by thirds". Discover the ongoing trend towards creating unitary authorities and merging councils, aimed at larger administrative units. Learn about the voting process, historical turnout trends, and the procedures behind these significant structural and boundary changes.

Key Takeaways:

• Local elections in England typically use the First Past the Post system.
• Councils are divided into areas called wards, which elect councillors.
• The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) reviews and sets ward boundaries.
• Ward boundaries are reviewed based on factors like electoral inequality or lack of recent review.
• Some councils elect all councillors every four years, while others elect "by thirds" or "by halves".
• Voting is open to UK, Irish, Commonwealth, and EU citizens aged 18+ residing in the UK.
• Local election turnout is historically lower than general elections.
• There's a trend towards creating unitary authorities and merging councils for larger administrative units.
• Creating unitary authorities involves specific legal procedures and requires government and parliamentary approval.
• New unitary authorities are suggested to generally have a population of 500,000 or more.
• Minor boundary adjustments (PABRs) are also possible but have been rare.

Important Definitions & Concepts:

• Ward: An electoral area within a local authority that elects one or more councillors.
• First Past the Post: The electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a ward wins. In multi-member wards, voters have multiple votes.
• Unitary Authority: A single local council responsible for all local government functions in its area, contrasting with a two-tier system.

Source: Local government in England: structures
Research Briefing
Published Tuesday, 22 April, 2025

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

Part 1 of our series on Local Government explores structure and evolution. Learn about the two-tier system (county and district councils) and the shift towards unitary authorities that handle all local functions. We'll cover the current setup of 317 main councils, plus other important bodies like parish councils and combined authorities. Discover how the system has evolved over time, from major reforms in the 1970s to recent moves towards simpler structures.

Key Takeaways:

• England's local government structure varies across the country and has changed a lot over time.
• Some areas have a two-tier system (county and district councils), while others have unitary authorities that do everything.
• As of May 2024, there are 317 main local councils in England.
• There's a clear trend towards having fewer councils and more unitary authorities.
• Besides the main councils, there are around 10,000 parish councils in some areas.
• Other local bodies include fire services and elected Police and Crime Commissioners.
• Unique councils exist, like the City of London and Isles of Scilly.

Important Definitions & Concepts:

• Two-Tier System: An area with two main types of local council: a county council and one or more district councils sharing responsibilities.
• Unitary Authority: A single local council responsible for all local government functions in its area.
• Principal Local Authority: The main type of council providing most local services, including county, district, and unitary councils.

Discussion and Reflection Question: England's local councils have changed significantly over the years. What might be some reasons why the government continues to change the structure, and what could be good or bad about having different types of councils across the country.

Source: Local government in England: structures
Research Briefing
Published Tuesday, 22 April, 2025

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

Navigating parking in the UK can be complex due to devolved policy, meaning rules differ across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This episode breaks down key aspects, from council-controlled parking and penalty charges to rules on private land enforced by private parking companies. We cover topics like DVLA data sharing, scams, grace periods, pavement parking status, and how to appeal tickets. Understanding these rules is essential for UK motorists.

Key Takeaways:

• Parking policy is devolved, with different government bodies responsible in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
• The DVLA can release drivers' information to parking enforcement companies for a fee under certain conditions.
• Scam parking texts exist; legitimate parking notices are sent by post or attached to the vehicle. Look for signs like TinyURL links or non-gov.uk addresses.
• A 10-minute grace period applies to council parking in England and Northern Ireland, but generally not in Scotland or Wales. For private land, a similar grace period is included in the private parking sector single Code of Practice.
• Wheel clamping is banned on private land in England and Wales, effectively banned in Scotland, but legal in Northern Ireland.
• There is no national ban on pavement parking in England, but Scotland has legislated a ban with exemptions, and Northern Ireland has a limited ban in specific locations. Wales intends to consult on the issue.
• Parking across a driveway can be a civil offence (if restrictions are in place) or a criminal offence of obstruction (if none).
• You cannot legally reserve a parking spot outside your house using objects.

Discussion: Given the varied and sometimes complex nature of parking rules across the different parts of the UK, what are the potential benefits and drawbacks of this devolved approach for drivers, and how can consistent challenges like 'obstruction' be better addressed?

Source: Parking FAQs
Research Briefing
Published Tuesday, 29 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.

This episode explores a parliamentary debate on the state of school buildings in Northumberland and Newcastle. The discussion highlights concerns about crumbling infrastructure, like the closure of Prudhoe community high school due to structural cracks just nine years after being built. MPs also raise issues like mouldy toilets and inadequate investment in other schools. The debate covers the impact of these conditions on students' education and well-being, the responsibilities of local councils and the government, and calls for increased investment and better maintenance standards. The government responds, detailing increased funding and rebuilding efforts.

Key Takeaways

• School buildings in Northumberland and Newcastle have significant condition issues, including structural problems, mould, and poor toilet facilities.
• The closure of Prudhoe community high school due to cracks disrupted students, particularly those preparing for exams.
• Investing in school buildings is seen as investing in students' education and future.
• There is discussion about the responsibility for poor conditions, including the design/cost of schools built under previous programmes and the role of local councils.
• The current government is increasing investment in school buildings and launching rebuilding projects.
• Ensuring student and staff safety is paramount.

Discussion: How important do you think the physical condition and safety of a school building are for students to be able to learn effectively and feel supported?

Source: School Buildings: Northumberland and Newcastle
Volume 767: debated on Tuesday 20 May 2025

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