The Bench Report

Send us a topic important to you. 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 desi...

Send us a topic important to you. 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...

Send us a topic important to you. 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 mergin...

Send us a topic important to you. 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 sys...

Send us a topic important to you. 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 , p...

Send us a topic important to you. 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 s...

Send us a topic important to you. This episode explores a UK parliamentary debate on World Asthma Day, highlighting the significant impact of asthma across the nation. We explore key statistics: 7.2 million people live with asthma , and tragically, four people die from it daily . Many deaths are preventable, linked to unequal access to care and socioeconomic factors. The debate covered the theme o...

Send us a topic important to you. This episode explores the state of the British film and high-end television (HETV) industries based on recent analysis. We look at how big international investments drive growth but also the struggles faced by independent UK films trying to tell British stories. We discuss challenges like funding gaps, skills shortages, and protecting creative ideas (IP). Tune in...

Send us a topic important to you. This episode explores the growing issue of student mental health in English universities. We look at how many students are affected, what factors contribute to poor mental health, and the debate around whether universities have a legal "duty of care" to their students. We discuss key court cases like Abrahart v University of Bristol and existing legal re...

Send us a topic important to you. This episode looks at All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs). These are informal, cross-party groups in the UK Parliament, focused on specific topics or countries. Although not official parliamentary bodies, they have faced concerns regarding governance and potential improper access or influence, particularly from lobbyists, commercial entities, or even hostile st...

Send us a topic important to you. This episode explores bill carry-over in the UK Parliament, a procedure that allows public bills to continue their progress from one parliamentary session to the next instead of falling at the end of a session. Initially suggested by the Modernisation Committee in 1997 to reduce legislative workload fluctuations and improve scrutiny, carry-over aims to increase fl...

Send us a topic important to you. 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 vo...

Send us a topic important to you. 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 propos...

Send us a topic important to you. 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...

Send us a topic important to you. 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 highlight...

Send us a topic important to you. 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 par...

Send us a topic important to you. 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 fataliti...

Send us a topic important to you. 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...

Send us a topic important to you. 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 wa...

Send us a topic important to you. Who really runs the show in the UK? It's the central government , the executive branch , but its power isn't absolute. It's a fascinating system where the government comes from Parliament and is constantly answerable to it. Understanding this relationship is key to grasping how the UK is governed at the highest level. The Bench Report concludes our...

Send us a topic important to you. Curious about why the UK has not just one, but three distinct legal systems? It might seem a bit unusual for a single country, but it's a fascinating result of history and the Acts of Union. Understanding these differences, and what ties them together, is key to grasping how justice is administered across the United Kingdom. In episode 4 of The Bench Report&a...

Send us a topic important to you. Ever wondered how different parts of the UK – Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – govern themselves? It's a system called devolution , where the UK Parliament has shared some of its power. Understanding how this works is key to grasping the political landscape of the United Kingdom and how decisions are made across the nations. This week, The Bench Report...

Send us a topic important to you. Ever feel like the inner workings of the UK Parliament are a mystery? It's the central stage for making the laws that shape our lives, and understanding its structure and powers is crucial for anyone wanting to know how the UK really works. Unlike some countries with single written constitutions, the UK's parliamentary system has evolved over centuries,...

Send us a topic important to you. Ever wondered about the real power behind the Crown in the UK? It's more than just crowns and ceremonies. The UK's constitution , unlike many others, isn't written down in one place. Instead, it's a fascinating mix of history, laws, and traditions that have developed over centuries. Understanding how the Crown operates within this system is key...

Send us a topic important to you. Today, we're looking at the football governance bill. It's already been through the House of Lords, and now it's landed in the House of Commons. This new law aims to tackle long-standing issues in English football, such as club finances, ownership, and giving fans a greater voice – issues brought into sharp focus by the 2021 fan-led review, the pand...