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 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

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

Subscribe to our Substack 

Shape our next episode! Get in touch with an issue important to you - Producer Tom will grab another coffee and start the research!

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on YouTube,  X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok! @benchreportUK

Support us for bonus and extended episodes + more.

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....

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 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

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

Subscribe to our Substack 

Shape our next episode! Get in touch with an issue important to you - Producer Tom will grab another coffee and start the research!

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on YouTube,  X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok! @benchreportUK

Support us for bonus and extended episodes + more.

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....

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 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

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

Subscribe to our Substack 

Shape our next episode! Get in touch with an issue important to you - Producer Tom will grab another coffee and start the research!

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on YouTube,  X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok! @benchreportUK

Support us for bonus and extended episodes + more.

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....

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 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

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

Subscribe to our Substack 

Shape our next episode! Get in touch with an issue important to you - Producer Tom will grab another coffee and start the research!

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on YouTube,  X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok! @benchreportUK

Support us for bonus and extended episodes + more.

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....

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, 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

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

Subscribe to our Substack 

Shape our next episode! Get in touch with an issue important to you - Producer Tom will grab another coffee and start the research!

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on YouTube,  X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok! @benchreportUK

Support us for bonus and extended episodes + more.

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....

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 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

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

Subscribe to our Substack 

Shape our next episode! Get in touch with an issue important to you - Producer Tom will grab another coffee and start the research!

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on YouTube,  X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok! @benchreportUK

Support us for bonus and extended episodes + more.

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....

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 of "Make inhaled treatments accessible for all", discussed the substantial economic cost of asthma, and called for better prevention, improved diagnostics like spirometry and FeNO, increased uptake of treatments like biologics, and prioritizing respiratory health in national plans.

Key Takeaways:

• Asthma is a common but serious condition, affecting 1 in 9 adults and 1 in 8 children in the UK.
• The UK has the highest asthma death rate in Europe, with most deaths considered preventable.
• There is a strong link between asthma severity and deprivation, with those in the poorest communities facing significantly worse outcomes.
• Improving access to inhaled medications and newer treatments like biologics is crucial but faces challenges with uptake and availability.
• Addressing root causes like poor air quality and substandard housing is vital for prevention.
• There are calls for asthma care to be a key priority in the upcoming NHS 10-year plan.

Important Definitions and Concepts:

• World Asthma Day Theme: "Make inhaled treatments accessible for all," highlighting the need for equitable access globally.
• Biologics: Lifesaving treatments for severe asthma, but with currently low and variable uptake in the UK.
• Spirometry / FeNO: Key diagnostic tests for respiratory conditions, efforts are underway to improve community access.

Discussion: Given that asthma disproportionately affects those in deprived areas, what comprehensive strategies, involving different government departments and communities, could effectively address these health inequalities?

Source: World Asthma Day
Volume 767: debated on Thursday 15 May 2025

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

Subscribe to our Substack 

Shape our next episode! Get in touch with an issue important to you - Producer Tom will grab another coffee and start the research!

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on YouTube,  X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok! @benchreportUK

Support us for bonus and extended episodes + more.

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....

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 to understand potential solutions like tax credits, a streaming levy, and support for cinemas and screen heritage.

Key Takeaways:

• Inward investment from international companies is a huge driver for the UK screen sector, creating jobs and studios.
• Independent British films that tell UK stories face significant challenges with funding for development, production, and marketing.
• There's a need for new ways to support the distribution of British films so they can reach audiences.
• Replacing lost funding from the EU's Creative Europe programme is still a major issue for the independent sector.
• Protecting the intellectual property (IP) rights of independent producers when working with streaming platforms is crucial.
• A levy on streaming services is proposed as a way to fund more culturally British content.
• Addressing workforce skills shortages and the lack of clear data on needs are urgent problems.
• Supporting cinemas, especially independent ones, is vital for UK film culture and the industry.
• A strong copyright framework is seen as necessary for continued investment.

Discussion: Given the importance of inward investment for the UK screen industry, how can policymakers and the industry ensure that this success also directly benefits and strengthens the creation of unique British stories and supports UK-based talent?

Source: British Film and High End Television - H of C Committee Report.

10th April 2025

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

Subscribe to our Substack 

Shape our next episode! Get in touch with an issue important to you - Producer Tom will grab another coffee and start the research!

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on YouTube,  X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok! @benchreportUK

Support us for bonus and extended episodes + more.

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....

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 requirements like the Equality Act. We also cover government actions, university support services, and sector guidance aimed at improving student wellbeing and preventing tragedies.

Key Takeaways:

• More students are reporting mental health issues, though surveys show even higher numbers.
• Certain student groups face higher risks of mental health difficulties.
• The legal question of a university's general duty of care to students is complex and hasn't been fully decided by the courts.
• Universities do have legal duties under laws like the Equality Act 2010, requiring reasonable adjustments for disabled students.
• Government and universities are working on initiatives, guidance, and funding to improve mental health support and suicide prevention.

Important Definitions and Concepts:

• Duty of Care: A legal idea that someone has an obligation to take reasonable steps to avoid harming another person. Whether this fully applies to universities and their students is being debated.
• Reasonable Adjustments: Changes universities must make for students with disabilities, including mental health conditions, so they aren't unfairly disadvantaged. This is required by the Equality Act.
• Abrahart v University of Bristol: A court case that clarified universities' duties under the Equality Act for students with mental health conditions, but noted there wasn't a clear legal precedent for a general duty of care.

Discussion: Given the legal complexities and challenges universities face, how can they most effectively support students' mental health while respecting students' independence?

Source: Student mental health in England: Statistics, policy, and guidance
Research Briefing
Published Monday, 28 April, 2025

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

Subscribe to our Substack 

Shape our next episode! Get in touch with an issue important to you - Producer Tom will grab another coffee and start the research!

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on YouTube,  X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok! @benchreportUK

Support us for bonus and extended episodes + more.

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....

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 states. 

Following a review by the Committee on Standards, new rules were agreed by the House of Commons on 19 July 2023. These rules came into force on 16 October 2023, and applied fully from the beginning of the 2024 Parliament. The key change is a two-tier approach to regulation. APPGs receiving significant external financial benefits (over a £1,500 threshold) now face additional requirements for transparency, governance, and oversight, such as providing annual income/expenditure statements and holding specific AGMs. A significant rule change, effective from October 2023, is the ban on foreign governments providing or funding secretariats for APPGs. These changes aim to enhance transparency and address risks of undue influence.

Key Takeaways:

• APPGs are informal cross-party groups in the UK Parliament.
• New regulations were introduced, effective from October 2023 and fully applied since the start of the 2024 Parliament.
• The rules use a two-tier approach, with stricter requirements for groups receiving over £1,500 in external benefits annually.
• Groups exceeding the financial threshold must meet additional requirements, including publishing income/expenditure statements and producing an annual report.
• A ban on foreign governments providing or funding APPG secretariats is in effect from 16 October 2023.
• An audit of compliance was planned for April 2024, with potential deregistration for non-compliant groups.

Discussion: There are concerns about improper access and influence on APPGs by outside entities. How might the new two-tier system, particularly the enhanced requirements for groups receiving external funding, help to improve transparency and potentially mitigate these risks?

Source: Regulation of All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) - Research Briefing

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

Subscribe to our Substack 

Shape our next episode! Get in touch with an issue important to you - Producer Tom will grab another coffee and start the research!

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on YouTube,  X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok! @benchreportUK

Support us for bonus and extended episodes + more.

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....