The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology has launched a new series of rapid response content on COVID-19 which you can find here: https://post.parliament.uk/category/analysis/covid-19/
Author: W4MP Editor
An Update from The Speaker
StandardPlease note that links to the old Parliamentary intranet have been removed as of October 2023. Please use search on ParliNet to find relevant current details, if available.
https://parlinet.parliament.uk/house-of-commons-members-staff/
On 15 May, The Speaker of the House, The Leader of the House and the Shadow Leader of the House issued a further update for Members of Parliament and their staff.
The update contains guidance for Members’ staff and constituency offices, information on the measures in place in Parliament and information from Public Health England.
To view the update, please see this page on the intranet
Tax Debt and Mental Health
StandardWhen debts start to mount up, it can have an adverse effect on an individual’s mental health and well-being.
This guide offers lots of helpful information such as:
- Understanding the impact of debt to mental health – the different kinds of debt (e.g. tax debt) and how they can be a key source of stress, depression, and anxiety if not planned and managed properly.
- Advice for dealing with debt such as setting up a Debt Management Plan or an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), qualifying for a Debt Relief Order (DRO), or even filing bankruptcy to get some protection and keep life essentials like pension savings safe from creditors.
- What to do if debt problems begin affecting your mental health. This includes recognising the symptoms and early warning signs of mental health problems associated with debt as well as advice on where to turn to for help and support.
- Other useful information and resources, including debt charities and organisations that are dedicated to helping people conquer their debt problems
Tax Debt and Mental Health: https://www.riftrefunds.co.uk/tax-rebates/uk-tax-refund-advice/tax-debt-and-mental-health/
COVID-19 – a lecture by Professor Chris Whitty
StandardTime: 18:00
Date: Thursday 30 April 2020
Where: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and-events/covid-19
At the time of writing, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has killed many thousands worldwide, infected many more – and changed lives around the world in ways that were unimaginable just weeks ago.
What is COVID-19, how has it been managed and what role will science play in combating it? Gresham Professor of Physic (and Chief Medical Officer for England) Chris Whitty, one of the key figures in the UK’s fight against the disease, will explain what we know – and what we don’t.
A virtual parliament?
The Hansard Society and the Constitution Unit at University College London has identifed a range of time-limited adaptations that Parliament might make to its procedures and practices to facilitate virtual working during the Coronavirus crisis.
They put forward three principles that should shape decision-making during this period: Parliament should operate virtually as far as possible during the crisis; it should prioritise the most essential aspects of scrutiny rather than attempt ‘business as usual’; and decision-making should be inclusive and transparent, with any procedural changes subject to ongoing review and strictly time-limited for the duration of this crisis.
You can read the proposal on the Hansard Society website
Coronavirus Statutory Instruments Dashboard
StandardThe national effort to tackle the Coronavirus health emergency has resulted in UK ministers being granted some of the broadest legislative powers ever seen in peacetime. This Dashboard highlights key facts and figures about the Statutory Instruments (SIs) being produced using these powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 and other Acts of Parliament.
https://www.hansardsociety.org.uk/publications/data/coronavirus-statutory-instruments-dashboard
Coronavirus – information and advice from IPSA
StandardIPSA is committed to supporting MPs and their staff during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Information and guidance from IPSA can be found here.
Coronavirus information from the House of Commons Library
StandardThe House of Commons Library has created a page with links to a selection of reports related to COVID-19, including analysis of the Government’s response and policy developments.
To view the page, please click here: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/coronavirus/
Free Online Webinar: Recap of the major benefits changes and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
StandardPolicy in Practice are presenting a free online webinar: Recap of the major benefits changes and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
10:30 – 11:30, Wednesday 8 April 2020
Registration required: http://policyinpractice.co.uk/events/
As new measures to control Coronavirus (COVID-19) are introduced Policy in Practice’s Head of Policy, Zoe Charlesworth, summarises the major changes to the welfare system that have been made.
Zoe will also share new analysis we’ve done to show the impact of the new measures and how they will help households hit by Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Join this webinar to learn:
- What benefits people in different situations might get
- How to get the most support for families and households
- What the impact of the 3 main changes mean for households
NEW: Coronavirus Hub on the intranet
StandardThere is no longer a Coronavirus Hub on the parliamentary intranet.
It contains everything you need to know about Parliament’s response to coronavirus, including how to work remotely, what services are available and how access has been affected. It is for Members of both Houses, staff in the Lords, Commons and PDS and people who work for MPs and Members of the House of Lords.