As MPs return from recess, parliament will discuss a raft of bills covering several critical areas, including health, social security and housing. Here's a summary of what's expected to happen during the parliamentary sessions.
On Tuesday, the Sun Protection Products (Value Added Tax) Bill will be discussed. The bill seeks to remove value-added tax (VAT) on sun cream and other sun protection products. This move aims to make these essential products more affordable and accessible to the public, particularly during the summer months.
Also on Tuesday, the Social Security (Additional Payments) (No.2) Bill, which has already undergone its first reading, will receive its second reading. The bill targets people in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, with a proposal to authorise two cost of living payments to individuals on benefits. The announcement of these payments was initially made in the November 2022 Autumn Statement.
On Wednesday, the Affordable Housing (Conversion of Commercial Property) Bill will be discussed. The bill aims to provide a solution to the ongoing housing crisis in the country by allowing local councils to require that a specific number of homes be affordable when commercial property is converted into residential use. This ten-minute rule motion, presented by Vicky Ford, aims to make housing more accessible to individuals who may not be able to afford private housing.
Most importantly, perhaps, The Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill, will then be discussed. It is designed to extend the deadline for forming a Northern Ireland Executive until January 18, 2024. This extension means that the Westminster government will not be obliged to call an election until after that date, providing more time to form an executive.
Friday will see a large number private members’ bills, including a call from Bob Blackman (Con) to raise the legal age for buying tobacco to 21, and a petition from Peter Dowd (Lab) to reduce the maximum working week from 48 hours to 32. The chances of these bills becoming law is slim, as time for debate is limited and government ministers are not obliged to support it. But they are a useful way of raising awareness of issues close to an MP’s heart.
Photo by tommao wang on Unsplash
