Public expenditure

This page highlights some of the current parliamentary material available on public expenditure. This includes select committee reports, briefing papers on current legislation and other subjects produced by the parliamentary research services, and the latest Early Day Motions put down by MPs.

Standard Notes

DateDescription
22.02.2013The 0.7% aid target
This note examines the definition of the 0.7% aid target, its origins and the UK's and other countries' performance against it. It also summarises recent attempts to enshrine the target in legislation and some criticism of its relevance.
21.02.2013Public Finances: Economic Indicators page
Excluding the effects of the £28 billion Royal Mail pension transfer, borrowing to date in 2012/13 is £93.8 billion, 1.6% higher than over the same period last year.
13.02.2013Police funding: Social Indicators page
Police funding: Social Indicators page. By Gavin Berman and Roderick McInnes. SN/SG/2616.
09.01.2013Public sector employment and expenditure by region
This note shows the regional pattern of public spending and public sector employment.
07.01.2013Government borrowing, debt and debt interest: historical statistics and forecasts
This note provides statistics on government borrowing, debt and debt interest payments. Historical figures and forecasts are shown. The note is purely statistical: there is no analysis.

Research Papers

DateDescription
12.09.2012Infrastructure (Financial Assistance) Bill
This briefing has been prepared to inform the Second Reading debate on the Infrastructure (Financial Assistance) Bill
15.03.2011Budget Responsibility and National Audit [HL] Bill: Committee stage report
The Bill establishes the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) on a statutory basis, following its creation after the general election of 2010. It also requires the Treasury to publish a Charter for Budget Responsibility setting out its approach to fiscal policy. The Bill would also confirm a new corporate governance structure for the National Audit Office, under a new paid post of Chair, who would develop a joint strategy with the Comptroller and Auditor General. This Research Paper covers the Bill's House of Commons Committee Stage.
08.02.2011Budget Responsibility and National Audit Bill [HL]
The Bill establishes the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) on a statutory basis, following its creation after the general election of 2010. It also requires the Treasury to publish a Charter for Budget Responsibility setting out its approach to fiscal policy. The Bill would also confirm a new corporate governance structure for the National Audit Office, under a new paid post of Chair, who would develop a joint strategy with the Comptroller and Auditor General.
06.07.2010Economic indicators, July 2010
This Research Paper series summarises the main economic indicators currently available for the UK, along with comparisons with other major OECD countries. This edition includes articles on future growth in the UK economy, and the CPI and benefit indexation. [article:'Future growth in the UK economy' and 'The CPI and benefit indexation']
22.12.2009Fiscal Responsibility Bill (Bill 13 of 2009-10)
The Bill imposes a number of obligations on the Treasury to reduce government borrowing and debt. It allows the Treasury to impose further duties by order and requires that such an order be made for the period after 2015/16. The Bill requires the Treasury to report on progress towards, and compliance with, these obligations in future Budgets and Pre-Budget Reports.

Select Committee Reports

DateDescription
19.12.2011Private finance initiative.
Government response. Treasury; Office for Budget Responsibility; National Audit Office; Treasury Select Committee report [Commons]
18.07.2011Lessons from PFI and other projects.
Public Accounts Committee report [Commons]
18.07.2011Private finance initiative.
Treasury Select Committee report [Commons]
20.06.2011Budget 2011.
Government response. Treasury Select Committee; Treasury; Office for Budget Responsibility report [Commons]
27.04.2011Finance (No.
Treasury Select Committee report [Commons]

Early Day Motions

DateDescription
10.01.2012GOVERNMENT TRADING FUNDS (S. I., 2011, No. 2884)
That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Central Office of Information Trading Fund (Revocation) Order2011(S.I., 2011, No. 2884), dated 29 November 2011, ...
05.09.2011PRIVATE FINANCE INITIATIVE AND TAX AVOIDANCE
That this House notes the concerns expressed in reports made by both the Public Accounts Committee and the Treasury Select Committee regardingevidence of tax avoidance being practised ...
31.03.2011FABRIZIO MADEDDU
That this House recognises the 11 and a half years service of Fabrizio Madeddu in the Member's Dining Room in the House of Commons; appreciates his excellent service and dedication ...
30.03.2011NEW BUDGET DISPATCH BOX
That this House notes with serious concern the Chancellor of the Exchequer's decision to purchase a new red dispatch box for this year's Budget at a cost of 4,300; believes the Chancellor ...
28.03.2011SHEFFIELD COUNCIL BUDGETS AND THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER
That this House expresses concern at comments made by the Deputy Prime Minister and others that givethe impression that the Liberal Democrat-controlled Sheffield City Council is managing ...

Lords Library Notes

DateDescription
06.12.2012Autumn Statement 2012: Reaction
This Library Note provides a brief summary of the key measures announced yesterday in the Chancellor's Autumn Statement, before outlining the immediate reaction to the Statement as expressed by the Shadow Chancellor in the House of Commons and by a range of organisations and commentators.
19.10.2012Infrastructure (Financial Assistance) Bill (HL Bill 43 of 2012-13)
The Infrastructure (Financial Assistance) Bill would authorise the Government to provide financial assistance of up to £50 billion to support infrastructure projects. This Library Note summarises proceedings in the House of Commons on the Bill.
22.03.2012Budget 2012: Reaction
This Library Note summarises reaction to the 2012 Budget Statement from a range of commentators and organisations.
28.10.2010Debate on 1st November 2010: Spending Review 2010. LLN 2010/026
Debate on 1st November 2010: Spending Review. House of Lords Library Note 2010/026
05.02.2010Fiscal Responsibility Bill (HL Bill 24 of 2009-2010). LLN 2010/005
Fiscal Responsibility Bill (HL Bill 24 of 2009-2010). The Fiscal Responsibility Bill imposes a statutory duty on the Treasury to meet specific targets for the reduction of government borrowing and debt. The Bill gives Parliament a greater role in fiscal policy. It has completed its passage through the House of Commons and is due for its second reading debate in the House of Lords on 10th February 2010. This House of Lords Library Note summarises the second reading debate and the other stages of the Bill's passage through the House of Commons.

Glossary

  • Research Papers (RP) - briefings produced by the House of Commons Library on Bills, topical issues and regular statistics
  • Standard Notes (SN) - shorter, topical briefings from the Commons Library
  • Early Day Motions (EDMs) - formal motions submitted by MPs in the House of Commons
  • POST Notes - short briefing notes produced by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
  • Lords Library Notes (LLN) - an occasional series of papers compiled by the House of Lords Library