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
19.07.2013Public Finances: Economic Indicators page
This page includes key data on pubic sector borrowing and debt.
04.07.2013The outcome of the 2013 Spending Review
This note summarises the main announcements contained in the 2013 Spending Review.
02.07.2013Government borrowing and debt: international comparisons
This note provides data on government borrowing and debt for advanced economies between 2007 and 2018.
14.06.2013Background to the 2013 Spending Review
This note provides background information ahead of the 2013 Spending Review, which will be announced on the 26 June 2013.
14.06.2013UK overseas aid expenditure
This note describes how UK official development assistance (overseas aid) is distributed.

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
12.07.2013Debate on 18 July: Role of Government in Generating Economic Prosperity and Employment
This Note outlines recent data on the performance of the UK economy, announcements by the Government for capital spending, spending on research and development and action to help businesses gain access to funding. It also looks at proposals for the Government to take more of a role in managing growth, in particular whether the UK needs a more coherent and long-term industrial strategy.
21.03.2013Budget 2013: Reaction
This Library Note summarises reaction to the 2013 Budget Statement from a range of commentators and organisations.
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

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) - papers compiled by the House of Lords Library on Bills and for debates in the Lords