A paper examined the use of quotas to increase the political representation of women. It put forward a rationale behind the use of quotas, and gave details of a survey of quota types, summarised where they were in use, and considered their effectiveness.
Source: Michael Potter, The Use of Quotas to Increase the Political Representation of Women, Paper 57/14, Northern Ireland Assembly
Links: Paper
Date: 2014-May
A think-tank report examined whether there was a case for transferring further powers regarding welfare benefits to the devolved assemblies of the United Kingdom. It said that devolution of some aspects of welfare would require greater fiscal devolution, but could enable more joined-up policy approaches, reflect local circumstance, and improve social and economic outcomes in the devolved nations. The report suggested devolving housing benefit, the work programme, and responsibility for childcare, with levels of benefits set by the UK government as a minimum level, capable of supplement by the devolved governments.
Source: Guy Lodge and Alan Trench, Devo More and Welfare: Devolving benefits and policy for a stronger union, Institute for Public Policy Research
Links: Report | Inside Housing report
Date: 2014-Mar
A report by a committee of peers said that national parliaments could and should contribute actively to the functioning of the European Union. The report highlighted five areas where effectiveness could be improved: in their scrutiny of their own activities on European Union matters; in dialogue between the national and EU level; in scrutinizing EU legislation (the 'reasoned opinion' procedure); in inter-parliamentary co-operation; and in economic and financial governance.
Source: The Role of National Parliaments in the European Union, Ninth Report (Session 2013–14), HL 151, House of Lords European Union Select Committee, TSO
Links: Report
Date: 2014-Mar