Last week’s Queen’s Speech heralded a new programme of legislation for the coalition government. This is to build upon some of the achievements already delivered since 2010.
Coincidentally, both the deficit and immigration have been reduced by one third. The second area was flagged as a key issue during the recent County Council Elections.
Immigration in the general sense is beneficial and rejuvenating for a country. Where the issues arise are in the ability of a country to cope with an excessive rate of immigration in terms of ensuring adequate services for existing and new citizens. It is a disservice to everybody if government fails to deliver for either group.
As a complement to this basic principle, there will be an Immigration Bill to ensure that people arriving in this country can only access services to which they are entitled. There will also be a requirement for landlords to check the immigration status of tenants, to assist in the support of fact-based decisions around service provision.
To assist with employment, there will be a National Insurance Bill. This will entitle every business and charity to a £2,000 Employment Allowance from April 2014. At the same there will be new measures to prevent avoidance where National Insurance payments are due. A complementary Deregulation Bill will reduce or remove burdens on small businesses, public bodies and individuals, with the aim of boosting economic growth.
An Energy Bill from the previous session of Parliament will enable customers to get the best energy tariff for their needs. Energy companies can present tariff options in a bewildering way so that it can be extremely difficult to make comparisons. This will change with a requirement to provide clearer and simpler information on bills.
A new Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill responds to public concerns by doing more to keep our neighbourhoods safe and secure. It ensures a quick, effective response to anti-social behaviour, focusing on the rights of victims. This is achieved through giving people powers to ensure that action is taken.
Consumer rights will be supported in a further new piece of legislation.
There will be easier access to compensation where there have been breaches of consumer or competition law. Eight existing pieces of legislation will be consolidated into one place, addressing consumer rights on goods, services, digital content and unfair contract terms.
The new Care Bill will protect pensioners and carers. It will cap care costs and ensure that nobody has to sell their home in their lifetime to pay for residential care.
Governments need to maintain a sense of momentum. It is clear that the coalition government is doing just that to keep delivering on the economy and addressing the concerns of our times.