Zack Polanski wants to use wellbeing targets instead of GDP to measure growth. Is he right?
Zack Polanski wants to use wellbeing targets instead of GDP to measure growth. Is he right?
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What's happening in parliament this week? [27/04/2026]
Mandelson testimonies are probably the parliamentary highlight this week. Morgan McSweeney is among those giving evidence to the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. He’s due on Tuesday at 11am. In the Commons it’s more late-stage bills. MPs debate draft laws on devolution and pensions, with time set aside to push through other bills if needed. And Parliament takes a very short recess after Thursday. It’s really just for Monday’s bank holiday. They’re back from Tuesday. ### MONDAY 27 APRIL English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill – consideration of Lords message Applies to: England and Wales A wide-ranging bill introducing more devolution in England. Introduces the concept of strategic authorities – a new, larger tier of local authorities areas – and gives them more decision-making powers. Returns mayoral elections to the supplementary vote system, reversing the move to first past the post under the previous government. Bans mayors from also being MPs. Introduces a Community Right to Buy, giving local residents the first chance to bid for community assets that come up for sale before developers can buy them, among other things. Draft bill (PDF) [https://admin.clearthelobby.co.uk/l/763JfIXitx2ITN763V4GUV5vWA/UmqjnW7KcckmCH3HuZZMhg/5c0892gqETL5JFtf7kDe892yGA] / Commons Library briefing [https://admin.clearthelobby.co.uk/l/763JfIXitx2ITN763V4GUV5vWA/VWwxOhMoIJKpgS113vhKQg/5c0892gqETL5JFtf7kDe892yGA] Pension Schemes Bill – consideration of Lords message Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland A wide-ranging bill reforming the pensions system. Requires defined contribution schemes to prove they’re value for money so savers don’t get stuck in underperforming schemes. Merges small pension pots worth £1,000 or less into one pension scheme. Creates multi-employer ‘megafunds’ in an aim to drive down costs, among other things. Draft bill (PDF) [https://admin.clearthelobby.co.uk/l/763JfIXitx2ITN763V4GUV5vWA/z3NPfwssxnPaiVEWyN892Dhw/5c0892gqETL5JFtf7kDe892yGA] / Commons Library briefing [https://admin.clearthelobby.co.uk/l/763JfIXitx2ITN763V4GUV5vWA/ZuHukr3i2c6oea9OcRGg9A/5c0892gqETL5JFtf7kDe892yGA] ### TUESDAY 28 APRIL Local Area Energy Plans Bill Requires local authorities in England to produce and maintain a local area energy plan – a document setting out how an area will meet its energy needs and transition to net zero. Ten minute rule motion presented by James Naish. ### WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL In-Person Banking Services Bill Requires banks to maintain access to in-person banking services for customers, including through banking hubs, as branches close. Ten minute rule motion presented by Alan Mak. ### THURSDAY 30 APRIL No votes scheduled ### FRIDAY 1 MAY No votes scheduled ### PREVIOUS WEEK’S VOTES Passed - Victims and Courts Bill – became law - Crime and Policing Bill – goes back to the Lords - English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill – went back to the Lords - Pension Schemes Bill – went back to the Lords - Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill – goes back to the Lords Click here [https://admin.clearthelobby.co.uk/l/763JfIXitx2ITN763V4GUV5vWA/iHeGvGi892SHzfNQroku892NoA/5c0892gqETL5JFtf7kDe892yGA] to read details of the bills in last week’s newsletter.
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