In the first King’s Speech on Wednesday 17th July 2024 under the new Labour government, King Charles outlined the legislative priorities for the coming parliamentary session. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration is centred on five missions, many of which have direct implications for charities and voluntary organisations. Here’s a summary of the key announcements from the Charity Insurance experts here at WRS.
Mental Health Act Reforms
Proposed reforms to the Mental Health Act aim to provide individuals with greater choice and autonomy, emphasising dignity and respect. Mental health charities, which have long campaigned for these changes, will find this development particularly relevant.
Ban on Conversion Therapy
A new bill to ban conversion therapies for LGBTQ+ individuals was announced. This long-awaited legislation is welcomed by LGBTQ+ and human rights charities.
Devolution Bill
The English devolution bill aims to transfer more powers to local communities, affecting areas like skills, energy, planning, and transport. Charities will need to build strong local relationships to navigate these changes effectively.
Measures to Halve Violence Against Women and Girls
The government plans to introduce a crime and policing bill aimed at reducing violence against women and girls by half. This includes specialist courts for rape cases, enhanced police powers, and new protections for whistle-blowers, which charities in this field should monitor closely.
Net Zero Push
The Great British Energy Bill will establish a publicly owned company to invest in renewable energy. Coupled with the recent end of the ban on onshore wind, these measures are set to help the UK meet its ambitious climate targets, presenting new opportunities for environmental charities.
Martyn’s Law
A bill focused on strengthening security measures around public venues aims to prevent domestic terrorism. Voluntary organisations will play a role in ensuring these measures are proportionate to the risks faced by smaller, community-run venues.
Withdrawal of Tax Relief for Private Schools
The removal of tax reliefs for private schools with charitable status could impact various educational institutions run by charities, including special schools, faith schools and schools for disabled children.
Employment Rights
An employment rights bill as part of Labour’s New Deal for Working People will include provisions such as immediate parental leave and sick pay. Legislation will also be enacted to safeguard equal pay rights for individuals from the global majority and disabled persons in law. This could increase staffing costs for charities, particularly those reliant on zero-hour contracts.
Democratic Changes
Proposed reforms to the House of Lords, including removing the rights of hereditary peers to sit and vote, aim to modernise the institution. Measures to enhance electoral integrity and participation could also involve automatic voter registration and lowering the voting age to 16. This means charities that support young people should be aware of this to provide guidance.
Notable Omissions
Local Authority Finances
The speech did not tackle the issue of local government finances. Recent financial crises in city councils have led to significant funding cuts for the voluntary sector, raising concerns for charities involved in public service delivery.
Two-Child Benefit Limit
The speech did not address the removal of the two-child limit on Universal Credit claims, a policy that many charities hoped would be reconsidered. This omission means families with more than two children will continue to face financial penalties.
Adult Social Care Reform
Despite expectations, there was little mention of substantial reforms to adult social care. The establishment of a Fair Pay Agreement for carers was noted, but broader promises such as the National Care Service were absent.
What are the Next Steps for Charities?
The proposed bills are subject to parliamentary debate and may evolve before becoming law. The House of Lords will discuss the speech’s content over six days, starting from 18th July 2024. Charities must stay engaged with the legislative process, as their expertise will be crucial in shaping effective and practical laws.
Many of the announced bills represent ambitious goals in previously neglected policy areas. As these proposals develop, there will be numerous opportunities for the charity sector to influence the outcomes, ensuring that new laws are both effective and beneficial for the communities they serve.
For more insights and updates on how these legislative changes might affect your organisation, visit the NCVO website to download and utilise their resources.
About WRS
At WRS Insurance Brokers, we are specialists in Charity Insurance and our experienced team is passionate about the charitable sector. As a business with a strong social conscience, we’re passionate about helping support the work of organisations that make a difference. Contact us to discuss how we can support your organisation during this pivotal time on 01206 760780 or email hello@wrsinsurance.co.uk.
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