Glossary
This section explains key parliamentary and government terms.
Bank Holiday
A public holiday that may affect parliamentary sitting patterns and publication schedules.
Department for Education
Abbreviation: DfE
The UK Government department responsible for education, children’s services and skills policy in England.
Department for Work and Pensions
Abbreviation: DWP
The UK Government department responsible for welfare, pensions and employment support.
Department of Health and Social Care
Abbreviation: DHSC
The UK Government department responsible for health and adult social care policy in England.
Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment
Abbreviation: EHCNA
The assessment process used to decide whether a child or young person needs an Education, Health and Care Plan.
Education, Health and Care Plan
Abbreviation: EHCP
A legal plan setting out support for a child or young person with special educational needs and disabilities.
Employment and Support Allowance
Abbreviation: ESA
A benefit for people who have limited capability for work because of illness or disability.
GOV.UK
The main official website for UK Government information and services.
Homes England
The government’s housing and regeneration agency for England.
Local Authority
Abbreviation: LA
A local government body responsible for services in a particular area.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Abbreviation: MHCLG
The UK Government department responsible for housing, local government, communities and planning policy in England.
National Health Service
Abbreviation: NHS
The publicly funded health service in the UK.
NHS England
Abbreviation: NHSE
The body responsible for leading the NHS in England.
Personal Independence Payment
Abbreviation: PIP
A benefit for people with long-term health conditions or disabilities who need help with daily living or mobility costs.
Public Expenditure
Money spent by government and public bodies.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Abbreviation: SEND
Support needs affecting a child or young person’s learning, development, health or access to education.
Universal Credit
Abbreviation: UC
A working-age benefit that brings together several forms of income-related support.