Glossary
This section explains key parliamentary and government terms.
Education Committee
A Commons select committee that scrutinises education, children’s services and skills 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.
Electoral Commission
Abbreviation: Electoral Commission
The independent body overseeing elections and regulating political finance in the UK.
Employment and Support Allowance
Abbreviation: ESA
A benefit for people who have limited capability for work because of illness or disability.
Enabling Power
A provision in an Act giving ministers or another body authority to make delegated legislation or take other legal action.
Environment Agency
Abbreviation: EA
The public body responsible for environmental regulation and protection in England.
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Abbreviation: EFRA Committee
A Commons select committee that scrutinises Defra and related environmental, farming and rural policy.
Environmental Audit Committee
Abbreviation: EAC
A Commons select committee that examines environmental protection and sustainable development across government.
Equality and Human Rights Commission
Abbreviation: EHRC
The equality and human rights regulator for Great Britain.
Estimates Day
A day in the Commons set aside for debates linked to government spending estimates.
European Convention on Human Rights
Abbreviation: ECHR
An international human rights treaty setting out rights and freedoms protected across member states of the Council of Europe.
Evidence Session
A committee meeting where members question witnesses as part of parliamentary scrutiny.
Executive Office
Abbreviation: TEO
A Northern Ireland Executive department supporting the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
Explanatory Memorandum
A document explaining the purpose and effect of a statutory instrument or similar measure.
Explanatory Notes
Notes published with a bill to explain what its clauses mean and how it is intended to work.