Glossary
This section explains key parliamentary and government terms.
Family Members Employed
A register category covering certain family members employed and paid through parliamentary expenses.
Family Members Engaged in Lobbying
A register category covering certain family members whose work involves lobbying.
February Recess
A break in parliamentary sittings that may occur in February.
Finance Bill
A bill used to give legal effect to tax changes announced by the government.
Financial Conduct Authority
Abbreviation: FCA
The regulator for financial services firms and financial markets in the UK.
First Past the Post
Abbreviation: FPTP
An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins.
First Reading
The formal introduction of a bill in a House, normally without debate on its substance.
Fiscal Event
A major government announcement about tax, spending, borrowing or economic policy.
Fiscal Rules
Rules or targets used by government to guide tax, spending, borrowing and debt decisions.
Food Standards Agency
Abbreviation: FSA
The public body responsible for food safety and food standards in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Abbreviation: FCDO
The UK Government department responsible for foreign affairs, diplomacy, development and overseas relations.
Forthcoming Business
Business expected to be considered by Parliament on future sitting days.
Framework Bill
A bill that sets up a broad legal structure while leaving detailed rules to later regulations or guidance.
Free Vote
A vote where party members are not instructed to vote in a particular way.
Further Education
Abbreviation: FE
Education and training after school age that is not usually part of higher education.
Future Business
Parliamentary business scheduled or provisionally listed for later sitting days.
Future Day Orals
A Commons business paper listing oral questions tabled for future days.