Glossary
This section explains key parliamentary and government terms.
Hansard
The official report of what was said in Parliament.
Health and Safety Executive
Abbreviation: HSE
The regulator responsible for workplace health and safety in Great Britain.
Health and Social Care Committee
A Commons select committee that scrutinises health and adult social care policy in England.
Henry VIII Power
A power allowing ministers to amend or repeal provisions in an Act using delegated legislation.
Higher Education
Abbreviation: HE
Education at university level or equivalent.
HM Courts and Tribunals Service
Abbreviation: HMCTS
The executive agency responsible for administering courts and tribunals in England and Wales and some UK-wide tribunals.
HM Prison and Probation Service
Abbreviation: HMPPS
The agency responsible for prisons and probation services in England and Wales.
HM Revenue and Customs
Abbreviation: HMRC
The UK tax authority responsible for collecting taxes and administering customs and some benefits.
HM Treasury
Abbreviation: HMT
The UK Government department responsible for public finances, tax policy, spending and economic policy.
Home Affairs Committee
A Commons select committee that scrutinises the Home Office and related policy areas.
Home Office
Abbreviation: HO
The UK Government department responsible for immigration, policing, national security and public safety.
Homes England
The government’s housing and regeneration agency for England.
House of Commons
Abbreviation: Commons
The elected chamber of the UK Parliament, made up of Members of Parliament.
House of Commons Code of Conduct
The rules setting expected standards of conduct for MPs in their public role.
House of Lords
Abbreviation: Lords
The unelected second chamber of the UK Parliament, which scrutinises bills and government policy.
Hybrid Bill
A public bill that affects certain people or bodies in a particular way beyond the general public.