Glossary
This section explains key parliamentary and government terms.
Office for Budget Responsibility
Abbreviation: OBR
The independent body that produces forecasts and analysis of the UK public finances.
Office for Environmental Protection
Abbreviation: OEP
The body that scrutinises and enforces environmental law in England and Northern Ireland.
Office for National Statistics
Abbreviation: ONS
The UK’s official statistics body, responsible for producing and publishing national statistics.
Office for Product Safety and Standards
Abbreviation: OPSS
The public body responsible for product safety and standards policy and enforcement support.
Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills
Abbreviation: Ofsted
The body that inspects and regulates education, children’s services and skills provision in England.
Office for Students
Abbreviation: OfS
The independent regulator for higher education in England.
Office of Communications
Abbreviation: Ofcom
The UK regulator for communications services, broadcasting, postal services, spectrum and online services.
Office of Gas and Electricity Markets
Abbreviation: Ofgem
The energy regulator for Great Britain.
Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation
Abbreviation: Ofqual
The regulator of qualifications, exams and assessments in England.
Office of Rail and Road
Abbreviation: ORR
The regulator for rail safety, rail performance and parts of the strategic road network.
Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland
Abbreviation: Scotland Office
The UK Government department representing Scotland’s interests in the UK Government and reserved UK matters in Scotland.
Office of the Secretary of State for Wales
Abbreviation: Wales Office
The UK Government department representing Wales’s interests in the UK Government and reserved UK matters in Wales.
Opposition Day Debate
A debate chosen by an opposition party rather than by the government.
Oral Evidence
Evidence given by witnesses speaking directly to a parliamentary committee.
Oral Question
A question asked aloud in the chamber, with a minister answering in person.
Oral Statement
A spoken statement made by a minister in the chamber, followed by questions from members.
Order in Council
A type of legal instrument formally made through the Privy Council.
Order Paper
The official list of business scheduled for a sitting day in Parliament.