Glossary

Science, Innovation and Technology Committee

Abbreviation: SITC

A Commons select committee that scrutinises science, research, innovation and technology policy.

Scottish Government

The devolved government for Scotland.

Scottish Parliament

The devolved legislature for Scotland.

Second Reading

The stage where Parliament debates the main principles and purpose of a bill.

Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee

Abbreviation: SLSC

A House of Lords committee that examines secondary legislation and draws important instruments to the House’s attention.

Secretary of State

A senior government minister, usually responsible for a government department.

Select Committee

A cross-party committee that examines the work of government departments, public bodies, or specific issues.

Select Committee Inquiry

A formal investigation by a select committee into a topic, department, or public issue.

Senedd Cymru

Abbreviation: Senedd

The devolved legislature for Wales.

Session

The period during which Parliament conducts business between one State Opening and the next.

Sessional Order

An order made for the duration of a parliamentary session.

Sewel Convention

A constitutional convention about Westminster legislating on devolved matters.

Shadow Minister

An opposition frontbench spokesperson who scrutinises a government minister or policy area.

Skeleton Bill

A bill containing broad principles but leaving much of the detail to be filled in later by delegated legislation.

Small and Medium-sized Enterprise

Abbreviation: SME

A business below a certain size, often used in policy about smaller firms.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Abbreviation: SEND

Support needs affecting a child or young person’s learning, development, health or access to education.

Special Report

A committee report published for a specific purpose, often to respond to government replies or present particular material.

Spending Review

A government process setting departmental spending plans over a future period.

Spring Statement

A fiscal statement usually delivered by the Chancellor outside the main Budget.

Standing Order

A formal rule governing how Parliament or one of its Houses conducts business.

Statutory Consultation

A consultation that the law requires to take place before a decision, regulation, or other action is taken.

Statutory Guidance

Official guidance issued under legal authority, which public bodies may be required to follow or take into account.

Statutory Instrument

Abbreviation: SI

A form of secondary legislation made under powers granted by an Act of Parliament.

Statutory Instrument Committee

A general term for a committee arrangement used to consider statutory instruments.

Sunset Clause

A provision causing part of a law to expire automatically at a set time unless renewed.

Super-affirmative Procedure

An enhanced scrutiny procedure giving Parliament more time and opportunity to consider delegated legislation before approval.

Supplementary Estimate

An in-year request to change the amount or purpose of spending already authorised by Parliament.

Supply Estimate

A document asking Parliament to authorise government spending for a department or service.