MPs in the Commons focused on retirement planning and pensions policy, pressing the Government on compensation linked to changes in State Pension Age. In the Lords, peers also continued scrutiny of major legislation—spanning crime and policing, children’s wellbeing and schools, and pension schemes—while the Government published education and SEND reforms aimed at helping every child “achieve and thrive”.
At a glance
- Compensation for State Pension Age changes was challenged in Commons oral questions in the Work and Pensions portfolio, placing retirement-income support and planning firmly in the spotlight.
- Both Houses spent the day handling legislation: the Lords examined the Crime and Policing Bill, the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, and the Pension Schemes Bill, alongside other market-focused measures affecting the City of London.
- MPs backed Government positions in a sequence of divisions on Lords amendments to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill and the Children’s School and Wellbeing Bill, and carried forward remaining business on the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.
In the Commons
- State Pension Age changes: MPs asked the Work and Pensions Secretary about what compensation will be provided alongside reforms to the State Pension Age, in the Commons Chamber. The exchange sat within oral questions on policy that directly affects future retirement incomes and long-term financial security. [1]
- MPs addressed the Dunmurry Police Station attack during Commons Chamber business. The item reflected the seriousness of a violent incident and its implications for public safety and security, even though the supplied record does not provide further detail. [2]
- The Commons considered the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill as part of bill-stage proceedings. The focus of the measure is how responsibilities may be organised between central and local bodies in England, with knock-on effects for local governance and public access to influence. [3]
- MPs also considered the Pension Schemes Bill in the Commons Chamber. The bill drew attention to how pension rules shape long-term savings for many people, linking legislative scrutiny to the retirement-income outcomes the public plans around. [4]
In the Lords
- Peers considered the Crime and Policing Bill in the Lords Chamber. As a national policy measure with direct relevance to everyday public life, it placed questions of policing and crime policy under formal legislative scrutiny. [5]
- The Lords also examined the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, focusing on support for children and the education system. This reflected policy work aimed at services and protections for children—an issue of particular interest to families. [6]
- Peers scrutinised the Pension Schemes Bill in the Lords Chamber. The bill matters because changes to pension arrangements can affect people’s retirement outcomes over the long term. [4]
- In addition, the Lords considered the City of London (Markets) Bill, legislation concerning City of London markets. Its subject—how certain market structures operate and are regulated—was presented in the record as having potential relevance to the wider financial system. [7]
Votes
- In the Commons, MPs voted in a linked sequence of divisions on motions connected to Lords amendments to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, with Government divisions indicating support throughout. The votes, including motions to disagree with specific Lords amendments and follow-up amendment-related motions, concerned how power and responsibilities may be organised between central and local bodies in England. [8] [9] [10] [11]
- MPs also took part in a single division on a motion connected to Lords amendments to the Children’s School and Wellbeing Bill, again with the Government prevailing. The division related to amendments grouped under the specified amendment range (38V to 38X), illustrating how the bill is being adjusted during its passage. [12]
- Finally, the Commons agreed a carry-over motion connected to the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill. Carry-over arrangements typically allow remaining business to continue to a later stage or sitting, letting major legislation progress over time. [13]
Government announcements
- The Government featured an official update stemming from Southern Water’s admission of sea and inland sewage pollution, referencing the Environment Agency’s involvement in incidents described as illegal discharges. The record notes the incidents off Kent and other inland areas, framing the day’s Government-related material around potential impacts on water quality and the environment. [14]
- The Department for Education published reforms under the banner “Every child achieving and thriving”, setting out changes to schools and SEND systems in England. The policy paper’s stated aim is to ensure every child can achieve and thrive, signalling substantive reform direction for how education and special educational needs and disability support are organised. [15]
Committees
- The House of Commons Public Accounts Commission published its 31st report on the work it carried out in 2025. The report represents formal parliamentary oversight and accountability around how public administration and spending are scrutinised through the Commission’s activities. [16]
Sources used
- State Pension Age Changes: Compensation — Hansard
- Dunmurry Police Station Attack — Hansard
- English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill — Hansard
- Pension Schemes Bill — Hansard
- Crime and Policing Bill — Hansard
- Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill — Hansard
- City of London (Markets) Bill — Hansard
- English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill: Motion to disagree with Lords Amendments 89B and 89C — Votes in Parliament
- English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill: Motion relating to Lords Amendments 36, 90 and 155 — Votes in Parliament
- English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill: Motion relating to Lords Amendments 94B and 94C — Votes in Parliament
- English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill: Motion relating to Lords Amendments 85, 86, 97 to 116, 120, 121 and 123 etc — Votes in Parliament
- Children's School and Wellbeing Bill: Motion relating to Lords Amendments 38V to 38X — Votes in Parliament
- Northern Ireland Troubles Bill: Carry-over (Motion) — Votes in Parliament
- Southern Water admits sea pollution — GOV.UK
- Every child achieving and thriving — GOV.UK
- 31st Report – Report Work of the Commission in 2025 — UK Parliament Committees
Licensing
Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.
Last updated
First published on 27 April 2026. No corrections at the time of publication.
Share this summary
Help others follow Parliament and government more clearly.