THE QUEEN'S SPEECH 2013 This briefing paper summarises the Queen's Speech that was delivered on 8th May 2013 with particular reference to its implications for local government and housing. Much of the reaction to the Queen’s Speech has focused on immigration changes and the dropping of initiatives like plain cigarette packaging. But this analysis risks losing sight of the bigger picture - whether the programmes outlined in the Queen’s Speech will help to bring down the cost of pensions and begin a debate on the future of National Health Service funding. Many have said that on these grounds the bills that were unveiled in the Queen’s Speech are a ‘mixed bag’ and do not really answer these questions. In their introduction to their legislative agenda, Prime David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said the Queen's Speech was: "All about backing people who work hard and want to get on in life". However, many have criticised the Queen’s Speech for being unimaginative, containing little that is new and focusing on short-term electoral considerations. There are fears of more relentless trudging through the economic wilderness, a continuing shortage of social housing as the United Kingdom faces a deepening housing crisis and no clear strategy to bring down the cost of pensions or to start a much needed debate on the future of National Health Service and Adult Social Care funding. There clearly continue to be significant challenges for all those involved in public services including local government and housing. To download a copy of the full briefing paper click HERE. | 
