Best Bench Report PUK Podcasts (2025)

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Understanding Your NHS Health Data: Access, Sharing, and AI 8:09

Play Pause

3h ago8:09

8:09

This episode discusses NHS patient health records, focusing on your rights to access and privacy and how data is shared for care, research, and legal needs. We explore the NHS's shift towards electronic and "single patient records" via the NHS App. Learn about public perceptions, cybersecurity, and AI's role in managing health data. Understand how …

1
UK Timeshares: Unpacking Common Problems & Consumer Protections 8:03

10h ago8:03

8:03

The often-complex world of timeshares for UK owners. We explore common challenges like excessive annual fees, difficulties with resale, and obstacles when trying to exit contracts, especially those with in-perpetuity clauses. The discussion also covers concerns around the mis-selling of fractional ownership products. You'll learn about the UK regul…

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The Future of UK Public Libraries: Community Lifelines, Funding & Strategy 7:33

7h ago7:33

7:33

Public libraries are vital community hubs, evolving beyond books to offer digital learning, enterprise support, and wellbeing services. Despite their immense value, they face significant funding cuts and closures across the UK. There's a strong call for a national strategy for public libraries, supported by robust data, to ensure their long-term su…

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UK Music Streaming Shake-Up: New Principles to Boost Artist Earnings 12:53

6d ago12:53

12:53

Today in this extedned episode, we discuss recent advancements in the UK music industry aimed at improving artist remuneration from music streaming. The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism announced new label-led principles agreed upon by major UK record labels and industry bodies. These measures are designed to boost earnings for le…

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Alcohol Late Night Levy Explained: Reforms and Your Business 5:39

2d ago5:39

5:39

The Late Night Levy is a charge on premises licensed to sell alcohol between midnight and 6 am in England and Wales. Implemented by local authorities, its primary purpose is to help fund policing costs for the late-night economy. At least 70% of the net revenue goes to the police, with the rest supporting local authority services that manage the ni…

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Cracking Down on UK Ticket Touting: What You Need to Know About Secondary Ticketing Laws 6:36

3d ago6:36

6:36

The complex world of secondary ticketing in the UK, where tickets for live events are resold, often at inflated prices. We explore the current legal landscape, including consumer protection laws and specific legislation designed to combat unfair practices like ticket harvesting by 'bots' and misleading pricing. Learn about the efforts of regulatory…

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School Allergies: Navigating UK Safeguarding & Support 6:26

21d ago6:26

6:26

This episode covers how UK schools safeguard children with allergies. We explore legal duties, like Section 100 of the Children and Families Act 2014 requiring support for pupils with medical conditions. Discover nation-specific guidance from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland on food standards and allergy management. Learn about allerg…

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Wild Camping: Rights, Responsibilities, and UK National Parks 5:37

22d ago5:37

5:37

This episode delves into wild camping in the UK, highlighting the Supreme Court's decision to uphold public wild camping rights on Dartmoor. The government supports outdoor access but has no current plans to extend guaranteed wild camping rights to other National Parks, allowing each to decide locally. A key distinction is made between responsible …

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UK Casino Regulations: Balancing Economic Growth & Gambling Harm 5:41

23d ago5:41

5:41

New UK regulations for land-based casinos aim to modernize rules and boost the economy. Changes include increased gaming machine allowances for 'converted casinos' and allowing them to offer betting. While supporting sector growth, the measures also introduce protections. However, parliamentary debate highlights concerns about potential increases i…

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Gibraltar Deal Unpacked: Sovereignty, Borders & The Future of The Rock 5:07

24d ago5:07

5:07

The UK and EU have reached a political agreement on Gibraltar, aiming to resolve post-Brexit border issues. This deal prevents a potentially chaotic hard border that would have impacted 15,000 daily commuters and Gibraltar's economy. Crucially, it protects British sovereignty over the Rock. The solution includes allowing fluid border crossings with…

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UK Asbestos Crisis: Why It's Still a Deadly Threat in Public Buildings 5:55

28d ago5:55

5:55

Despite being banned in 1999, asbestos remains the leading cause of over 5,000 UK work-related deaths annually, primarily from mesothelioma. It’s still widely present in non-domestic buildings like schools, hospitals, and commercial sites. While the policy has been to leave it undisturbed if in good condition, it naturally degrades, releasing deadl…

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Boosting Rural Economies: Challenges, Opportunities & Government Support 6:02

29d ago6:02

6:02

The critical debate surrounding Government support for businesses in rural areas, which are vital to the UK economy. Speakers highlight key challenges including poor public transport, inadequate digital connectivity, high energy costs, and workforce recruitment difficulties. Opportunities in agriscience and tourism are also discussed. Calls are mad…

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UK Disability Benefits: Poverty, PIP & Welfare Reform Debate 6:24

1M ago6:24

6:24

This episode explores the alarming poverty among UK disabled people, with 700,000 families already struggling. It highlights proposed government cuts to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit's health element, forecast to push hundreds of thousands into deeper hardship and cost them thousands annually. Critics argue these are poli…

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Unpacking the Prostate Cancer "Postcode Lottery": Abiraterone Access in the UK 6:40

1M ago6:40

6:40

Today we explore the critical issue of prostate cancer treatment, focusing on the drug abiraterone. A UK-developed breakthrough, it has transformed advanced prostate cancer care globally. However, its availability for men with non-metastatic prostate cancer varies widely across the UK. While routinely available in Scotland and Wales, men in England…

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Windrush Day 2025: Legacies, Injustice, and the Quest for Fair Compensation - extended episode. 14:27

1M ago14:27

14:27

This extended episode covers Windrush Day 2025, highlighting the Windrush generation's vital role in rebuilding post-WWII Britain, especially the NHS and public transport, despite facing pervasive racism. We explore the devastating Windrush scandal, where British citizens were wrongfully denied rights and faced deportations, and examine the slow, c…

1
Rebuilding Britain: A New Industrial Strategy for Post-Industrial Towns 5:40

1M ago5:40

5:40

Urgent challenges are facing the UK's post-industrial towns, particularly in "red wall areas," which have experienced significant job losses, youth migration, and a feeling of being overlooked. We examine the proposed national industrial strategy, aiming to revitalise these communities by focusing on targeted investment in new sectors like fusion e…

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HS2 Reset: UK High-Speed Rail Project Overhaul & Mismanagement 5:48

1M ago5:48

5:48

HS2, meant to link major UK cities, has been a "litany of failure". Over 15 years, costs soared by £37 billion, public trust was lost, and sections were cancelled. This episode explores the government's "reset", with new leadership (Mark Wild, Mike Brown) and acceptance of all James Stewart review recommendations for oversight, cost control, and ca…

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UK Steel Crisis: British Steel's Future, Government Intervention & Nationalisation 5:33

1M ago5:33

5:33

Today we analyse the critical situation of British Steel, facing significant losses and plans to close its Scunthorpe blast furnaces, threatening 2,700 jobs. In response, Parliament passed the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025, empowering the government to intervene and potentially take control to ensure continued operations. While nationa…

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Government Compliance and the Ministerial Code Debate 6:01

1M ago6:01

6:01

A UK parliamentary debate recently focused on the rule that requires important government policy announcements to be made in Parliament first when it is sitting. Members of Parliament raised concerns that the government is repeatedly making announcements outside the House, pointing to specific examples like NHS changes and trade deals. The governme…

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Understanding the Sub Judice Rule: Why UK Lawmakers Can't Discuss Active Court Cases 5:31

1M ago5:31

5:31

Learn about the sub judice rule in the UK Parliament. This rule prevents Members of Parliament (MPs) from discussing matters currently being decided in court. Its purpose is to stop parliamentary discussion from influencing court outcomes and to uphold the independence of the judiciary. Learn about the rule's history, including its 2001 revision th…

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UK Parliament Recall: Why and How MPs Return from Recess 6:28

1M ago6:28

6:28

This episode examines the concept of recalling the UK Parliament and its devolved legislatures when they are on a break or recess. We'll learn why recalls happen, often for urgent matters like national crises, legislation, or tributes. The procedure for triggering a recall differs between the House of Commons, House of Lords, and the Scottish, Wels…

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UK Parliament Dissolution 2024: How it Happened & Why it Matters 6:39

2M ago6:39

6:39

This episode explores how the UK Parliament ends before a general election, a process called dissolution. We'll focus on the May 2024 dissolution, which was the first under the royal prerogative since 2010. Historically, the Monarch dissolved Parliament on the Prime Minister's request. This changed between 2011 and 2022 with the Fixed-term Parliame…

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Why Maths Matters: Exploring its Contribution to the UK 5:30

2M ago5:30

5:30

This episode looks the vital contribution of mathematics to the UK, focusing on a debate happening in Westminster Hall. We explore how maths education is structured in England, from primary schools to universities, highlighting attainment levels and disparities for disadvantaged pupils. We'll look at popular qualifications like A Levels and program…

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Boosting Free School Meals: What the Major Expansion Means 6:02

2M ago6:02

6:02

The UK Government announced a significant expansion of free school meal eligibility for children in England, stating it's the biggest in a generation. The new policy extends entitlement to all children whose families receive Universal Credit. This aims to tackle child poverty, expected to lift 100,000 children out of poverty and save eligible famil…

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Boosting Breast Cancer Screening: Lessons from Bassetlaw and beyond 5:57

2M ago5:57

5:57

This episode discusses the critical importance of breast cancer screening for saving lives through early detection. While breast cancer mortality rates have fallen since the 1970s, around 11,400 women and 85 men still die annually in the UK. The NHS offers free screening for women aged 50-70. However, attendance has dropped significantly, particula…

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UK ADHD Crisis: Long Waits for Diagnosis & Treatment Explored 6:14

2M ago6:14

6:14

This episode looks at the critical state of support for people with ADHD in the UK, drawing on a recent parliamentary debate. We highlight the significant challenges within the NHS, including exceptionally long waiting lists for diagnosis, which can stretch for years. The discussion covers difficulties in accessing treatment, such as problems with …

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UK Farm Animal Welfare: Cages, Imports, and the Path Forward 13:19

2M ago13:19

13:19

Today we discuss a UK parliamentary debate on animal welfare in farming. Key themes include ending the use of cages and crates for farmed animals, like enriched cages for hens and farrowing crates for sows. Speakers highlight concerns about low-welfare imports undermining UK farmers and standards, calling for mandatory animal welfare labelling to i…

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UK Grocery Fairness: Can the Adjudicator Fix the Food Chain? 11:22

2M ago11:22

11:22

Today we explore the role and limitations of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA), which oversees fair trading between large UK supermarkets and their direct suppliers. Despite being intended to protect producers and consumers, many argue its remit is too narrow, covering only the largest retailers and often missing primary producers further down t…

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Saving Your Local Pub: Community Power & Funding Explained 8:30

2M ago8:30

8:30

Discover why local pubs are vital community hubs, providing jobs, supporting local businesses, and boosting social connection. Learn about the financial challenges pubs face, like rising costs and taxes, leading to many closures. This episode explores how communities are stepping up to save beloved pubs, often aiming for community ownership. We dis…

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Stopping Banking Fraud: Understanding Scams and the Fight Against Them in the UK 8:58

2M ago8:58

8:58

This episode explores the significant issue of banking fraud in the UK. We'll cover the two main types: unauthorised fraud, where criminals make payments without permission, and authorised push payment (APP) fraud, where victims are tricked into sending money themselves. Learn about the scale of losses – £1.2 billion stolen in 2023. We'll discuss h…

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The Future of UK Public Libraries: Challenges & Strategies 7:37

2M ago7:37

7:37

UK MPs recently debated the future of public libraries, highlighting their vital role as community hubs providing books, digital access, study spaces, and support. Despite facing real-terms cuts since 2010, leading to closures and reduced hours, libraries continue to deliver immense educational, economic, and social value. Speakers stressed the nee…

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Local Government: Accountability and Oversight 7:14

2M ago7:14

7:14

Our fourth and final episode on local government discovers how local government in England is held accountable. Councils answer to both their local voters and the central government. They are financially independent with their own assets and ability to borrow. Central oversight comes through the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities …

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Local Government: Finances 8:10

2M ago8:10

8:10

Understanding local council money in England is complex. Councils primarily get funds from four sources: Council Tax from residents, Business Rates from companies (partially retained locally), Central Government Grants, and Local Fees and Charges for services. Most of these funds aren't 'ring-fenced', giving councils spending flexibility. The Local…

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Local Government: Elections and Boundaries 8:23

2M ago8:23

8:23

Part 2 of how local government works in England, focusing on elections and the changing structure of councils. We'll explore the First Past the Post electoral system used in wards, how boundaries are set by the LGBCE, and different election cycles like electing "by thirds". Discover the ongoing trend towards creating unitary authorities and merging…

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Local Government: Structure & Evolution 7:52

2M ago7:52

7:52

Part 1 of our series on Local Government explores structure and evolution. Learn about the two-tier system (county and district councils) and the shift towards unitary authorities that handle all local functions. We'll cover the current setup of 317 main councils, plus other important bodies like parish councils and combined authorities. Discover h…

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Understanding UK Parking Rules: Fines, Private Land, and Devolved Policies 33:49

2M ago33:49

33:49

Navigating parking in the UK can be complex due to devolved policy, meaning rules differ across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This episode breaks down key aspects, from council-controlled parking and penalty charges to rules on private land enforced by private parking companies. We cover topics like DVLA data sharing, scams, grace…

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Northumberland & Newcastle School Buildings: Safety, Funding, and Student Futures 6:59

3M ago6:59

6:59

This episode explores a parliamentary debate on the state of school buildings in Northumberland and Newcastle. The discussion highlights concerns about crumbling infrastructure, like the closure of Prudhoe community high school due to structural cracks just nine years after being built. MPs also raise issues like mouldy toilets and inadequate inves…

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Understanding Asthma in the UK: Care, Costs, and Calls for Change 6:51

3M ago6:51

6:51

This episode explores a UK parliamentary debate on World Asthma Day, highlighting the significant impact of asthma across the nation. We explore key statistics: 7.2 million people live with asthma, and tragically, four people die from it daily. Many deaths are preventable, linked to unequal access to care and socioeconomic factors. The debate cover…

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The Future of British Film and Television: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities 9:18

3M ago9:18

9:18

This episode explores the state of the British film and high-end television (HETV) industries based on recent analysis. We look at how big international investments drive growth but also the struggles faced by independent UK films trying to tell British stories. We discuss challenges like funding gaps, skills shortages, and protecting creative idea…

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Student Mental Health in England: Navigating Support & Duty of Care 10:34

3M ago10:34

10:34

This episode explores the growing issue of student mental health in English universities. We look at how many students are affected, what factors contribute to poor mental health, and the debate around whether universities have a legal "duty of care" to their students. We discuss key court cases like Abrahart v University of Bristol and existing le…

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UK Parliament: All-Party Parliamentary Groups 9:22

3M ago9:22

9:22

This episode looks at All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs). These are informal, cross-party groups in the UK Parliament, focused on specific topics or countries. Although not official parliamentary bodies, they have faced concerns regarding governance and potential improper access or influence, particularly from lobbyists, commercial entities, or…

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UK Parliament: How Bills Get Carried Over Between Sessions 7:30

3M ago7:30

7:30

This episode explores bill carry-over in the UK Parliament, a procedure that allows public bills to continue their progress from one parliamentary session to the next instead of falling at the end of a session. Initially suggested by the Modernisation Committee in 1997 to reduce legislative workload fluctuations and improve scrutiny, carry-over aim…

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UK Parliament: Directly-Elected Mayors in England and Wales 8:36

3M ago8:36

8:36

Our topic this episode discusses directly-elected mayors in England and Wales, a system introduced by the Local Government Act 2000. There are three main ways local authorities can be run: mayor and cabinet, leader and cabinet, or the committee system. Discover how mayors are introduced, either by referendum or council resolution, and why most refe…

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UK Parliament: Select Committees - The Evolution of Core Tasks 6:26

3M ago6:26

6:26

This episode looks at how the essential jobs, or "core tasks," of UK House of Commons select committees have changed over time. First set in 2002 to make committee work more organised and accountable, these tasks were updated in 2012 to match growing demands and add new areas like "Strategy" and "Public Engagement". More recent proposals, like in 2…

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UK Lobbying: Regulation, Scandals, and the Push for Transparency 9:48

3M ago9:48

9:48

This episode looks at the world of lobbying in UK politics, exploring its definition, perceived benefits and drawbacks. We discuss the existing regulatory framework, primarily the Transparency of Lobbying Act 2014, which focuses on consultant lobbyists. Drawing on scrutiny and academic analysis, we highlight key criticisms of the Act, such as its n…

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Road Safety and Active Travel to School 7:20

3M ago7:20

7:20

Do you worry about the safety of children on their way to school? Are you concerned about the decline in walking and cycling and the impact this has on their health and our environment? A recent debate in the House of Commons addressed these crucial issues, exploring how we can create safer routes and encourage more active travel to school. This ep…

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Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow? The UK Salon Crisis You Need to Know 12:19

3M ago12:19

12:19

Is your local salon facing an uncertain future? Parliament's recent debate exposed a critical situation for the UK's hair and beauty industry. Soaring costs and unfair tax policies are squeezing these vital community hubs, threatening jobs and apprenticeships. Understand the challenges and why it matters to your high street. This episode examines t…

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Carlisle Floods: Understanding Past Devastation and Future Preparations 10:37

3M ago10:37

10:37

Today we explore the critical issue of flood preparedness in Carlisle. This episode highlights the challenges the city faces and ongoing efforts to protect residents and properties from future flooding events, especially with the increasing risks posed by climate change. Carlisle experienced devastating floods in 2005, the worst since 1822, causing…

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Fixing the Maternal Health Crisis: Black Women Face Shocking Disparities in the UK 10:29

3M ago10:29

10:29

While the UK is generally safe for childbirth, persistent and deadly inequalities exist for Black and minority ethnic women. Black women are three times more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth than white women. This critical issue demands urgent attention and action. Key takeaways. Beyond mortality, Black women face higher rates of miscar…

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UK Master's Funding Explained 12:03

3M ago12:03

12:03

Hey there, future master's student! Thinking about postgraduate studies in the UK but worried about the cost? You're not alone! Navigating the world of funding can seem daunting, but there are actually many potential avenues to explore. We want to give you a clear picture of the possibilities. Today on The Bench Report, Amy and Ivan break down the …