Queen's Speech May 2013 at a glance

Here, we round up everything you need to know...

11:08 14 May 2013

Building a stronger economy, supporting those paying for care and reforming the immigration system were key points in the Queen's Speech today. Here, we round up everything you need to know...

 

Social care

 

Reaffirming what was announced in this year's Budget, the Queen spoke of the government's intention to reform the way long-term care is paid for, to ensure the elderly are not forced to sell their homes to pay for care.

 

A cap of £72,000 will be introduced on the cost of social care in 2016, with anything over this covered by the state. You can read more about this in my article.

 

In addition, millions of people caring for elderly relatives in England will be able to receive financial support from local councils, and Ofsted-style ratings will also be introduced for hospitals and care homes.

 

Pensions

 

A single-tier pension worth around £144 a week is to be introduced from 2016 in a bid to simplify the pension system. The date at which the retirement age rises to 67 is also being brought forward to 2026.

 

Childcare

 

Plans are being developed to help working parents pay for the cost of childcare and increase availability.

 

In his Budget, Chancellor George Osborne confirmed the introduction of a new scheme to help with childcare costs, which will see working parents receive up to £1,200 per child. The scheme comes into effect at the end of 2015 and you can read more in Melanie Wright's article.
 
Businesses

 

Employers will be exempt from the first £2,000 of their National Insurance Contributions to help support small businesses.

 

Self-employed people whose activities pose no potential risk of harm will also be exempted from health and safety regulations.

 

Immigration Bill

 

The Queen announced the government will bring forward a bill to further reform the immigration system which will see migrants pay for some NHS services and landlords check the immigration status of tenants.

 

What's more, the Bill will ensure illegal immigrants won't be able to get a driving licence while businesses caught employing illegal foreign labour would face heftier fines.

 

The Bill will also make it easier to remove people from the UK and limit rights to appeal against deportation.

 

Crime

 

The government will strive to continue to reduce crime and protect national security and will bring forward legislation to tackle anti-social behaviour, cut crime and reform the police.

 

There will be larger fines for illegal importation of firearms, and forced marriage will become a criminal offence. Tougher controls on dangerous dogs will also be imposed.

 

Transport

 

The Queen announced the proposed legislation for the £33billion High Speed 2 rail line between London, Birmingham and the north of England.

 

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