Glossary

Additional Members System - a combination of a constituency electoral system and a party list system. It is used to elect more than one representative per area. The list compensates for the disproportionality of the constituency.

Alternative Vote - a voting system where voters rank candidates in order of preference and elect one representative per area. It is not proportional but allows voters to express a preference between parties and ensures that the winning candidate receives at least 50% of the vote.

Barnett Formula - partly determines the level of funding received by Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from central government.

Calman Commission - the Commission on Scottish Devolution, which made recommendations on strengthening the Scottish Parliament.

contactPoint - database that allows agencies working with children to share data about young people.

First Past the Post - uses X voting to elect one member per area, is not proportional and does not require the winning candidate to receive at least 50% of the vote.

National Identity Register - state database holding personal information.

Proportional Representation - a type of electoral system that seeks a close match between the percentage of votes a party obtains and the percentage of seats it receives.

Recall - the power of constituents to force the resignation of an MP and trigger a by-election.

Single Transferable Vote - a voting system where voters rank candidates in order of preference to elect more than one representative per area. It is broadly proportional, enables voters to choose between candidates and parties, and creates a geographical link between the elected representative and voters.

Statutory Instrument - motions that amend existing laws but receive little or no scrutiny. Sustainable communities Act - provides a process where councils and communities can drive the actions that central government undertakes, to promote sustainability locally.

Sustainable Communities Act Amendment Bill - The Sustainable Communities Act Amendment Bill will ensure that the ‘bottom up’ process set up by the 2007 Sustainable Communities Act - that allows citizens to drive the actions and policy of government to reverse community decline and promote and protect thriving communities - is ongoing and not just a one off. It will also formally include Parish and Town Councils in that process.

West Lothian Question - the problem that Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish MPs may vote on matters only affecting England, but not the other way round.

Wright Committee - set up by Gordon Brown following the expenses scandal, this parliamentary committee recommended the creation of a business committee for the House of Commons, and election for members of select committees rather appointment by party whips.

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