More flexible leave for parents, faster adoptions and greater help for special needs pupils are all issues expected to be covered in the Queen's Speech later.

The monarch will also discuss a possible change to the law that would allow divorced fathers easier access to see their children.

It is part of the coalition's attempt to claw back voter trust after both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats lost significant support in last week's local elections.

The address will also contain details of a National Crime Agency, energy market regulation and a new ban on driving under the influence of drugs.

In a bid to boost the economy, the Queen will discuss binding votes for shareholders on executive pay and public sector pension reform. There will also be detailed plans for splitting up the banks, in order to avoid a repeat of the crash that took place in 2008.

The Government will also underline its intention to reform the House of Lords - a key demand of the Liberal Democrats that has angered many Conservatives.