Consultations
DSA: The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has issued a consultation paper (closes on 18 January 2009) on the proposed fee structure for driving tests in 2009/10, as outlined in its Business Plan in April. The DSA plans to introduce the new fees for tests booked on or after 30 March 2009, following a review of its forecast operational costs for 2009/10.
Under the proposals the theory tests for learner drivers and motorcycle riders would be £31.00 and the practical car test £63.50. The fee for the practical motorcycle test would remain unchanged.
DH: Delivering the best possible care for patients and addressing health inequalities will be at the heart of proposed changes to the GP quality incentive scheme, the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF), Health Minister Ben Bradshaw has announced in a consultation (closes 2 February 2009).
Under new proposals, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) would in future oversee the annual process of reviewing clinical indicators. From April 2009, NICE would review the benefits to patients and the cost effectiveness of the indicators used to assess the quality of care provided by GP practices. NICE would be responsible for developing a more transparent and inclusive review process with input from patients and carers, primary care professionals and other stakeholders.
Press release ~ Developing the Quality and Outcomes Framework: Proposals for a new, independent process ~ Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) ~ British Medical Association (BMA) ~ NHS Alliance ~ NICE
Defra: The Defra, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have launched a joint consultation (closes on 3 December 2008) on proposals to raise the age above which cattle must be tested for BSE. Under these proposals, the age above which all cattle slaughtered for human consumption and all fallen stock must be tested for BSE would rise to 48 months.
The short consultation period is necessary to meet the EU's expected timetable and allow the possibility of applying these proposals from 1 January 2009.
WAG: Dr Brian Gibbons, Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, has announced a consultation (closes on 23 January 2009) on the Welsh Assembly Government’s first Single Equality Scheme and action plans. The draft scheme sets out how the Assembly Government will promote diversity & equality over the next 3 years as an integral part of the way it does business and how it will assess the impact of its work on different groups.
It builds on a previous consultation carried out earlier this year on the framework & priorities for a Single Equality Scheme.
Press release ~ Copies of the consultation document and action plans can be requested by email at: ehrd@wales.gsi.gov.uk or, later this week - HERE ~ WAG – Equality and Diversity ~ Framework & priorities for a Single Equality Scheme
