Consultations

CC: The Competition Commission (CC) has recently published a draft Order for consultation (closes on 6 January 2011) setting out how measures to introduce competition into the Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) market will be implemented.
Press release ~ Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) ~ Notice of intention to make an Order (2010) ~ Draft PPI Order (2010) ~ Draft explanatory Note to accompany the PPI Order (2010)
 
DWP: The Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) has been asked by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to consider proposals for The Social Security (Mandatory Work Activity) Regulations 2011. The Committee would like to hear from organisations & individuals who have views.
Press release ~ Public Consultation: The Jobseeker's Allowance (Mandatory Work Activity) Regulations 2011
 
EU News: The European Commission is seeking the views (until 28 January 2011) on how Europe could scale up innovation to meet the challenges of the ageing population in Europe and, in particular, on a pilot European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on active & healthy ageing, as set out in the Innovation Union Flagship Initiative.  

Between 2010 & 2030, the number of Europeans aged over 65 will rise by nearly 40%, posing huge challenges but also offering great opportunities for Europe's society and economy.
Press release (includes related links) ~ Consultation on the pilot European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing
 
HEFCE: Schools, colleges, universities, student unions and a wide range of other bodies are being asked to comment on the information that higher education (HE) providers publish to help prospective students choose the course & institution that are best for them.  Updates on this work will be shared via a dedicated page on the HEFCE web-site and at 2 consultation events on 18 February in London and 3 March in Birmingham (consultation process will close on 7 March 2011).
Press release ~ Public information about higher education: Consultation on changes to information published by institutions
 
EU News: The European Commission has launched a wide public consultation on how the EU’s Value Added Tax (VAT) system can be strengthened & improved, to the benefit of citizens, businesses & Member States.  The Commission invites all interested to contribute to the public consultation, which will be open until 31 May 2011.  Based on the feedback received, the Commission will present the priorities for the future VAT system in a Communication at the end of 2011.
Press release ~ Further information on the Green Paper and consultation
 
WAG: Environment Minister, Jane Davidson, is calling on Welsh local authorities to take part in a consultation on statutory targets for municipal recycling. The Welsh Assembly Government is consulting (closes on 21 January 2011) on the definitions of recycling, preparation for re-use & composting; the monitoring arrangements and the financial penalties for not meeting statutory targets.
Press release ~ Draft Recycling, Preparation for Re-use and Composting Targets ~ WAG: Towards Zero Waste
 
Newswire – LGBCE: The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) has launched a major consultation of English local authorities.  Its 2 consultation papers set out proposals for how the Commission could work with councils on major issues such as council mergers, council size and boundary anomalies that can hinder the delivery of effective services.  Both consultations end on 31 December 2010
Press release ~  On the right lines? A consultation on policy and procedures for Principal Area Boundary Reviews (PABRs) ~ Striking the right balance. A consultation on policy and procedures for electoral reviews
 
DECC: The Warm Home Discount, confirmed as part of the recent Spending Review, will require energy companies by law to give a discount on energy bills to more of their most vulnerable customers. The plan is for older, poorer pensioners to receive up to £130 off their electricity bills.  Other groups such as low income families and those with long term illnesses and disabilities may also receive this discount.
 
The new mandatory scheme will replace the previous voluntary agreement with energy suppliers to provide better focused help to vulnerable consumers.  Over the 4 years of the scheme to 2015, the Warm Home Discount will be worth up to £1.1bn and projected to help around 2m households per year.  A consultation has been launched (closes on 14 January 2011) focusing on the detailed structure of the support scheme, including proposals for who should be eligible for assistance and how they will be targeted. 
Press release ~ Consultation on the Warm Home Discount ~ ONS: Excess Winter Mortality
 
LLUKLifelong Learning UK’s online review of the draft National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Career Development roles is now open.  This new set of NOS covers a broad range of roles, including: career & educational information advice & guidance; and employability support within the lifelong learning sector.
Press release
 
HMRCModernising the PAYE system through real time information moved a step closer last week when HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) published a consultation document; “Improving the operation of Pay As You Earn: Collecting Real Time Information” (closes on 28 February 2011).  PAYE real time information means employers will send HMRC information about tax and other deductions from employees’ pay when the employee is paid, rather than at the end of the year as at present.
Press release ~ Improving the operation of Pay As You Earn (PAYE): Collecting Real Time Information ~ Impact Assessment of Improving the operation of Pay As You Earn (PAYE): Real Time Information ~ Improving the operation of PAYE - July 2010 discussion document
 
HMT: The Government has published details of its Corporate Tax Reform programme consisting of a series of essential reforms designed to improve the UK's tax competitiveness - See ‘Policy Statements & Initiatives’ section for more information
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