Consultations

LLUKLifelong Learning UK is leading a process of data collection about the workforce to ensure there is a better understanding of those operating in the lifelong learning sector.
 
As part of a data collection process revision, Lifelong Learning UK has now created an online consultation portal for all those involved in submitting data to discuss any aspects of the collection.  The portal will enable frequent & simple interaction and will build a community of users to assist each other.
Press release ~ Log in and have your say here
 
Defra: Decisions about how to handle animal diseases would move to an independent body under proposals announced for consultation (closes 30 June 2009). Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn, said the proposals would see a new independent board established to make decisions about animal health policy & delivery, made up of members with knowledge, experience and skills in the livestock industry, animal health science & welfare and relevant public health, consumer & wildlife issues.
 
In a disease outbreak, key decisions such as movement controls will be made by the Chair and Chief Executive of the new organisation, on the advice of the Chief Veterinary Officer. The earliest the new independent body could come into operation would be 2012.
Press release ~ Consultation and accompanying documents
 
CLG: New proposals for the full disclosure of senior staff pay & perks at local councils have been announced by Local Government Minister John Healey. The consultation (closes on 22 June 2009) proposes changes to the Accounts & Audit Regulations (2003) creating a new legal requirement and could require up to 475 local authority bodies to include detailed senior pay information in 2009/10 annual statement of accounts.
 
The new remuneration disclosure rules would require councils to set out full details for around 2,500 specifically identified senior posts (including temporary senior appointments) covering salary, bonuses, pensions, perks and compensation pay offs.
 
Additionally, the proposals build on the standards set in central government by also requiring councils to publish a head count, in narrower £5,000 band increments, of all staff taking home more than £50,000 a year.
Press release ~ Related recommendations of the Information Commissioner's Office ~ Consultation on amending the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2003 to improve transparency of reporting remuneration of senior officers in public bodies ~ Time for high earners to set an example
 
WAG: A new action plan to identify people at risk of blood borne viral hepatitis and to improve care for people living with the infection has been issued for public consultation (closes on 22 July 2009) by the Welsh Assembly Government.  Hepatitis B and C are viruses that spread from person to person by contact with infected blood and mainly affect the liver.
 
These infections can cause serious diseases and even death, but can be prevented and are treatable. The risk of catching hepatitis B and C increases if people partake in high-risk behaviours such as injecting drug use and unprotected sex. It is estimated that between 12,000 – 14,000 people in Wales are chronically infected with hepatitis C, the majority of which are unaware of their infection.
Press release ~ Proposed blood borne viral hepatitis action plan for Wales 2009-2014 ~ WAG – Health and Social care
 
FSA:  The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has issued a consultation paper seeking views on whether the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) should provide extra protection for holders of temporary high deposit balances in the event of the failure of a UK bank, if the EU Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive provides the UK with the scope to provide such protection. There would be a monetary limit of £500,000 and a time limit of six months for claims.
Press release ~ CP 09/11 ‘Financial Services Compensation Scheme: Protection for temporary high deposit balances, and Implementation of changes to the Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive’ ~ Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) ~ EU Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive
 
DH: A consultation on the framework for the registration of health & adult social care providers, published 25 March 2008, sought views on which services should be within the scope of the new registration system, and what requirements providers need to meet to be registered.  The response has now been published, together with a new consultation (closes 29 May 2009) asking whether the proposed content of the draft regulations fulfils CQC’s stated policy aims – See ‘In the News’ section for more information.
 
Defra: Views are being sought from farmers and other interested parties on how the new EU rules on the electronic identification of sheep & goats can best be implemented in England through a consultation (closes on 23 June 2009) - See ‘EU legislation, initiatives’ section for more information.
 
LBRO:  The Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO) is seeking views from local authorities on how they can provide more help to businesses.  It has produced draft advice & guidance - 'Better Local Regulation: Supporting businesses in recession and beyond' - and is welcoming comments (by Friday 29 May 2009) from councils, business, consumer groups, and national regulators.  The final guide will be published ahead of the LGA Annual Conference in July, and launched there ~ See ‘Business and other Briefings’ section for more information.
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