WIREDGOV

Consultations

DfT:  Local communities & businesses could be given control of decisions & budgets for major local transport schemes in their areas, under proposals announced for consultation (closes on 2 April 2012) by Transport Secretary, Justine Greening.  Currently central government must approve all schemes over £5m.

The new system could potentially see decisions on capital funding for local schemes - including new local roads, public transport schemes, better pedestrian routes, and new local rail stations - devolved to democratically accountable local transport bodies.  

Press release ~ Devolving local major transport schemes

DfT:  Plans to axe red tape for councils wanting to put in place schemes to tackle disruptive road works have been published for consultation (closes on 13 April 2012) by Regional & Local Transport Minister Norman Baker.  Under the plans, councils will still need to comply with the law on the penalties & requirements they can impose on utility companies when operating a permit scheme.

Press release ~ Consultation on 'permit schemes' for street works

NE:  In September 2011, Natural England's Board confirmed that it would be recommending extensions to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Park boundaries: the relevant Variation Orders to extend the Park boundaries, maps and boundary descriptions will shortly be presented to the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs for her consideration.

The documents describing these proposals can be viewed online and at 18 locations in & around the project area until 16 March 2012. 

Press release & links

DfT:  Changes to streamline the process local councils and the Highways Agency must go through when introducing new traffic restrictions are being looked at in a new consultation (closes 23 April 2012). 
Press release & links ~ Consultation

WAG:  Plans aimed at ensuring that Wales' natural environment is managed to deliver the best environmental & economic outcomes for have been launched by Environment Minister, John Griffiths.

The Welsh Government is inviting views on the proposals (by 31 May 2012) set out in its Green Paper and whether they are the right ones to ensure Wales’ natural environment helps to deliver the environmental and economic future that Wales needs.

Press release & links

MoJ:  In an overhaul of victims’ services, up to £50m would be generated from offenders to help create a speedier, more supportive system for victims of serious crime.  Criminals will be forced to fund victims' support services and those with unspent convictions could be banned from claiming compensation, under new proposals announced by Justice Secretary, Kenneth Clarke.  Consultation ends on 22 April 2012.

Press release & links

TfL:  Transport for London (TfL) has revealed plans for a radically improved Euston Circus, which will deliver a ‘greener, more user-friendly area for all in the heart of the Capital’.  The junction, which links Euston Road, Tottenham Court Road and Hampstead Road, has for many years been a traffic dominated area which acts as a significant barrier for pedestrians and cyclists.

TfL is now engaging with local stakeholders, residents & businesses to discuss the proposals and take onboard any additional comments while final designs are being drawn up (comment online by 17 February 2012).  As part of this engagement, TfL will be holding 2 exhibitions at the William Road Gallery, 7-9 William Road NW1 3ER between 16:00 and 19:00 on the 7 & 9 February 2012.  
Press release & links

CLG:  Zero-Carbon Homes are a step closer after new proposals have been announced to cut carbon emissions in new & existing buildings by Communities Minister, Andrew Stunell.  The new set of Building Regulations published for consultation will save over £63m a year for businesses ‘by cutting excessive red-tape and deliver safer & more sustainable buildings’.

When these amendments come into force in 2013, more energy efficient homes will typically save householders over £150 a year on energy bills compared with homes being built in May 2010.  Responses to the consultation can be provided up until 27 April 2012, other than the proposals related to the Green Deal where responses have been requested by 27 March 2012.

Press release & links

NICE:  Anyone with an interest in health is invited to have their say on potential indicators for the proposed Commissioning Outcomes Framework (COF), which will be used to improve the quality of commissioned health services and drive up standards of patient care across .  There are 120 indicators out for consultation for the 2013/14 COF, covering a broad range of topics including mental health, cancer and asthma.

All GP practices in will be required to join one of the Clinical Commissioning Groups, which will begin to assume their new statutory responsibilities from 2013/14.  The COF will allow the NHS Commissioning Board to measure the quality & outcomes of healthcare commissioned by CCGs and their contribution to achieving the outcomes set out in the NHS Outcomes Framework.  Consultation closes on Wednesday 29 February 2012.

Press release & links

ScotGov:  A consultation (closes on 12 March 2012) on a Hydro Nation Strategy and a Water Resources Bill has been launched aimed at cementing Scotland's global reputation as a country with a dynamic, world class, water industry.  The proposed Bill ‘places a duty on Ministers to develop the value of our water resources’.

Press release & links

EU News:  By 2050 the global population is set to reach 9bn people and worldwide demand for food, feed & fibre is forecast to increase by 70%.  To thrive in that context, economies will need to use natural resources in a far more efficient manner.  The way we consume and produce will be key to Europe's success or failure in this process. This is why the Commission intends to revise the EU's Consumption and Production policies and has launched a public consultation that will remain open until 3 April 2012.

Press release & links