Consultations

EU News: The European Commission is inviting comments on its first draft of a revised communication on the application of EU state aid rules to short-term export credit insurance. After a first round of consultations and based on its experience in applying the communication, the Commission proposes to clarify & simplify the current rules, which will expire on 31 December 2012.  

Comments on the draft communication should be submitted by 21 September 2012.  In light of the comments received, the Commission will adopt a reviewed communication in December 2012.
Press release & links
 
WAG: There still time to submit comments on the Welsh Government’s plan to make Wales second to none in stroke patient experience – and the Stroke Association is urging people to have their say. 

‘Together Against Stroke’ is designed to ensure stroke rates in Wales are among the lowest in Europe by 2016. Consultation closes on 2 August 2012.
Press release & links
 
HMT: The Government has published proposals that could prevent the directors of failed banks from holding similar positions at financial institutions in the future. The recommendations follow the findings of a report by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) into the failure of the Royal Bank of Scotland, published in December 2011, which highlighted how the errors made by senior management contributed to the bank having to be saved by the taxpayer.  
 
The Government is also consulting on the possibility of introducing criminal sanctions for serious misconduct in the management of a bank.  Consultation closes on 30 September 2012..
Press release & links ~ PX: Bonuses for failing directors should be clawed back, says think tank
 
HSE: The Health and Safety Executive has opened a consultation on proposals for the revision, consolidation or withdrawal of its Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs). The review is part of HSE's work to make it easier for businesses and other users to understand what they can do to comply with health and safety law. 

Consultees have until 14 September  2012 to submit their views on proposals to revise, consolidate or withdraw of 15 ACOPs and on minor revisions, or recommendations for no change, to a further 15 ACOPs.
 
There is also a proposal to withdraw the ACOP for the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and replace it with a suite of more specific, updated guidance. The consultation also asks if all ACOP documents should be limited to 32 pages, except in exceptional circumstances.
Press release & links
 
BIS: The Government is urging anyone involved in running a pub, particularly a community pub, to feed in their experiences, good & bad, of dealing with local authorities and other regulators as part of the Focus on Enforcement campaign.

The campaign allows users to post comments anonymously if they wish to, and is also looking to hear if third parties are implying regulations that require pubs to take action when in fact the regulations do not require this.

BIS will also shortly be launching a Focus on Enforcement review looking at enforcement & compliance arrangements relating to coastal assets & coastal development.  BIS are inviting businesses & those interested in this area to begin giving feedback on the Focus on Enforcement website prior to a formal launch of the review.
Press release ~ Focus on enforcement
 
WAGWorkshops (see press release) are being held across Wales as part of the Welsh Government’s consultation (closes on 10 September 2012) on the draft Human Transplantation (Wales) Bill, which will introduce a soft opt-opt system of organ donation in Wales.  To register attendance, please contact the Organ Donation Legislation Team on 029 2082 1427.
Press release & links
 
CLG: Further moves to simplify the planning system and make it more accessible to people in communities were set out recently by Planning Minister Greg Clark in a consultation: 
* on allowing greater permitted development rights in changing between Use Classes
* setting out a range of proposals to streamline the information requirements for planning applications
* to improve the performance of statutory consultees in the planning process (all consultations close on 11 September 2012))
Press release & links
 
ScotGov: ‘The best package of flexible childcare in the UK, designed to make it easier for parents to access work, education or training’ is the cornerstone of new legislation, Minister for Children and Young People Aileen Campbell said last week. The Minister was speaking as she launched a consultation (closes on 25 September 2012) on the forthcoming Children and Young People Bill. 
Press release & links
 
HMT: The Government has published a discussion document setting out its vision for the building societies sector. The consultation (closes on 6 September 2012) sets out how the recommendations of the Independent Commission on Banking (ICB) will apply to the building societies sector.
Press release & links
 
DfE: Up to 300,000 babies born this year are set to benefit from 15 hours of free early education each week when they are 2 years old, as the Government announces plans to roll out free early education to more children across England.
 
Sarah Teather, Minister for Children & Families, has launched a consultation (closes on 15 October 2012) calling for views on which 2-year olds should benefit.  This is the second phase of the roll out of free early education to around 40% of two-year-old children to help prepare them for school and give them the best possible start in life.
Press release & links
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