Consultations

BIS:  Sub-postmasters, customers & communities could be given a say in how the Post Office is run under plans published by Postal Affairs Minister, Edward Davey.  The proposals are in a Government consultation, Building a Mutual Post Office,’ setting out options to move the Post Office from Government ownership to a mutual model

The consultation (closes on 12 December 2011) builds on a detailed & independent report for Government led by Co-operatives UK. Published in May 2011, their report was positively received by Post Office’s stakeholders.

Press release ~ Mutualisation of the Post Office ~ Mutual Options for Post Office Ltd

HO:  The importance of tackling abuse of the family migration route and promoting better community integration for those who come to live permanently in the was reaffirmed recently by Immigration Minister, Damian Green.  Plans in the Family Migration consultation (closes on 6 October 2011), include:

*clearer definition of genuine marriage in order to prevent sham and forced marriages

* requiring spouses, partners & adult dependants to demonstrate they understand everyday English

Press release & links

OFT:  The OFT has launched a consultation (closes 9 December 2011) on draft guidance to estate agents & property developers which aims to help businesses handling sales of property & land in the UK comply with the law.  The new guidance focuses on 2 pieces of law:

* Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPRs)

* Business Protection from Misleading Marketing Regulations 2008 (BPRs)

Press release & links

BIS:  Investors will have greater clarity on how top businesses are run and how executive pay is matched to performance under proposals published by Business Secretary, Vince Cable.  Proposals published as part of a consultation paper will simplify the reporting requirements for companies, providing clear & relevant information to investors on performance & pay and enable shareholders to get a real picture of what is happening to inform their investment decisions.  The consultation closes on 25 Nov 2011.

Press release & links ~ CBI comment ~ TUC comment

BIS:  The Government has launched a call for evidence on how the UK intellectual property system can better support our globally successful design industry.  Design is important to the UK economy, with an estimated £33bn invested in design & architectural services in 2008.  But there are questions about whether the design industry is properly supported by the Intellectual Property system.

To help answer these questions, and properly target & inform policy change, the Government has issued a 'call for evidence' (Submissions should be sent to the IPO by 11 November 2011) in relation to the design sector and launched a supporting online questionnaire/survey aimed at business.  

Press release ~ Call for evidence ~ Online survey aimed at Business 

DCMS:  Proposals to amend the fees paid by gambling operators to the Gambling Commission have been set out in a public consultation (closes 15 December 22011) by John Penrose, the Minister responsible for gambling policy.  The new plans propose a reduction in annual fees for most non-remote operators, unchanged fees for around half of all operators, and an increase for a few larger operators.

Press release & links

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