Consultations
ScotGov: Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead has launched a consultation (closes on 19 December 2008) on the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) for 2010-2013. Speaking during a parliamentary debate, Mr Lochhead said: "Less-favoured areas comprise 85% of our agricultural land and are therefore an integral part of our agenda. LFASS provides £61m a year to support over 12,500 farming and crofting businesses”.
It is no longer clear that new European regulations for LFASS will come into effect in 2010. Nevertheless representatives on the Scottish Government's LFASS Stakeholder Group have said that they would like the interim scheme reviewed and for any necessary changes to be made for 2010-13. The consultation paper therefore sets out options for a second interim scheme for 2010-13, as well as seeking views on how we should respond to possible changes in the relevant European regulations.
Press release ~ Consultation paper on Less Favoured Area Support Scheme in Scotland LFASS 2010-2013 ~ European Commission's Health Check of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) ~ LFASS
ScotGov: Patients should wait no more than 12 weeks for surgery after being referred to hospital, thanks to the Scottish Government's forthcoming Patient Rights Bill. The guarantee promises patients awaiting inpatient or day case treatment increased assurance that treatment will be provided quickly, minimising waiting and anxiety for patients.
The initiative is one of a range of measures being brought forward by the Scottish Government as part of a consultation (closes 16 January 2009) on the Patients Rights Bill.
Every household in Scotland will also receive an annual NHSScotland ownership report setting out information on the rights & responsibilities of patients & carers, access to local services and how to get involved in the design & delivery of local health services.
Press release ~ Patients' Rights: A Public Consultation on a Patients' Rights Bill for users of the NHS in Scotland ~ Scottish Consumer Council ~ NHSScotland ~ ScotGov - Health
Defra: Defra has launched a consultation (closes on 12 December 2008) on the National Control Programme (NCP) for the monitoring and control of Salmonella in broiler flocks (as supported by The Control of Salmonella in Broiler Flocks Order 2008).
The NCP is intended to reduce & control the prevalence of Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium in broiler flocks of domestic fowl to protect human health. It will be brought into force in January 2009 to comply with the requirements of EU Regulations 2160/2003 and 646/2007.
Defra hopes that the NCP will enable the UK broiler flocks sector to maintain its success in controlling Salmonella and to benefit from producers across the European Union applying consistent & comparable approaches. The purpose of this consultation is to agree an implementation programme which meets government obligations to public health and EU law, whilst taking into account the business needs of producers.
Press release ~ Consultation on the national control programme for broiler flocks ~
NA: The National Archives is urging people to have their say (by 30 November 2008) on the new National Collections Strategy, whichaims to support collection & preservation of records of major events, the lives & activities of individuals and communities, and public, private or charitable organisations. They hope that more such records will be found, kept and made publicly available.
The strategy will identify where there are gaps in the documentary heritage of England and Wales. They want to hear your views on its vision, aims & principles and your suggestions for making it a success.
CLG: Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has outlined plans for consultation (closes 19 December 2008) to make it easier for more people, from all walks of life, to volunteer for key roles in their local community. Magistrates, school governors and members of health bodies or police authorities already have time off entitlements. But Hazel Blears wants to take a fresh look at whether this should be extended to other roles to better reflect modern life and the needs of local communities.
Proposals include extending time off entitlement to those who want to help young offenders turn their lives around, get involved in making sure the local courts and probation services meet the needs of the community & council tenants who want to take an active role in the management of their estate.
WAG: A series of debates will be held to gather public opinion on whether Wales should become the first UK country to introduce a system of presumed consent to increase the number of organ donors. Because of a shortage of donors, 150 people have died in Wales in the last five years waiting for a transplant.
Events will be held across Wales in the next few months and a discussion document will also be issued by the Assembly Government to invite wider comment from the public.
Press release ~ Donate Wales – Tell a Loved One campaign ~
ScotGov: A consultation (closes 21 November 2008) on police powers to retain DNA and fingerprint evidence has been published, alongside a report by forensic expert Professor Jim Fraser following his review of the existing regime – See ‘Legislation / Legal’ section for more information.
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