Legislation / Legal
EHRC: The Equality and Human Rights Commission intervened in a test case in which the High Court has ruled that the police cannot keep photographs of people without criminal records or those not found guilty. T
he court has ordered the Metropolitan Police to revise its guidelines within months. The police force is then very likely to have to destroy its photographs of anyone who is innocent of any crime.
he court has ordered the Metropolitan Police to revise its guidelines within months. The police force is then very likely to have to destroy its photographs of anyone who is innocent of any crime.
ScotGov: The Justice Secretary has issued a challenge to the Treasury to ‘ensure Scotland’s police & fire services can continue to recover VAT’. Kenny MacAskill said the policy is in stark contrast to the UK Government’s treatment of Academy schools in England, where the rules were changed to allow VAT to be reclaimed. It would also mean the police and fire services in Scotland would be the only ones in the UK unable to recover VAT.
FRC: Reform of the Financial Reporting Council was last week given parliamentary approval by the House of Commons and House of Lords. The reforms will enable the FRC to operate as a unified regulatory body, with enhanced independence from those it regulates, and more proportionate range of sanctions.
OFT: The Office of Fair Trading has accepted legally enforceable undertakings offered by the 3 largest UK electrical retailers to improve the way the extended warranties market works, following consultation with business & consumers.
ScotGov: Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has confirmed a major shake-up of the way in which Scotland’s criminal justice system deals with women offenders is to begin with immediate effect following the findings of an expert report into female offending in Scotland.
DSA: Driving instructors who pose a significant threat to public safety will face immediate suspension under new legislation. Currently, it takes a minimum of 45 days to prevent an instructor from continuing to give paid driving instruction. From 13 July 2012, the registrar of approved driving instructors will have the power to immediately suspend the registration or trainee licence of an instructor who presents a significant danger to the safety of the public.
WAG: Regulations have come into force detailing how local authorities must allow carers of disabled children to take the short breaks they are legally entitled to. The short breaks, made statutory in the Children and Young Persons Act 2008, are not just respite for the parents or carers. They also provide an opportunity for disabled children & young people to spend time with other children their own age.
ScotGov: A new law will ensure Scotland’s water has a sustainable future helping to boost Scotland’s low carbon economy & creating jobs. The Water Resources (Scotland) Bill aims to cement Scotland's global reputation as home to a dynamic, world class water industry with knowledge & expertise in water management. A range of measures to ensure Scotland’s water resource is managed efficiently and to the benefit of Scotland, are also included in the Bill.
