Policy Statements and Initiatives

BIS: David Willetts, the Universities & Science Minister, has announced the student support package for 2012/13 for new & continuing students, including those at alternative providers.  Maintenance grants will be increased for existing undergraduates at the start of the 2012/13 academic year – this is the first increase in maintenance in 3 years.
 
Maintenance grant loan levels for particular groups of undergraduates starting in 2012/13 – such as those living away from home & studying in London and those living at home while studying – and distance learning students will be entitled to tuition loans on the same basis as full-time students for the first time.
Press release & links
 
CO: Plans to transform My Civil Service Pension (MyCSP), which administers the delivery of Civil Service Pension schemes, into mutual joint venture, have been announced by Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office.  This will be the first major ‘spin out’ of a central government service ‘giving employees the opportunity to take a stake in their business’.
 
Plans for MyCSP envisage that the Government, MyCSP employees, and a private sector partner would all have a strong material interest in the service. The potential for offering a stake to pension scheme members is also being considered.  Work is now underway to develop this approach with the final structure of the partnership being shaped to provide further value for money to the taxpayer.
Press release & links ~ PCS union’s (hostile) response
 
CLG: The Coalition Government recently reminded local councils ‘not to exceed their legal powers by imposing 'backdoor' bin taxes’. In a joint letter to all councils, Environment Minister, Lord Henley and Local Government Minister, Bob Neill raise serious concerns that, through the Waste Review being carried out it has become clear that a small minority of councils are seeking to charge for bin bags or for the collection of normal household rubbish.

Councils were accordingly reminded of the law and instructed to stop the spread of such practice.
 
The Localism Bill is ending the legislation which allowed for the introduction & roll-out of new taxes for the collection of household bins.  The Coalition has also cancelled the pilot schemes for these new bin taxes.
Press release & links
 
DCMS: The Art Fund has announced plans to increase its funding for museums & galleries all over the UK to buy & show art by over 50% by 2014 – rising by 10% each year until then.
 
The Art fund have also launched their National Art Pass, which gives free entry to over 200 charging museums and galleries and 50% off entry to major exhibitions.  The National Art Pass replaces the Art Fund’s previous membership card and proceeds from the Pass will feed directly into their funding programme, supporting museums & galleries across the country.
Press release & links
 
CLG: New powers being introduced in the Localism Bill will give local people a ‘real voice to shape development in their area through a neighbourhood plan, from determining the locations of shops, offices and schools to setting the standards of design for new housing’.
 
To ensure communities have the right support & advice to meet their own aspirations, Planning Minister, Mr Clark, has announced the 4 organisations with renowned expertise in planning, who will share a £3.2m fund to provide assistance to local groups developing neighbourhood plans.
Press release & links ~ Supporting Communities & Neighbourhoods in Planning:  Prospectus
Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story