Consultations
DECC: A proposed shortlist of schemes to generate clean, green electricity from the power of the tides in the Severn estuary has been unveiled for consultation (closes 23 April 2006) by the Department of Energy and Climate Change. The shortlist includes a mixture of barrages and innovative lagoon schemes.
The Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Ed Miliband, has also announced £500,000 of new funding to further develop embryonic technologies like tidal reefs and fences. The progress of these technologies will be considered before decisions are taken whether to go ahead with a Severn tidal power scheme.
The tides in the Severn estuary are the second highest in the world. The largest proposed scheme has the potential to generate nearly 5% of the UK's electricity from a domestic, low carbon & sustainable source.
Press release ~ Natural England press release ~ Severn Tidal Power Feasibility Study Consultation ~ SDC – Tidal Power ~ BERR – Tidal power in Severn Estuary ~ Severn Tidal Power Q&A (includes diagram) ~ WWF: Position Statement - Tidal Energy in the Severn Estuary ~ RSPB view on the Severn Barrage - a submission to the Department for Trade and Industry ~ FoE - Cymru ~ A Severn barrage or tidal lagoons? – A comparison ~ Severn Estuary ~ Renewable Energy Route Map for Wales
Defra: Defra is seeking views on the UK application to the European Commission for an extension to meet air quality targets for Particulate Matter (PM10). The application for an extension will be submitted to the European Commission as soon as possible after this consultation has closed (10 March 2009).
PM10 is made up of very small particles of soot and dust in the air, less than 10 micrometers in diameter (human hair ranges from 17-180 micrometers in diameter). Most other Member States have also reported some breaches of the EU PM10 limits since they came into force in 2005, and will also need to apply to the European Commission for the additional time available under the new ambient air quality directive. Twenty four out of 27 reported breaches of the limit values in 2007.
DH: Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson has announced clear medical guidance on alcohol consumption which recommends that young people up to the age of 15 should avoid alcohol altogether.
The five-point guidance document will form part of a consultation (closes 23 April 2009) on alcohol & young people and was a commitment in the Youth Alcohol Action Plan (June 2008) and responds to calls from parents for clear messages on the health effects & risks of young people drinking alcohol.
Press release ~ Guidance on the Consumption of Alcohol by Children and Young People ~ Youth Alcohol Action Plan ~ Alcohol Strategy 'Safe. Sensible. Social ~ Alcohol Health Alliance ~ Adfam ~ Drinkaware Trust ~ Institute of Alcohol Studies ~ Addaction ~ Mentor UK ~ Children's Bureau ~ DH – Alcohol Misuse
WAG: ‘Tackling poverty, promoting sustainability and ensuring affordability’ will be central to Wales' new National Housing Strategy. Deputy Minister for Housing, Jocelyn Davies launched the National Housing Strategy for Wales for consultation (closes on 1 May 2009) at the Alway Regeneration Project in Newport. The Strategy sets out the Government’s long term vision for housing in Wales.
Press release ~ WAG – Housing and Community ~
CQC: The new Care Quality Commission (CQC) has launched a consultation (closes 25 March 2009) on its 'Statement of Involvement’, which explains the importance of people's views & experience to the work of the Commission and sets out how the CQC plans to involve people who use services in all of its work - including inspections and reviews of services and helping to shape its priorities.
The CQC became a legal entity on 1 October 2008 and takes up its responsibilities for the quality of health and adult social care on 1 April 2009.
Press release ~
MoJ: The new Legal Services Board (LSB) has published its draft 2009/10 Business Plan for consultation (closes on 13 March 2009). The final version of the Plan will be published in April 2009 – See ‘Legislation / Legal’ for more information.
DWP: The Government has launched a consultation (closes 11 March 2009) ahead of a Child Poverty Bill which will ‘enshrine in legislation the Government's promise to eradicate child poverty by 2020 and mean the Government will be held to account on the success of ending child poverty’. The consultation - Ending Child Poverty: Making it Happen – was launched alongside a guarantee to fund childcare to help parents back to work– See ‘In the News’ for more information.
Defra: Plans to implement Europe's first comprehensive welfare rules on ‘chickens raised for meat’ have been released for consultation (closes 20 April 2009) – See ‘EU legislation, initiatives’ for more information.
Defra: A proposal that will hopefully ensure all animals across Europe are protected at the time of slaughter will be subject to comprehensive consultation (closes 20 April 2009) Farming Minister Jane Kennedy has claimed – See ‘EU legislation, initiatives’ for more information.
