Consultations

BIS: The ‘Civil Enforcement Remedies’ consultation will change the way authorities like Trading Standards enforce the law on behalf of consumers, giving them a range of new powers to use in civil courts that aim to:
* make sure businesses abide by consumer law and increase good practice
* reimburse consumers for money lost
* boost consumer confidence and empower them to exercise greater choice

Proposals include giving courts the option of making a business designate a point person who will look at how well a business complies with consumer law.  Another option could include introducing a clear complaints-handling scheme so customers know exactly who to contact for help when they have a problem.  

Other proposals will make it easier for consumers to find out which businesses they can trust and which they cannot.  The consultation closes on 31 December 2012.
Press release & links
 
CLG: Councils would be free to pump as much as £22bn more of pension fund investments into infrastructure supporting the Government's ambitions to build more homes, roads or high speed railway under proposals announced by Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles last week.
 
The proposals would potentially allow councils to double the amount they can legally invest from their pension funds directly into key infrastructure projects in a new & more efficient way that ensures long-term value for the taxpayer. Consultation closes on 18 December 2012.
Press release & links ~ CBI comment
 
WAG: The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on its draft Clean Air for Port Talbot short term action plan. Air quality has significantly improved in Wales though there is still room for improvement, particularly in Port Talbot.  Historically, the town has a high level of pollution that is generally attributed to the industrial nature of the area.  In addition, there are also emissions derived from road transport and nearby industrial sites.
 
The Welsh Government has produced a Clean Air for Port Talbot short term action plan to address measures that can be taken, in addition to everyday activities, where there is a risk of particulate matter limit values being exceeded.  Comments received from the public and local interest groups during this consultation period will be used to develop a final plan.  The consultation closes on 29 January 2013.
 
In 2013 a second public consultation on a revised plan will be carried out.
Press release & links
 
DWP: A call for evidence on the impact of 2 statutory constraints on the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST), one of the pension schemes employers can choose for automatic enrolment, was published last week. The Government is seeking views & evidence on whether the annual contribution limit & transfer restrictions on NEST are influencing employers’ choice of automatic enrolment scheme in a way that was not intended.  The call for evidence ends on 28 January 2013.
Press release & links ~ TUC: NEST restrictions should go
 
DfT: Stephen Hammond MP has issued a written statement announcing the publication of a consultation document which aims to examine whether the speed limit for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) over 7.5 tonnes on single carriageways, is set at the right level. The consultation will run until 1 February 2013.
Press release & links
 
DHProposed changes to the NHS Constitution will give patients stronger rights Health Minister Norman Lamb announced recently. Single sex accommodation will be included in the constitution for the first time, along with stronger rights for patients to be told about mistakes and a right to have complaints acknowledged within 3 working days.
 
The change is part of a wider consultation, launched recently, asking the public and the NHS how they think NHS Constitution can be strengthened. The proposed changes to the NHS Constitution would be the first major set of changes since it was introduced 3 years ago. The consultation will close on 28 January 2013.
Press release & links ~ NHS Confederation statement on proposed changes to the NHS Constitution
 
TfL: Local residents & businesses are being invited to comment on proposals to extend the Northern line from Kennington to Battersea via Nine Elms.  The proposed plans - which are subject to funding & permission from the Government - would include 2 new Tube stations at Battersea and Nine Elms.  

2 previous consultations have showed that there is strong support for the 3km Northern line Tube link which would help regenerate Vauxhall & Nine Elms and support up to 25,000 jobs & 16,000 new homes.  The Consultation will close on 16 December 2012.
Press release & links
 
MoDMeasures to overhaul Britain's Reserve Forces to create a ‘fully integrated Armed Forces’ were unveiled last week as part of a wide-ranging consultation published by the Defence Secretary Philip Hammond.   The consultation will close on 18 January 2013 - See ‘In the News’ section for more information.
Press release & links
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