Consultations
Defra: Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government have launched a joint consultation (closes on 29 August 2008) on a strategy to improve & protect honey bee health. Significant current widespread risks include American Foulbrood and European Foulbrood which are both subject to statutory controls, and varroa mites and associated viruses.
The strategy seeks to address the challenges facing beekeepers given their important role as custodians of honey bees. It sets out a plan for the future direction of work aimed at sustaining the health of honey bees and beekeeping in England and Wales for the next decade.
Press release ~ Consultation documents ~ Defra – Bee health ~ Foul brood disease of honey bees: recognition and control ~ Varroa ~ Bee Base ~
MoJ: A consultation (closes 2 July 2008) on a new drive to reduce re-offending has been launched to establish how Probation Boards and Trusts will provide the most cost-effective route to help rehabilitate and punish offenders.
During the passage of the Offender Management Act 2007, the Government signalled a move away from a regime in which probation areas sub-contract a specified proportion of their work. Instead, they will be adopting a system of Best Value similar to that used by local government. Under this model, Probation Boards and Trusts will need to ensure that services are continuously improved by the provider delivering the best value for money from the public, private or voluntary sector.
Press release ~ Best value in probation - consultation ~ Offender Management Act 2007 ~ Guide to the Offender Management Act regarding the provision of Probation services ~
ScotGov: Draft guidance to help local authorities exercise new powers and carry out duties to take action on poor quality private housing has been published for consultation (closes 1 July 2008). The measures, which are part of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, herald a change in the approach to dealing with poor living conditions in Scotland's privately owned housing stock.
The consultation asks for views on all the guidance created for LAs and, in particular, new proposals on:
* a National Lending Unit & Lending Advisory Service to help people find affordable loans with which to finance repairs
* a national Trusted Trader framework to ensure individuals have access to reputable and affordable traders
* a national Trusted Trader framework to ensure individuals have access to reputable and affordable traders
Press release ~ Housing (Scotland) Act 2006: Consultation on Draft Guidance and Regulations ~ Important changes to improve the quality of private sector housing ~ Shelter: Housing conditions
DCSF: Every local authority could have the opportunity to join Building Schools for the Future (BSF) earlier, under proposals to accelerate entry into the programme published for consultation (closes 4 July 2008).
Under existing plans, wave seven will be launched in early 2009, with funding coming on stream in 2011, but a handful of remaining local authorities would not see any BSF building project start until wave 15. All 76 local authorities, that have not yet joined the programme, will be invited to revise their existing expressions of interests between August and October - which will decide how projects will be grouped in the future. The next authorities to enter programme will be announced next spring and the exact roll-out will continue to be dependent on future public spending decisions.
Press release ~ Teachernet - Building Schools for the Future (BSF) ~ The Management of Building Schools for the Future waves 7 to 15
WAG: Rhodri Glyn Thomas, the Welsh Assembly Government Heritage Minister has welcomed the launch of the Ofcom review of Public Service Broadcasting, as an opportunity to shape the future of public service broadcasting in Wales.
WAG is currently working with the Institute of Welsh Affairs to develop an evidence base that will help in informing its response to the Ofcom consultation (closes 16 June 2008) of public service broadcasting. The audit will examine Welsh & English language broadcast, print and the potential threats & opportunities to Wales presented by the imminent digital switchover, increased internet use and media convergence.
Press release ~ WAG - Media and publishing ~ WAG - Culture and sport ~ Institute of Welsh Affairs ~ Ofcom review of Public Service Broadcasting ~ Ofcom consultation
CLG: A new ambition for all hostels to provide access to support, training & employment within the next three years to help end persistent rough sleeping, was announced by Housing Minister Iain Wright, when he published an action plan for consultation (closes on 8 July 2008) to reduce rough sleeping to as close to zero as possible, with new measures to help those who have remained entrenched on the streets – See ‘In the News’ section for more information.
