Consultations
NO: The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Ann Abraham, who investigates complaints about government bodies that have not been resolved elsewhere, has launched a public consultation (closes on 5 September 2011) on whether complainants should have direct access to her service. Currently, members of the public need a referral from a Member of Parliament (MP) in order to bring their complaint to the Parliamentary Ombudsman.
Research amongst the general public & those wanting to bring a complaint to the Ombudsman has found that 19% of people surveyed they would be less likely to bring a complaint to the Ombudsman, because of the need to contact an MP first.
OFT: The OFT has published for consultation revised guidance for the debt management industry (closes on 5 September 2011). The guidance update follows a review of compliance in the sector which found, amongst other things, widespread problems with misleading advertising and the quality of advice given in the fee charging sector.
Together with targeted OFT enforcement, the revised guidance is designed to address the issues identified by the review. The overall theme of the guidance is increasing transparency and ensuring that consumers have all the information they need to make an informed decision about the solution most appropriate for them. Where appropriate, the OFT will take enforcement action against businesses failing to adhere to the guidance.
ScotGov: The areas of Scotland most at risk of flooding are to be identified for the first time, as part of a new consultation (closes on Monday 15 August 2011). New guidance is also being published to ensure all agencies involved in dealing with flooding are clear about their roles & responsibilities in delivering sustainable flood management.
Press release ~ The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009: Delivering Sustainable Flood Risk Management ~ SEPA consultation - Flooding in Scotland
Newswire – LC: The Law Commission propose the repeal of some 94 obsolete Acts relating to London and the surrounding areas. These Acts reflect London's social & economic history from Tudor times through to the early 20th century. The repeal provisions will be included in a future Statute Law (Repeals) Bill. The consultation is open to specialists & the general public and it will close on 30 September 2011.
HMT: The Government has published its financial regulation White Paper and draft Bill. These provide further detail on the Government’s proposed reforms to the financial regulatory regime within the UK. Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Bill is scheduled to begin shortly. This offers a further opportunity for stakeholders & Parliamentarians to engage with and improve the Bill before its formal introduction to Parliament later this year.
Press release & links ~ White Paper: A new approach to financial regulation: the blueprint for reform (consultation closes on 8 September 2011).
HMT: The Government has published a consultation on its plans to reform the taxation of non-domiciled individuals (“non-domiciles”). It wants to ensure that non-domiciles make a fair tax contribution, as well as encourage them to invest in the UK and simplify the current tax rules for them. The Government does not intend to change the broad principles behind the existing tax system for non-domiciles.
The Government has also published a consultation on its plans for a statutory residence test (SRT). There is currently no full legal definition of tax residence, meaning that the rules are unclear, complicated and seen as subjective. The consultation proposes a framework for the SRT and seeks views on its design & implementation, in order to address these issues. Both consultations close on 9 September 2011.
A summary of responses to both will be published in the autumn. Draft legislation will be published for comment later in 2011 with a view to including final legislation in Finance Bill 2012.
