WIREDGOV

NA: The Prime Minister announced on 25 October 2007 that he has commissioned a review of when historical records are transferred to The National Archives and largely opened to public access.  This currently happens 30 years after an event, and the Prime Minister's review will look at whether this period should be reduced.

 

Any changes in this area could have the effect of speeding up access to many records.  The National Archives will support the review and the review team will put forward their proposals in the spring. The review team has now launched the 30-year rule review website and you can contribute your views to the 30-year rule review until 29 February 2008, by filling in the online questionnaire.

Press release ~ Terms of reference of the review ~ 30-year rule review website ~ Online questionnaire ~ The National Archives

 

DIUS: The introduction of 'virtual' vouchers to enable some adults to fund their own informal learning is just one proposal being considered as part of a new Government consultation.  The consultation (closes on 15 May 2008) on informal adult learning, or learning for which the gaining of qualifications is not the main purpose, argues that developments such as this could be necessary if Government support for this education is to reflect the growing demands from learners.

 

Many people are now making better use of the internet, other new technologies and the voluntary sector rather than traditional classroom based education.  The aim is to formulate new proposals to further expand learning and ensure that people have more control over the format and availability of courses.

Press release ~ Consultation 'Informal Adult Learning - the way ahead' ~ NIACE ~ Help the Aged ~ The University of the Third Age ~ Family Learning Network

 

MoJ: People faced with multiple low value debts could benefit from new court measures set out in a consultation paper (closes on 16 April 2008)published by the Ministry of Justice. Under the proposals people who need extra time to pay off their debts could go to court for a new Enforcement Restriction Order.  

 

If granted this would provide temporary relief from the debt being enforced & collected for a set period of time.  It will be particularly aimed at people with several different low value debts and who have had a sudden change in their financial circumstances.

Press release ~ Consultation - Administration and Enforcement Restriction Orders: Setting the Parameters ~ Tribunal Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 ~ Managing debt : Directgov ~ Action plan for Financial Inclusion ~ Face to Face Debt Advice Project - BERR ~ FSA - Money made clear ~ Citizens Advice ~ Money Advice Trust

 

CLG: The government has also published a consultation document which seeks views on proposals for the future direction of Local Authority charging for property search services.  It progresses one of the key recommendations by the OFT in its market study of property search services – See ‘Guidance Notes and Best Practice’ below.