Consultations
Defra: Hefty fines that punish people for putting rubbish in the wrong bin will be consigned to the scrap heap under plans set out by Defra last week. A consultation (closes on 9 March 2012) has been launched to stop councils imposing ‘bin fines’ of up to £1,000 on households that overfill their bins or accidentally leave their rubbish out on the wrong day.
Press release & links ~ Related CLG press release & links
DH: The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has been asked to lead a public discussion to ask if a new scientific procedure, which could prevent women with mitochondrial disease from passing the illness to their children, should be introduced. This will be launched later this year and the findings published towards the end of 2012.
The condition affects approximately one in 5,000 adults. One in 6,500 babies are born with a severe form of the disease that can lead to death in early infancy. There is no cure.
Press release & links
WAG: The Minister for Health and Social Services, Lesley Griffiths, is urging the Welsh public to make their mark before the organ donation consultation closes (on 31 January 2012). At the end of last year, the Welsh Government asked for views on the way people give consent to organ donation after death.
The consultation proposed a change to the current system, moving towards a soft opt-out approach. This means that unless someone registers a wish not to be a donor, they will be treated as though they have no objection. However, it is important to emphasise that families will be involved in the decision to donate after death.
Press release ~ Proposals for Legislation on organ and tissue donation: A Welsh Government White Paper
EU News: The European Commission has launched a Europe-wide public debate on corporate restructuring & anticipating change (consultation closes on 30 March 2012). The aim is to identify successful practices & policies in the field of restructuring and adapting to change.
The results will feed into the upcoming employment package and should help to improve further cooperation between workers & employers' representatives, government, local & regional authorities and the EU institutions.
Press release & links
HO: A public online consultation (closes on 10 April 2012) has been launched, asking for views on the implementation of 2 new powers designed to help communities deal with problems associated with late night drinking. The measures, contained in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 are due to be introduced in the autumn 2012.
Press release & links
EU News: Last week the European Commission launched an on-line public consultation on possible measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships.
All interested stakeholders can send their contributions until 12 April 2012. International maritime transport emissions already account for approximately 3% of global CO2 emissions and they are expected to more than double by 2050 if no additional action is taken.
