Consultations
EU News: The Commission has launched an in-depth consultation (closes on 18 October 2012) on issues arising in the area of investment funds. The consultation builds on and is complementary to the European Securities and Markets Authority's (ESMA) guidelines on ETF (exchange-traded funds) and other UCITS issues of 25 July. The consultation raises a series of issues & policy options aimed at maintaining investor confidence in money market funds.
Press release & links
EU News: In the context of its state aid modernisation initiative (SAM), the European Commission has launched a review of its Regulation applying to small aid amounts - the so-called "de minimis" Regulation (No 1998/2006). Under this Regulation, aid measures below €200,000 are outside the scope of EU state aid control and therefore do not require prior Commission approval. Submissions can be made until 18 October 2012 and the EC will prepare a revised draft regulation by the end of 2013.
Press release & links
TfL: A consultation (closes on 28 September 2012) on new Road Safety Action Plan began last week which sets a new target of a 40% reduction in the number of people killed & seriously injured (KSIs) on London's roads by 2020 and outlines 70 proposed measures to improve the Capital's roads.
Press release & links
BIS: The Government has set out its proposals to enhance the
The Intellectual Property Office has also published new research into the importance of design to the economy and how businesses protect their work:
* The first report considers the use of the legal framework
* The second report considers design in the international supply chain
Press release ~ Consultation on the Reform of the UK Designs Legal Framework ~ The Development of Design Law - Past and Future ~ UK Design as a global industry
LC: In a new consultation (closes on 25 October 2012), the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission are seeking views on proposals to protect consumers from unfair terms hidden in small print. Consumers enter into multiple standard form contracts each year, as a routine part of daily life. Examples are utilities, mobile phones, financial services and gyms.
What at first appears to be a good price can quickly become an expensive burden when additional charges and hidden conditions start to mount up. Consumers can be surprised by unexpected charges or find themselves tied into lengthy contracts that no longer serve their purpose.
Press release & links
Defra: Defra is developing a new set of sustainable development indicators to make our progress towards a more sustainable future more transparent & easier for people to track. It is holding an informal consultation on the new measures (closes on 15 October 2012)
Press release & links ~ WWF comment ~ Related press release & links
FSA: The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has proposed changes to the funding of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) which will continue to provide important reassurance to consumers but could reduce the likelihood of interim levies and offer firms more certainty in the level of fees they pay.
This consultation paper (closes on 25 October 2012) puts forward a credible funding approach balancing the need for adequacy of funds with affordability for those contributing.
Press release & links
Defra: businesses will find it simpler & easier to demonstrate their sustainability performance to the public & investors under new guidance proposed by Environment Minister Lord Taylor of Holbeach recently. Defra is consulting on guidelines to help businesses that want to demonstrate their corporate sustainability credentials do it in a clear and concise way. Consultation closes on 25 October 2012.
For the first time, guidance includes detailed advice on how firms can measure & report on their impact on wildlife and natural services such as clean air, clean water, food, timber, flood protection and welfare benefits.
