EU Legislation, Initiatives, etc.

Defra: Defra has published its response to the consultation on measures to implement the Nitrates Directive and its key points include:
* England will continue to designate Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) on a selective basis, based on scientific evidence, rather than adopt the whole territory approach of some Member States
* The proposal for cover crops to reduce run-off from bare ground has been dropped
* The Government will pursue a derogation from the European Commission on the 170 kg/ha whole farm nitrogen loading limit
* A package of advice will be provided, including workshops and a helpline, to support farmers in making changes. Slurry storage facilities will be eligible for tax allowances on capital costs up to £50,000p.a.
* Maps of NVZs and guidance on the Action programme measures will be published alongside the Regulations in September;
* Defra is now developing plans for appeals against designation.
Press release ~ Defra: Nitrates - reducing water pollution from agriculture ~ ECSFDI Capital Grant Scheme 2008/09
OFT: In a landmark cross border case a Dutch Court has granted the OFT an injunction stopping Best Sales B.V. (a mail order company) from sending misleading prize draw mailings to UK consumers offering household goods and health remedies.
The injunction prevents Best Sales B.V. from continuing to send misleading mailings to UK consumers. Failure to comply with the injunction will result in a 1,000,000 Euro fine for each offending mailing sent. Best Sales B.V. are also required to place an agreed statement in two national UK newspapers apologising for having misled UK consumers. This is the first court order that the OFT has gained in the Netherlands and only the second ever cross border injunction sought by the OFT.
Press release ~ Office of Fair Trading ~ Can you stop the person you care for from being scammed? ~ Don't Let them Con You ~ Consumer Direct – How to spot scams
DfT: From the 26 July 2008, Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 imposes new legal obligations on airport operators, air carriers, their agents or tour operators, which will mean airports will have to provide FREEservices that enable disabled passengers to board, disembark and transit between flights. The rights will also apply to people with temporary reduced mobility, such as someone with a broken leg and will give a right to assistance once on the plane.
This is the second stage of measures designed to protect disabled passengers when travelling by air and creating a consistent standard across Europe. From 26 July 2007 it became illegal for airlines, travel agents or tour operators to refuse a booking on the grounds of disability, or to refuse to board a disabled person who has a valid ticket and reservation, except for safety reasons.
To reflect the new European Regulation, the Department for Transport has revised its guidance to the UK aviation industry on how to improve access to air travel for disabled people. This guidance, known as the Access to Air Travel Code of Practice, has been published to coincide with the Regulation coming into force,
Press release ~ Equality and Human Rights Commission – Air Travel ~ Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 ~ Directgov - Airport and airline services for disabled travellers ~ Access to Air Travel Code of Practice 2008 ~ Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee ~ Civil Aviation Authority ~ Disability Equality and Awareness Training Framework for Transport Staff ~ Design Specification for On-Board Wheelchair for Commercial Passenger Aircraft ~ Access to Air Travel: Guidance for Disabled and Less Mobile Passengers ~ Consultation on Accessibility Specification for Toilets on Aircraft ~ CAA Guidance on Seating Restrictions
DCMS: Plans to regulate video-on-demand services and product placement on British television are set out in a consultation (closes on 31 October, 2008) document published by Culture Secretary Andy Burnham. The proposals are part of a comprehensive consultation on how the UK should implement the EU Audio Visual Media Services (AVMS) Directive, which includes both compulsory and optional elements, some of which are expected to lead to new legislation – See ‘Consultations’ section for more information
Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story