Policy Statements and Initiatives

DWP: A multi-million pound Government campaign aimed at getting millions of people saving more for their retirement launched in the print press last week. The campaign comes ahead of the start of automatic enrolment into workplace pensions, beginning in October 2012 for the largest employers. It will explain the fundamentals of the reforms and signpost people to the Directgov website where they can find out more.
Press release & links
 
BIS: The latest steps in reforms to the employment tribunal system were unveiled by Employment Relations Minister Edward Davey last week with the announcement of a pilot scheme for two regional mediation networks for SMEs.
 
The intention to pilot two regional mediation networks was published in the Government response to the Resolving Workplace Disputes consultation. The pilots will run for 12 months and, if successful, the Government will consider introducing them into other areas of England, Scotland & Wales. An open tender to deliver the mediation training for prospective candidates has been published and can be found on the ‘Contracts Finder’ website.
Press release & links
 
WAG: The Welsh Government has published details of locations around Wales where it proposes to intervene to provide next generation broadband to ensure the country has the best network possible. WAG is seeking to ensure that all residential premises & businesses in Wales have access to Next Generation Broadband by 2015 and will intervene in areas where the private sector is not investing.
Press release & links
 
BIS: Foreign Secretary William Hague, joined by Universities & Science Minister David Willetts, have launched a new gateway for UK higher education institutions to build on their international success. For the first time, the HE Global Integrated Advisory Service will bring together international education advice & services from both UK government departments and partners into one central resource.
 
HE Global will comprise a website, email & telephone helpline which will provide a single point of contact for UK universities looking to expand abroad through Transnational Education (TNE).
Press release & links
 
DWP: An extra £20m will be made available to support separated & separating families as part of the radical overhaul of the Child Maintenance system, Ministers announced last week. It will help families work out their own arrangements, rather than trapping them in the current outdated system, which has been shown to be expensive and divisive and does not put children first.
 
A typical case in the CSA can cost the taxpayer around £25,000 rising to around £40,000 if enforcement action is needed.  Many parents already share the care of their children and it is estimated that if those made their own arrangements for maintenance this could save the taxpayer £45m per year.
Press release & links
 
ScotGov: Every pupil taking Higher English exams will have a guaranteed entitlement to study Scottish texts, the Scottish Government announced last week.  Marking Burns Day, Education Secretary Michael Russell signalled the Government’s intention to ensure that all pupils will answer at least one question on Scottish texts.
Press release & links
 
CLG: Cities Minister Greg Clark has announced the date for mayoral elections. Ballot boxes in the cities that say 'yes' to mayors will open on 15 November 2012, giving local people the power to decide who their first mayor should be. In May 2010, the Coalition set out its commitment to creating directly elected mayors in the 12 largest English
Press release & links
 
DCMS: Good progress is being made by most local authorities developing plans to roll out superfast broadband says Ed Vaizey. 4 more areas had their Local Broadband Plans approved, meaning 15 of the 47 projects are now ready to begin taking superfast broadband to homes and businesses in their area.
Press release & links
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