Closed Consultations 2007


 

Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and Industry on behalf of British Chambers of Commerce (BCC)
Mersey Gateway
Cabinet Office
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR)
Department for Constitutional Affairs
Department For Communities & Local Government
Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
Department for Education & Skills
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Department for Health
Department of Transport
TransFood Standards Agency
HM Revenues & Customs
HM Treasury
HSE
Low Pay Commission
EU Consultations

Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and Industry on behalf of British Chambers of Commerce (BCC)

Climate Change Bill Consultation (Word Doc)
Liverpool Chamber closing date - 11 May 2007 - to enable compilation of responses and incorporation into the BCC national document, Government closing date 12 June 2007.

Mersey Gateway

Mersey Gateway

The Mersey Gateway is a £390 million project to build a new bridge over the Mersey between Runcorn and Widnes. The project includes modifications to the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge to improve facilities for public transport, walking and cycling.

The consultation closed on 21st September 2007.

Cabinet Office

Consultation Policy Review

The Government has launched its review of consultation policy: “Effective Consultation: asking the right questions, asking the right people, listening to the answers”. This document forms the centre piece of the Cabinet Office's review of central government consultation policy.

Duration: 14 June 2007 to 28 September 2007

Better Regulation Executive: Implementing Hampton: from enforcement to compliance
Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Bill
The government is consulting on a draft bill which will give the Local Better Regulation Office statutory powers to promote better communication amongst local authorities, and between them and central governmnet, providing a better basis for keeping the burdens for regulation on businesses to a minimum.

Closing date: 15 August 2007

Better Regulation Executive: Compliance Code
The purpose of this consultation document is to seek comments on a draft Regulators' Compliance Code (“the Compliance Code”) and the proposed content of the Listing Order, specifying the regulatory functions to which both the Code and the principles of good regulation should apply.

Closing date: 15 August 2007

 

Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR)

Implementation of Directive 2006/43/EC on Statutory Audits of Annual and Consolidated Accounts (8th Company Law Directive)

Starting Date: 19-07-07
Closing Date: 15-10-07

The Directive clarifies the duties of statutory auditors and provides for their independence and ethical standards; introduces a requirement for external quality assurance; provides for public oversight of the audit profession, including third country auditors, and improved cooperation between oversight bodies in the EU. It also provides a basis for international cooperation between regulators in the EU and with regulators in third countries.

The draft regulations were published on Thursday 19 July.

Household Energy Supplier Obligation: call for evidence
This consultation is listed under DEFRA – Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Implementing the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD) into UK law
Starting Date: 29-05-07
Closing Date: 21-08-07

This consultation seeks your views on the draft regulations implementing the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive into UK law. 

You may also be interested in responding to the consultation on draft guidance published by the OFT on it's website. (Access to this is via the link above)

National minimum wage and voluntary workers
Starting Date: 12-06-07
Closing Date: 04-09-07

In January 2007, the government announced that it was carrying out a review of the provisions in the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 that relate to voluntary workers.

Planning for a Sustainable Future
Launch: A consultation was published alongside the Planning White Paper on 21 May 2007
This consultation is listed on this page under Department for Communities and Local Government

The Future of Nuclear Power: The role of nuclear power in a low carbon UK economy
Launch: 23 May 2007, alongside the Energy White Paper 

The deadline for responses is: 10 October 2007

Consultation on: Carbon Emissions Reduction Target April 2008 to March 2011
Launch: 23 May 2007, alongside the White Paper
This consultation is listed on this page under Defra – Department for Environment Food and Rural Affair

Carbon Reduction Commitment
Energy billing and metering: changing customer behaviour - a consultation on policies presented in the Energy White Paper
Starting Date: 03-08-07

Closing Date: 31-10-07

To consult on the proposal that energy suppliers should provide all but the smallest business users with advanced metering services within the next 5 years.

This consultation is listed on this page under Defra – Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs 

Consultation on Sustainable products, Energy in Use: Consumer Electrics
This consultation followed the publication of the Energy White Paper of 23 May 2007

Comments on the Policy Brief by 17 August 2007.

Renewable Energy: Reform of the Renewables Obligation
Starting Date: 23-05-07
Closing Date: 06-09-07

In the 2006 Energy Review Report the Government announced a number of proposals for changes to the Renewables Obligation. These changes would provide differentiated support levels to different renewables technologies and give additional certainty on long-term Renewable Obligation Certificate prices. These changes to the RO will require new primary legislation and so will not be introduced until April 2009 at the earliest.

On 9 October 2006 the Government published an initial consultation document on these proposals. This closed on 5 January 2007.

This latest consultation document published on 23 May 2007 sets out in more detail the proposals to reform the RO

Simplifying Business Support
Starting Date: 22-06-07

Closing Date: 14-09-07

Government wants to simplify business support in England from around 3000 schemes to no more than 100 by 2010. We want to make sure business support funded by Government is simple for business to access, has a real impact on public policy goals and represents value for money.

The chancellor made a commitment to consult in the 2007 Budget and this consultation outlines and seeks views on the business support government might fund in the future. It sets out the role of Business Link as the primary route to publicly-funded business support and seeks views on how Business Link can be developed to play this role. Finally, it seeks views on how to avoid business support schemes proliferating again once they have been simplified.

The consultation is aimed at business (including social enterprises) and their representatives; local authorities and other public sector organisations involved in business support; and private, public and third sector organisations that are contracted to provide publicly funded support to business.

Export Control Act 2002 - 2007 Review of Export Control Legislation
(of particular interest to International Sector)

Starting Date: 18-06-07
Closing Date: 30-09-07

2007 REVIEW OF EXPORT CONTROL LEGISLATION

At the time of the introduction of secondary legislation in May 2004 under the Export Control Act 2002, the Government made a public commitment to undertake a Post Implementation Review of the new controls three years after introduction, in accordance with Cabinet Office ‘Better Regulation’ Guidelines.

This consultation is an important opportunity to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of what the Government did in 2004 and, where appropriate, assess possible options for changes to the controls, including in relation to trading in military goods conducted by UK persons overseas; the provision of ancillary services such as transportation; the production of controlled goods overseas under licence from UK companies or by UK subsidiaries; the transfer of equipment for military use in embargoed destinations; and restrictions on the export of goods that could be used for torture.

This paper invites evidence-based views on the likely impact and effectiveness of any potential change option, as well as inviting views on any alternative options.

At the end of the consultation period, 30 September 2007, the Government will carefully analyse all responses received. The Government intends to publish the initial results of that analysis by 31 December 2007.

Household Energy Supplier Obligation: call for evidence
Launch: 13 June 2007

The purpose is to help consider possible alternative designs for the post 2011 phase of the continuing obligation on energy suppliers.

The closing date for responses is 14 September 2007

Banding the Renewables Obligation
Launch: 23 May 2007, alongside the Energy White Paper

Closing date: 6 September 2007

Guidance on the Gas Act 1965, under which licensed Gas Transporters proposing to store gas in natural porous strata onshore seek consent from the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry
Launch: 23 May 2007, alongside the Energy White Paper

Closing date: 15 August 2007

Products Policy Brief on Consumer Electronics
Launch: May 2007, alongside the White Paper

AEA Energy and Environment is managing this consultation on consumer electronics products, as lead contractor on the Government’s Market Transformation Programme. AEA Energy and Environment is acting on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in this task, and welcomes comments on the Policy Brief by 17 August 2007.

Decommissioning Offshore Energy Installations
Starting Date: 21-06-07

Closing Date: 13-09-07

A Consultation on changes to the offshore decommissioning regimes for oil and gas installations in the Petroleum Act 1998 and for renewable energy installations in the Energy Act 2004.

Carbon Reduction Commitment
This closed consultation is listed on this page under Defra – Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Proposals to implement two EC Directives on the safety of Cosmetic Products
Starting Date: 15-05-07
Closing Date: 03-08-07

This consultation seeks your views on two technical amendments to the Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 2004 (as amended).

Consultation on Guidance to Local Authorities in England and Wales on Climate Change Mitigation and Fuel Poverty
Starting Date: 09-05-07
Closing Date: 01-08-07

The Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006 commits the government to producing an 'energy measures report' by August 2007.  This report must contain information on measures that local authorities can take in order to:

The consultation seeks written views, from local government and others, on the approach the government should take towards the report.

The report will form part of a wider package of measures taken forward in England and Wales to ensure that more local authorities take action on climate change and sustainable and affordable energy.

Guidance on the Consenting Process for Onshore Generating Stations above 50Mw in England and Wales: An Energy Review consultation
Starting Date: 11-05-07
Closing Date: 03-08-07

This consultation seeks views on the content of the guidance.

Administration of Additional Paternity Leave and Pay – a consultation
Starting Date: 14-05-07
Closing Date: 03-08-07

The Government consultation has been published on the administration of Additional Paternity Leave and Pay following commitments made in the November 2006 Government Response to the consultation on Additional Paternity Leave and Pay in March 2006.

More information about this on our legislation page.

The judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the ASLEF v UK Case: implications for Trade Union law
Starting Date: 16-05-07
Closing Date: 08-08-07

On 27 February 2007, the European Court of Human Rights issued a judgment in the case of Aslef v The United Kingdom (Application no 11002/05). The case concerns the freedom of trade unions under GB law to expel or exclude individuals on the grounds of their political party membership, and the Court concluded that the relevant part of GB law violated Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

This consultation document describes the current legal framework and the measures taken by the Government in the Employment Relations Act 2004 to provide greater freedom to trade unions to exclude or expel political activists. It summarises the Court's judgment, and the final section sets out the options considered by the Government to amend the law and poses three questions which respondents are asked to address.

After the results of this consultation have been assessed and as soon as a suitable legislative vehicle is found, the Government will introduce measures to amend the relevant legislation.

National Minimum Wage and Employment Agency Standards enforcement consultation
Starting Date: 16-05-07
Closing Date: 08-08-07

This BERR consultation is about two key elements of the regulatory framework – the national minimum wage (NMW)  (arrears and penalties) and the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate – focussing on measures to promote compliance and improve fairness both for workers and compliant businesses.

More information about the Minimum Wage on our Legislation page.

Recently passed legislation on the Minimum Wage.

Resolving disputes in the workplace – A consultation
Starting Date: 21-03-07
Closing Date: 20-06-07

This consultation sets out a package of measures for taking forward the recommendations of the Gibbons review of employment dispute resolution in Great Britain.

The review was set up to look at the options for simplifying and improving all aspects of employment dispute resolution, to make the system work better for employers and employees. It looked at all aspects of the system, including the existing legal requirements, how employment tribunals work, and the scope for new initiatives to help resolve disputes at an earlier stage.

Implementation of Directive 2006/43/EC on Statutory Audits of Annual and Consolidated Accounts (8th Company Law Directive)
Starting Date: 05-03-07
Closing Date: 01-06-07

This DTI consultation invites your views on the implementation of the Directive on statutory audit of annual and consolidated accounts (replacing the 8th Company Law Directive).

Implementation of Directive 2006/46/EC on Company Reporting - Amending the Accounting Directives
Starting Date: 05-03-07
Closing Date: 01-06-07

This DTI consultation seeks your views on proposals to implement amendments to the Fourth and Seventh Accounting Directives and to the Bank Accounts and Insurance Accounts Directives.

Implementation of Directive 2005/56/EC on Cross-Border Mergers of Limited Liability Companies
Starting Date: 05-03-07
Closing Date: 01-06-07

This Government public consultation is on the implementation of the Cross-Border Mergers Directive.  This Directive establishes a facilitative framework for cross-border mergers to occur between UK companies and companies elsewhere in the EEA. 

European Internal Market - Proposals for a Regulation on Accreditation and Market Surveillance and a Decision on a Common Framework for the Marketing of Products - [COM(2007)37 Final & COM(2007)53 Final] - A Consultation Document
Starting Date: 09-03-07
Closing Date: 01-06-07

This is a Government public consultation on Commission Proposals for a new Internal Market package of complementary measures (Proposals for a Regulation and a Decision) that have been designed to strengthen and modernise the conditions for the marketing of a wide range of products in the EU.

Implementation of Companies Act 2006 Consultative Document February 2007
The DTI has published a consultative document on the policy issues related to secondary legislation which will need to be made under the Companies Act 2006, and on transitional and savings provisions.

Comments are invited by 31 May 2007 (except for those issues relating to political donations and expenditure, for which comments are requested by 1 May 2007).

Margaret Hodge announces Companies Act Implementation timetable.

Consultation on measures to protect vulnerable agency workers
Starting Date: 20-02-07
Closing Date: 31-05-07

This DTI consultation aims to gather views from interested parties and those who may be affected by the proposed changes to the Conduct Regulations to increase protection for vulnerable agency workers and reduce information burdens.

Mutual Recognition: Proposal for an EU Regulation on application of national rules to products lawfully marketed in another Member State
Starting Date: 28-02-07
Closing Date: 23-05-07

This Government a public consultation is on the Commission proposal on Mutual Recognition to gather views both on the proposal itself and on the experience of UK companies wishing to take advantage of the Mutual Recognition principle in trading across the EU.

The European Commission has published a proposal that aims to improve the free movement of goods within the EU by improving the functioning of Mutual Recognition. Mutual Recognition is the principle of EU law under which Member States must allow goods that are legally sold in another Member State to be sold within their own territory.
 
The Commission contends that the Principle of Mutual Recognition is not being respected fully, due to legal uncertainty and lack of awareness among businesses and Member State authorities. It therefore aims to improve the functioning of Mutual Recognition and thereby provide greater regulatory certainty for businesses wishing to sell goods in other EU Member States. This proposed Regulation only applies to the "non-harmonised" field of goods, and does not apply to goods that are already subject to EU harmonising legislation (such as the EU Directives on Toy Safety, Machinery, Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, etc).
 
The proposal: (a) sets out a procedure that market surveillance authorities will have to follow if they want to use national technical rules in order to prevent goods being marketed in their territory; and (b) obliges Member States to set up Product Contact Points to provide information to businesses on their national technical rules.
 
The Procedure to be followed by market surveillance authorities
• Before taking action to remove or require modification of a product, the market surveillance authority must write to the producer or distributor.
• In writing, it must set out under which national law the action is being taken and how the national law is compatible with EU law on the free movement of goods.
• The producer concerned has twenty working days to respond.
• After twenty days the authority can take its planned action, but it must inform the producer of the reasons for its decision and state what routes of appeal there are.
 
To note:
Implicit in this procedure is the right for a producer to continue marketing the product in another member state until a final decision on a restriction is taken. 
Currently the burden of proof lies with the producer. 
 
Product Contact Points
The proposal requires each Member State to set up an information point which will store and provide information relating to:
• national technical rules applicable in the Member State
• contact details of competent authorities; and
• means of judicial redress available in the Member States

Department for Communities & Local Government

A Framework for Fairness: Proposals for a Single Equality Bill for Great Britain
This consultation paper sets out the Government’s proposals for a Single Equality Bill for Great Britain. The proposals have been developed as a result of the Discrimination Law Review, launched in February 2005 to consider the opportunities for creating a clearer and more streamlined discrimination legislative framework which produces better outcomes for those who currently experience disadvantage. This consultation seeks your views on various specific proposals for achieving this.

Deadline:  4 September 2007

Planning for a Sustainable Future

Published: 21 May 2007

Closing date: 17 August 2007

On 21 May 2007, the Government published the Planning White Paper, Planning for a Sustainable Future: White Paper.The White Paper sets out an ambitious programme of proposed reforms to the planning system to be taken forward in the next three years. These reforms will, for the first time, embrace all development consent regimes, including those for major energy, water, transport and waste development, as well as the town and country planning system.

Planning White Paper Consultation Government Response to Consultation Replies
Published 27 November 2007


 

Revision of Local Government (Best Value Authorities) (Power to Trade) (England) (Amendment) Order 2004
Public consultation on what will replace the transitional trading order for Fire and Rescue Authorities.

Closing date: 20 July 2007

Changes to Permitted Development: Consultation Paper 1 - Permitted Development Rights for Householder Microgeneration
This consultation paper outlines the Government's proposals for reforming the system governing what householders can do to their own property without the need to apply for planning permission so as to allow the easier installation of microgeneration technologies.

Closing date: 27 June 2007

Department for Constitutional Affairs

Civil court fees
[CP 05/07]
This consultation is to seek views on proposals to:

Closing date: 25 June 2007

Claims Management Regulation - Professional Indemnity Insurance
[CP 04/07]
This paper sets out for consultation the draft rules on Professional Indemnity Insurance. The consultation is aimed at those with an interest in claims management in England and Wales.

Consultation begins on 23 February 2007
Consultation ends on 25 May 2007

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Gambling Act 2005: The Review of Premises Licence Regulations
(Of particular interest to the Tourism Sector)
This consultation covers regulations for the Review of a premises licence under the Gambling Act 2005. It follows on from the legislation already laid which governs the process of issuing a premises licence.

Closing date:  17 July 2007

Gambling Act 2005: Consultation on Temporary Use Notices
(of particular interest to the Tourism Sector)
This consultation covers regulations in Part 9 of the Gambling Act 2005 - Temporary Use Notices.
 
These regulations will govern the process in which a premises, not usually licensed for the purposes of gambling, can be used for low level gambling for up to 21 days a year. Also attached are draft forms for comment. Draft regulations and a Regulatory Impact assessment will follow.

Closing date: 20 July 2007

Department for Education & Skills

Raising Expectations: Staying in education and training post-16
This Green Paper sets out proposals to require all young people to remain in education or training until their 18th birthday, from 2013. There are significant benefits to be gained from young people staying in learning for longer – for individuals, the economy and society. Introducing compulsion could be the way to get beyond our existing stretching targets for increasing post-16 participation. The document sets out for consultation our proposals for implementing such a requirement in a way that ensures everyone can benefit. The proposals apply to England only.

Launch Date: Thursday 22 March 2007
Closing Date: Thursday 14 June 200

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

Consultation on the implementation proposals of the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC)
In the Energy White Paper 2007, the Government announced its intention to consult on the detail of how the proposed UK Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) can best be implemented. This consultation invites views on how Government, including the Devolved Administrations, should implement the UK CRC, in order to secure the required emissions reductions.

Key issues for this consultation include:

Closing date: 9 October 2007

The CRC is effectively the successor to the UK Emissions Trading Scheme as proposed in the Government’s Energy White Paper. The scheme is unlikely to effect most SME’s, generally only reaching those firms with roughly £500,000 energy bills.

The target market for the CRC will be the large supermarkets, hotels and banks. 

Further reading:
Summary of Carbon Reduction Commitment written by Defra [Word Document]
What is the Carbon Reduction Commitment?

Energy Services Directive 2006/32/EC Article 6
Launch: 3 August 2007

The closing date for responses to this consultation is 26 October 2007
Purpose: to consult on possible additional measures needed to comply with the Energy Services Directive 2006/32/EC Article 6 in relation to the promotion of energy efficiency by energy suppliers.

CoRWM Implementation
Launch: 25 June 2007

Responses should be received no later than Friday, 2 November 2007

Purpose: to consult on the Government’s proposals for implementing CoRWM‘s recommendations

Household Energy Supplier Obligation: call for evidence
Launch: 13 June 2007, alongside the White Paper

Closing date: 14th September 2007.Purpose: to help consider possible alternative designs for the post 2011 phase of the continuing obligation on energy suppliers.

Proposals for amendments to The Environmental Protection (Controls on Ozone-Depleting Substances) Regulations 2002 (SI 2002 No 528) and The Ozone-Depleting Substances (Qualifications) Regulations 2006 (SI 2006 No 1510)
(Of particular interest to Maritime and International Sectors)

A consultation on proposals to amend The Environmental Protection (Controls on Ozone-Depleting Substances) Regulations 2002 and The Ozone-Depleting Substances (Qualifications) Regulations 2006.

The proposed amending Regulations are intended to:

These Regulations will be applicable to England, Scotland, and Wales (including offshore oil and gas installations which fall within the remit of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)) and in relation to importation, in Northern Ireland. Separate Regulations will be issued by the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland.

The proposed amendment to the Ozone Depleting Substances (Qualifications) 2006 makes a minor addition in relation to fire protection qualifications.

A separate consultation paper is being issued at the same time as this one dealing with implementation issues relating to the EC Regulation 842/2006 on certain fluorinated greenhouse gases. This can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/f-gas/index.htm The proposals in that paper affect some but not all of the sectors affected by this paper, which is why separate consultation papers are being published.

This consultation closes on 14 August 2007.

Consultation on: Carbon Emissions Reduction Target April 2008 to March 2011

Launch: 23 May 2007, alongside the White Paper
This consultation sets out the Government's proposals for the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target 2008-11 (CERT).  This is the name for the obligation on energy suppliers previously referred to as the Energy Efficiency Commitment 2008-11, or EEC3.  The Government proposes a CERT obligation at around double the level of activity of the current EEC 2005-08, with a continuing focus on low-income consumers.  It proposes to extend the scope of the mechanism to include, in addition to energy efficiency measures, microgeneration and behavioural measures, and to introduce new approaches for innovation and flexibility. 

The closing date for comments is 15 August 2007

Proposals for offences and penalties and enforcement in relation to EC Regulation 842/2006 on certain fluorinated greenhouse gases

The consultation invites views on proposed offences and penalties Regulations applicable to Great Britain that carry forward the implementation of EC Regulation 842/2006 on Certain Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases.

Closing date: 14 August 2007

Consultation on Site Waste Management Plans for the Construction Industry
Powers were included in the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 for regulations requiring a site waste management plan (SWMP) for works involving construction or demolition waste. Following the voluntary code of practice launched by DTI in 2004, Defra has developed proposals for compulsory site waste management plans in England. SWMPs aim both to reduce fly-tipping and to promote the potential resource savings from minimising waste.

The consultation package includes an explanation of the proposals, a partial regulatory impact assessment and draft regulations. Views are invited from all those with an interest in the construction industry and protecting the environment from waste crime.

The closing date for responses is 9 July 2007.

Activities in the ceramics sector

This is the final consultation of Sector Guidance Note (SG) 7 for A2 activities in the ceramics sector on the fifth of the so-called '2-year reviews' of all the sector guidance notes for the local authority IPPC-regime. The 2-year review programme is to reinforce the guidance on non-air matters, which were given limited coverage in the original published notes. It should be noted that this review of the guidance did not examine the air emission limits.

Closing date:  29 June 2007.

REACH Enforcement
There is a consultation currently in process from DEFRA on the enforcement from REACH. Responses by 4 June 2007.
Recent Reach Legislation
Forthcoming Reach Legislation
REACH background
European Chemicals Agency

Reform of the EU fruit and vegetable regime
This consultation seeks comments on the European Commission's proposals for a reform of the fresh and processed fruit and vegetable regime.
 
Deadline:  7 June 2007.

Consultation on a Marine Bill White Paper, A Sea Change
(Of particular interest to the Maritime Sector)
A Sea Change, a Marine Bill White Paper, was published on 15 March 2007.

Your views are sought on the proposals set out in the White Paper and input to the supporting regulatory impact assessment. Five key issues are covered: planning in the marine area; licensing activities in the marine area; marine nature conservation; modernising marine fisheries management; and a new marine management organisation.

The deadline for responses was 8 June 2007

Draft Climate Change Bil
The Bill will introduce a clear, credible, long-term framework for the UK to achieve its goals of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and ensure steps are taken towards adapting to the impacts of climate change.

The closing date for responses was 12 June 2007.

Department for Health

Review of parts 2, 5 and 6 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984:
This consultation sets out proposals for new legal powers to prevent the spread of infectious disease and contamination.

Closing date: 25 June 2007

Department of Transport

Local Transport Planning: The Next Steps
Date of publication: 26 July 2007

Closing date: 19 October 2007

The 82 second local transport plans for transport authorities in England (outside London), which cover the period up to 2010/11, have been in place for one year. The Department now wishes to consult on proposals for those main issues associated with the operation of the second local transport plans that were not dealt with in the 2006 capital settlement of December last year. The consultation document also looks forward to how the local transport plan framework might be developed for the period beyond 2010/11.

The three main issues covered are:

This consultation is aimed primarily at partners and stakeholders in local and regional government (in England outside of London) and in the communities they serve. However, we welcome comments from any members of the public interested in the future of local transport planning in England.

Liverpool Chamber would welcome any comments which would assist in formulating our response. Please email Steve Pearse

 

Draft Local Transport Bill
The Draft Local Transport Bill is the Government’s attempt to deal with the chronic congestion that is strangling the British economy. As part of its main provisions it signifies the Government’s attempt to press ahead with plans to introduce road pricing schemes across England. The draft Bill will also grant more powers to local authorities to bring in their own schemes while giving councils a bigger say in improving local bus services.

The Document builds on the recommendations of the Eddington report and the measures set out last December in the Government’s review of the bus industry ‘Putting Passengers First’.

This bill is in draft form which means it has been put out for consultation. Liverpool Chamber will be requesting responses to the specific consultation questions to allow input into the consultation process.

The public consultation closes on Friday 7 September, and full details of how to respond are contained in Chapter 7 of the consultation document. If you want your thoughts to be included in a Liverpool Chamber response please submit these to steve.pearse@liverpoolchamber.org.uk by the end of August.

Road Pricing.

Review of Future Options for Local Transport Planning in England Final Report July 2007

In 2007 Green Transport Week took place on the 16-24 June.
More information on Green Transport Week.

Clarification of the water preferred policy guidelines for the movement of abnormal loads
Consulting on the clarification of the water preferred policy guidelines for the movement of abnormal indivisible loads.

Closing date: 28 August 2007

Consultation on the detail of the Graduated Fixed Penalty and Deposit Schemes
A consultation paper to seek views on the details to be incorporated in secondary legislation for the Graduated Fixed Penalty and Deposit Schemes.

Closing date: 30 August 2007

Carbon and sustainability reporting within the renewable transport fuel obligation
This document seeks views on the detailed information that transport fuel suppliers might be required to provide to the RTFO Administrator on the carbon savings and wider sustainability impacts of their biofuels. It is likely to be of particular interest to transport fuel suppliers and those involved in the biofuels industry.

Closing date: 13 September 2007

Traffic signs regulations and general directions 2002 to enable improved signing of safety cameras
This consultation invites comments on proposed amendments to The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) relating to safety camera signing.

Closing date: 17 September 2007

Changes to Section 9 of the Race Relations Act 1976
(Of particular interest to the Maritime Sector)
Currently UK law permits employers or principals to remunerate seafarers who applied for or were engaged outside the Great Britain differently on the grounds of nationality. The European Commission has asked the Government to investigate this situation and its legality in terms of European Community (EC) law.

Section 9 of the Race Relations Act 1976 (RRA) contains an exception for seafarers recruited abroad. It has become clear that to comply with EC law relating to anti-discrimination, section 9 of the RRA needs to be amended so that the exception no longer extends to seafarers from European Economic Area (EEA - all EU Member States plus Lichtenstein, Norway and Iceland) and certain designated states (These are listed in annex I of the RIA).

The consultation period will last for six months from 13 March until 14 September 2007

Consultation on a national concessionary bus travel pass for older and disabled people in England
Consultation on the proposed specifications for a national concessionary bus travel pass for older and disabled people in England.

Closing date: 20 July 2007

Joint CAA and DfT consultation on the reform of the ATOL system
Joint Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and DfT consultation on the reform of the Air Travel Organiser's Licensing (ATOL) system and replenishment of the Air Travel Trust Fund (ATTF).
(of particular interest to the Tourism Sector)

Closing date: 29 June 2007

Access to Air Travel for Disabled Persons and Persons with Reduced Mobility: UK Consultation
(Of particular interest to the International Sector)
This Department for Transport consultation seeks views on proposals for the enforcement of EU Regulation 1107/2006 - Access to Air Travel for Disabled Persons and Persons with Reduced Mobility when travelling by Air.

Closing date: 26 June 2007

Consultation on proposals to allow the electronic delivery of certificates of motor insurance
The Department for Transport is inviting comments on proposals to allow the electronic delivery of motor insurance certificates.

Closing date: 20 June 2007

Consultation paper on European draft directive on airport charges
(Of particular interest to the International Sector)
The Department for Transport seeks views on the draft European Directive on Airport Charges which will inform the DfT position in European negotiations on the subject.

Closing date: 18 June 2007

Consultation on Harbour Order Fees and Services
(Of particular interest to the Maritime Sector)
The Department for Transport consultation seeks full cost recovery over 3 years; invites views on restructuring of fees by type of application; and invites views on the service provided by DfT.

Closing date: 15 June 2007

Commission’s proposal to include aviation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
(Of particular interest to the International Sector)
The Department for Transport and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is seeking views on the Commission’s legislative proposal to include aviation in the EU emissions trading scheme. The consultation is accompanied by a partial regulatory impact assessment.

Closing date: 01 June 2007

Food Standards Agency

UK National Food Labelling Provisions
The national provisions within the Food Labelling Regulations 1996 (as amended) have evolved over time in response to domestic need, and have so far been unaffected by European Union (EU) law. The European Commission (EC) is currently reviewing EU food labelling legislation and has indicated that the current food labelling directive will be replaced by a directly applicable regulation.

Responses are requested by: 31 August 2007

Consultation details:
The national labelling provisions are being reviewed with the objective of either removing them or seeking to retain them at European level. The Agency seeks comments on the options and recommendations set out in the attached Partial Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA).

Draft Food Labelling (Declaration of Allergens) (England) Regulations
The Agency seeks views of the draft Food Labelling (Declaration of Allergens) (England) Regulations, on the partial regulatory impact assessment and the questions posed, on the accompanying guidance notes and on the process of implementation of legislation on the permanent exemptions of certain derived products.

Responses are requested by: 4 September 2007

Consultation details
Food Labelling (Declaration of Allergens) (England) Regulations
The Food Labelling (Amendment) (England) (No.2) Regulations 2004 implemented Directive 2003/89/EC, which amends Directive 2000/13/EC, as regards the indication of the ingredients present in foodstuffs. These Regulations, which came into force on 26 November 2004, established a list of 12 allergens that have to be indicated on the label whenever they or their derivatives are used as deliberate ingredients in pre-packed food, including alcoholic drinks.

Due to increasing concerns about the allergenicity of both lupin and molluscs, and following advice from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) the Commission has extended the list of 12 potential food allergens to include lupin and molluscs (gastropods, bivalves or cephalopods), and products obtained from them.

Wine Standards Enforcement Policy
This consultation seeks to set out the role of the FSA and its Wine Standards Branch Inspectors in enforcing regulations governing the production, labelling and documentation of wines marketed in the UK. It also summarises the roles of other enforcement bodies with responsibility for wine controls and explains the regulations and the powers available to ensure compliance with them.

Responses are requested by: 10 September

Consultation details:
Enforcement of the EU wine regulations became the responsibility of the Agency in July 2006, covering all premises and traders within the production and marketing chain, including wholesalers, warehouses and vineyards. Retail premises are the responsibility of Trading Standards. The Enforcement Policy aims to ensure that decisions are consistent, fair, transparent and proportionate, and this document invites comment on the risk-based approach to enforcement and general procedures.

Materials and Articles in Contact with Food (England) Regulations 2007
The proposed draft Materials and Articles in Contact with Food (England) Regulations 2007 will make provision for authorities in England to enforce the provisions of Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2023/2006, on good manufacturing practice (the ‘GMP Regulation’). This GMP Regulation applies to all materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.

Responses are requested by: 3 August 2007

European Commission Proposal to Amend Regulation (EC) 852/2004
The key proposal is to amend Regulation (EC) 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs, so that certain food businesses with fewer than ten employees would be exempt from the requirement for food safety procedures based on HACCP principles.

Comments by: 1 August 2007

HM Revenues & Customs

Business tax reform: capital allowances changes
Issue date of consultation: 26 July 2007
Date of response: 19 October 2007
A joint HMT/HMRC consultation document on three new capital allowances measures announced at Budget 2007.

Further reading:

HM Revenue & Customs Budget 2007 Business Tax Reform Package

Draft guidance for business on the prevention of money laundering
This consultation document seeks views on the final draft of Public Notice MLR8 for businesses on countering money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

Start of consultation: 29 March 2007
End of consultation: 31 May 2007

HM Treasury

Taxation of the foreign profits of companies: a discussion document
Budget 2007 announced a major set of reforms to modernise the domestic corporation tax base, marking a further milestone in the Government's objective to maintain a competitive tax system for business. Alongside domestic reform, the Government also committed to consult on reforming the taxation of foreign profits.

In the light of that commitment, this document sets out a package of proposals for modernising and creating a more straightforward regime for taxing foreign profits. The Government wishes to discuss this with business, in order to develop more detailed proposals for further consultation.

Comments should be received by 14 September 2007

Tax incentives for development of brownfield land
This consultation covers:

Closing date: 14 June 2007

 Any legislation needed following the consultation will not be enacted before 2008

HSE

United Nations Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)
Aim: One Chemical, one label - worldwide
Draft European Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures (based on the UN GHS) launched 27 June 2007

The proposed act aligns the EU system of classification, labelling and packaging substances and mixtures to the United Nations Globally Harmonised System (GHS). It is expected to facilitate global trade and harmonised communication of hazard information of chemicals and to promote regulatory efficiency. It will complement the new REACH Regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals. The proposed Regulation will be discussed by the European Parliament and the Council under the co-decision procedure.

HSC launched a Consultative Document (including an initial Regulatory Impact Assessment) on 14 August 2007, seeking views on the EC's proposed European Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures.

Consultation is due to end on 2 November 2007.

Further reading:
Small Business Europe Summary [PDF]

HSE Small Business Trade Association Forum Paper
Wednesday 17 January 2007

Low Pay Commission

National Minimum Wage
Consultation for 2008 Report

The Commission has been asked by the Government to examine a number of aspects of the National Minimum Wage. Our Consultation documents seeks written submissions on any of the issues covered by our Terms of Reference. In addition we are also interested to hear views on compliance and enforcement of the minimum wage.

The Deadline for responses is 28 September 2007

Minimum Wage Forthcoming Legislation
Recent Minimum Wage Legislation

 

EU Consultations

There are currently no closed EU consultations