* Consultations in red are finishing this week
Draft inquiry procedures (UK) rules
This consultation sets out draft rules of procedure to be adopted by inquiries held under the Inquiries Act 2005. The consultation is aimed at those people with an interest in and experience of inquiries.
http://www.dca.gov.uk/consult/draft_inq_proc_rules/cp2605.htm
Closing date 23 May 2006
New proposals for additional Paternity leave and pay
The Government is publishing this consultation on the detail of the Additional Paternity Leave and Pay scheme, following commitments made in the Government’s Response to the Work and Families Consultation in October 2005. The Government’s intention is that employed fathers will be able to take up to 26 weeks Additional Paternity Leave, some of which could be paid if the mother of the child has returned to work.
http://www.dti.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-1600.html
Closing date 31 May 2006
Transitional arrangements and draft order for the implementation of the Gambling Act 2005
The Gambling Act 2005 introduces a new system of regulation for the gambling industry. The formal implementation date for the new Act has previously been set for 1 September 2007. The transitional arrangements map out how the Government proposes to move from the complex system of licences, permits and registrations under the current legislation, to the new system of operating and premises licences and permits introduced by the Gambling Act 2005.
http://www.culture.gov.uk/global/consultations/2006+current+consultations/cons_transitional_arrangements.htm?properties=2006+current+consultations%2C%2Fglobal%2Fconsultations%2Fdefault%2C&month=
Closing date 3 June 2006
New proposals to outlaw sexual orientation discrimination
The Equality Act 2006 included a power that allows the Government to prohibit discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation in the provision of goods, facilities and services, in education and in the exercise of public functions. The Government intends to use this power to make Regulations that take effect in October 2006.
http://www.dti.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-1607.html
Closing date 5 June 2006
Strategy for Scotland with an ageing population
To consult on the implications for Scotland with an ageing population: on the opportunities for older people and the contribution they can make, on integrated services, on health and wellbeing, and on accommodation and environments.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/03/07120532/0
Closing date 5 June 2006
Rural Development for Scotland 2007-13
This consultation requests views on the next EU funded Rural Development Programme for Scotland.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/04/03100240/0
Closing date 6 June 2006
FSA to consult on ending audit requirements for small firms
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has issued a consultation paper outlining proposals to remove the statutory audit requirements under the Companies Act for small firms and Appointed Representatives (ARs).
http://www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/Library/Communication/PR/2006/034.shtml
Closing date 6 June 2006
Collective redundancies – employers duty to notify the Secretary of State
The Government proposes to make a minor change to the law on collective redundancies concerning the duty on employers to inform the Secretary of State about collective redundancies. The amendment is being proposed as a consequence of the European Court of Justice decision in the case of Junk v Kühnel.
http://www.dti.gov.uk/consultations/Open/page28162.html
Closing date 9 June 2006
Expanding employers freedom
These proposals would enable company pensions administrators to provide written material and make oral promotions about company pensions to employees without needing to be regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). They also allow employers to communicate to employees about work-related insurance cover without needing to be regulated by the FSA.
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/budget/budget_06/other_documents/bud_bud06_odemployers.cfm
Closing date 14 June 2006
HM Revenue and Customs - Modernising powers, deterrents and safeguards: The developing programme of work
This is the second consultation document that responds to comments from the first consultation by exploring how HMRC can support those who seek to comply and penalise those who seek an unfair advantage through non-compliance.
http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageLibrary_ConsultationDocuments&propertyType=document&columns=1&id=HMCE_PROD1_025429
Closing date 23 June 2006
Supporting wave and tidal energy in Scotland
This consultation is on the best way to increase green energy generation from wave and tidal sources in Scotland. This follows a commitment by Scottish Ministers to amend the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) (ROS) to boost development of the renewables sector.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/05/10153327/ConDocsHTML
Closing date 3 August
Improving worker involvement – improving health and safety
This consultation sets out options aimed at increasing the quality and quantity of worker involvement in health and safety risk management by voluntary initiatives or by strengthening the legal requirements for consultation with employees.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd207.htm
Closing date 8 September 2006
Calls for evidence at the Scottish Parliament
Health Committee
Call for evidence on the Health Board Elections (Scotland) Bill
Closing date 25 August 2006
Environment Committee
Further call for evidence on the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill "Proper Occupier" concept
Closing date 8 June 2006
European and External Relations Committee
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/committees/europe/inquiries/ecEEF/ec-EEF-home.htmClosing date 14 July 2006
Equal Opportunities Committee
Call for evidence, Age Taking Stock.
Closing date 30 June 2006