These Regulations amend the National Health Service (Dental Charges) Regulations 2005 (“the 2005 Regulations”).
Link: The National Health Service (Dental Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2018
Source: Legislation .gov.uk
Company and director sentenced after carrying out unregistered gas work
A Chelmsford based company and director have been fined after conducting gas work at a domestic property in Mount Pleasant, Maldon without being gas safe registered.
Link: Company and director sentenced after carrying out unregistered gas work
Source: Health and Safety
The Pensions Increase (Review) Order 2018
Under section 59 of the Social Security Pensions Act 1975 (c.60) the Treasury have to provide by Order for the increase in the rates of public service pensions. The Pensions (Increase) Act 1971 (c.56) defines certain terms and sets out when a pension “begins” (the day after the last day of service in respect of which the pension is payable) and how the increase applies to lump sums.
Link: The Pensions Increase (Review) Order 2018
Source: Legislation .gov.uk
The Public Service Pensions Revaluation Order 2018
Section 9 of the Public Service Pensions Act 2013 (c.25) applies to public service pension schemes established under that Act which require a revaluation of pensionable earnings, or a portion of such earnings accrued as a pension, by reference to a change in prices or earnings (or both) in a given period.
Link: The Public Service Pensions Revaluation Order 2018
Source: Legislation .gov.uk
Press release: PM commissions industry taskforce on social impact investment
The taskforce will progress the recommendations in the ‘Growing a Culture of Social Impact Investing in the UK’ report, published by an advisory group chaired by Elizabeth Corley.
The Prime Minister has asked the taskforce to provide a progress report to Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Culture and John Glen, Economic Secretary to the Treasury by the summer. The government is also expected to announce its policy response in the summer.
The Prime Minister said:
The UK is a pioneer in impact investing. Our financial institutions have long-recognised the importance of using their investments to generate a positive social impact as well as a financial return.
The challenge now is for industry to unlock the capital to boost impact investment even further, finding solutions to some of the burning injustices we face as a society, and helping make sure the country works for everyone.
Social impact investing gives people the opportunity to put their money to work for social good, as well as financial return.
The taskforce will work on generating a faster rate of innovation in the financial services industry to provide products that give savers and investors the opportunity to make a social impact.
Elizabeth Corley, Vice-Chair of Allianz Global Investors said:
Government has a vital role to play in accelerating the development of UK social impact investing, so it is very encouraging to hear the Prime Minister voice her support for creating a culture of social impact investing in the UK and the work of the taskforce going forward.
With research showing that more than half of people in the UK are interested in purchasing social impact investment products but that only 9% have done so, this is a market with enormous potential, waiting to be unlocked by the type of focus and commitment announced today.
Today’s announcement follows a meeting the PM held last week with senior executives from some of the UK’s largest financial firms and impact investing pioneers, where she threw her weight behind social impact investment.
And the PM has asked Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Housing to consider what measures government could take to unlock and boost social impact investment, particularly in tackling issues like left-behind parts of the country, homelessness and housing for vulnerable people.
Link: Press release: PM commissions industry taskforce on social impact investment
Source: Gov Press Releases
The Communications (Television Licensing) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2018
These Regulations amend the Communications (Television Licensing) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/692) (“the CTLR 2004”) to make provision for a trial of a new TV licence to be known as a “Simple payment plan licence (not black and white only)” (a “simple payment licence”).
Link: The Communications (Television Licensing) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2018
Source: Legislation .gov.uk
The Tax Credits and Guardian’s Allowance Up-rating etc. Regulations 2018
Link: The Tax Credits and Guardian’s Allowance Up-rating etc. Regulations 2018
Source: Legislation .gov.uk
Committee examines impact of Brexit on UK space sector
The EU Internal Market Sub-Committee takes evidence on Thursday 15 March at 10.10am
Link: Committee examines impact of Brexit on UK space sector
Source: Parliamentary News
Press release: Waste vehicle seized from gang
A vehicle belonging to an organised gang operating in South East England has been seized by the Environment Agency and Thames Valley Police, as part of an ongoing waste crime investigation. The vehicle is believed to be linked to the operation of an illegal waste site in the Maidenhead area.
The seizure, which took place last week, comes as the Environment Agency and the police move forward in their investigation to capture those responsible for occupying land unlawfully and accepting tonnes of waste, often from unsuspecting sources, leaving behind the rubbish to be cleared at the expense of the landowner or taxpayer.
Illegal waste crime drains the UK economy of £1 billion each year in clean-up costs and lost tax revenues. It has a devastating effect on the environment and local communities with pest infestations and fires, which could lead to water and land contamination plus air pollution from smoke.
Nick Daykin, Environment Agency Enforcement Team Leader, said:
This is a great result in an ongoing investigation with Thames Valley Police to apprehend a group of unscrupulous individuals. The power to seize vehicles is a relatively new and is now an important weapon in our armoury for disrupting this type of criminal activity. This is a big message to the criminal fraternity: you set up site yesterday, we will have one of your vehicles off the road today and we will do it again tomorrow!
Using illegal waste dealers may seem tempting in terms of cost, but it can help fund organised crime. Everyone has a responsibility for their own waste and if your waste is found at an illegal site you could be facing fines of up to £5,000. To avoid this, we encourage members of the public and local businesses to ask their waste carrier for proof of their Waste Carrier’s Registration and to ask to see a ‘waste transfer note’ and if possible take a photo of it on their phone.
Contact
All press enquiries: 0800 141 2743
Link: Press release: Waste vehicle seized from gang
Source: Environment Agency
The Oil and Gas Authority (Levy) and Pollution Prevention and Control (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2018
These Regulations make provision for calculating and imposing a levy on the holders of petroleum licences in respect of the period beginning on 1st April 2018 and ending on 31st March 2019 (“the relevant charging period”). The levy is payable to meet costs incurred by the Oil and Gas Authority (“the OGA”) in carrying out its functions as well as costs incurred by the Lord Chancellor in connection with the provision of Tribunals to consider appeals against the decision of the OGA.
Link: The Oil and Gas Authority (Levy) and Pollution Prevention and Control (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2018
Source: Legislation .gov.uk