Day: July 5, 2018

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Press release: CMA demands pricing action from energy company

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has today issued legal directions to Daligas, a London-based company that provides energy to small businesses (SMEs) and domestic customers.

A previous CMA Order had required all energy companies supplying Microbusinesses to provide an online tool so SMEs can access accurate energy quotes to compare with other firms, and potentially switch to a better deal. More than 20 energy firms that offer energy to SMEs are already complying with the Order, issued as part of the CMA’s investigation into the energy market.

The CMA has issued the directions after Daligas failed to respond to several reminders to meet this requirement.

By failing to provide this information, Daligas is also in breach of one of Ofgem’s licensing conditions.

Andrea Gomes da Silva, Executive Director of Markets and Mergers at the CMA said:

Small businesses are vitally important to the UK economy. As a result of the CMA’s investigation into the energy sector, these companies have a right to be given accurate pricing information so they can compare their energy deal with other suppliers and potentially switch to a better offer.

By not allowing companies to access this information in a timely way, Daligas is breaching its legal obligations, which is why we have issued these formal directions.

The company must now comply within the next month, or we will take it to court. We also want to remind other companies that we can and will take action if they fail to comply with CMA orders.

Anthony Pygram, director of conduct and enforcement at Ofgem, said:

Providing an online tool to create a quote for small businesses customers ensures they have the correct information they need to be able to compare suppliers and choose the right one for them.

We have written to Daligas to remind them of their licence obligations and our expectation that they will comply with the CMA’s Directions.

When a supplier does not comply with their licence obligations, Ofgem has the powers by statute to impose financial penalties and for suppliers to accept commitments or undertakings relating to future conduct or arrangements.

Notes to editors

  1. The CMA is the UK’s primary competition and consumer authority. It is an independent non-ministerial government department with responsibility for carrying out investigations into mergers, markets and the regulated industries and enforcing competition and consumer law. For CMA updates, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
  2. Daligas is in breach of the Energy Market Investigation (Microbusinesses) Order 2016. This order provides measures to increase price transparency for microbusiness customers and make it easier for them to switch supplier.
  3. All information on the CMA’s energy investigation is available on the case page. The Microbusiness Order was published in December 2016.
  4. Directions are a formal enforcement instrument used to ensure that an Enterprise Act 2002 remedy imposed by the CMA, in this case the Order, is complied with fully. The firm has one month to comply with the direction, as failure to do so may lead to action before courts.
  5. Directions have been used before to ensure compliance with a market remedy. A list of directions can be found on the CMA’s website.
  6. Media enquiries should be directed to press@cma.gov.uk or 020 3738 6460.

Link: Press release: CMA demands pricing action from energy company
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Change of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in December 2018

Mr Colin Crooks LVO has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in succession to Mr Alastair Morgan. Mr Crooks will take up his appointment in December 2018.

CURRICULUM VITAE

Full name: Colin James Crooks

Married to: Young-kee Crooks

Children: Two

2015 to present Beijing, Minister Counsellor
2011 to 2015 EU Delegation Jakarta, Deputy Head of Mission, later Chargé d’Affaires (on loan to European External Action Service)
2009 to 2011 FCO, Deputy Head, South East Asia Department
2008 FCO, Senior Policy Adviser on North Korea
2008 Pyongyang, Chargé d’Affaires
2008 On loan to Cabinet Office – Stabilisation Adviser
2006 to 2008 FCO, Deputy Programme Director, Corporate Services
2002 to 2006 Washington, First Secretary
2000 to 2002 FCO, Principal Speechwriter to the Foreign Secretary
1999 to 2000 FCO, Head of Section, European Union Directorate
1995 to 1999 Seoul, Second Secretary, later First Secretary
1993 to 1995 Language Training (Korean)
1992 to 1993 FCO, Desk Officer, Latin America Department
1992 Joined FCO

Further information

Media enquiries

For journalists

Link: Press release: Change of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in December 2018
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Ticket bots ban comes into force

Ticket touts are now banned from using automated software to buy more tickets for events than they are allowed, only to sell them on at inflated prices.

New legislation that comes into force today means that that anyone caught breaking the law will face an unlimited fine.

Bots being used to buy up tickets have become an all too familiar problem for consumers as they try in vain to see their favourite musicians, sports stars or shows.

But, thanks to new legislation and regulatory changes the tide is now turning against the touts. Artists including Ed Sheeran, Arctic Monkeys, Pixies, The Charlatans and Iron Maiden are among those who have already put in place new measures to give real fans the chance to buy tickets from those who can no longer attend a show and clamping down on unfair practices.

Digital and the Creative Industries Minister Margot James said:

Fans deserve the chance to see their favourite artists at a fair price. Too often they have been priced out of the market due to unscrupulous touts buying up huge batches of tickets and selling them on at ridiculous prices.

From today I am pleased to say that we have successfully banned the bots. We are giving the power back to consumers to help to make 2018 a great year for Britain’s booming events scene.

FanFair Alliance campaign manager Adam Webb said:

Taking action against touts who bulk-harvest tickets is another important step towards cleaning up the so-called secondary market. Alongside strong and swift enforcement of consumer legislation through agencies like National Trading Standards and the Competition & Markets Authority, there is clear potential to root out the bad actors and to allow a new breed of fair, transparent, and law-abiding ticket resale services to flourish.

Chief Executive of the Music Managers’ Forum Annabella Coldrick said:

The new changes to the law including banning bots will help increase the chances of tickets getting into the hands of fans. The entire market is now shifting with the increasing ability to enforce artists terms and conditions and provide face-value resale options which are fan-friendly. These changes have the potential to have a global impact and the US is now looking to UK consumer law to help clean up it’s own ticketing market.

Jonathan Brown, Chief Executive of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) said:

Ticket limits are set by event organisers and ticketing companies to enable fairer distribution of tickets. STAR, the industry body representing over ninety percent of UK live entertainment ticketing, therefore welcomes these new regulations which are are an important step in helping ensure that more tickets get into the hands of customers at the right prices.

Link: Press release: Ticket bots ban comes into force
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Environment Agency confirms Blue Green Algae in three locations across the Lake District

Following hot, dry, weather across Cumbria, the Environment Agency has confirmed reports of Blue Green Algae in three locations across the Lake District.

Ullswater, Coniston and Killington Lake have all tested positive for potentially toxic Blue Green Algae which can have a negative effect on the appearance, quality and use of the water.

Throughout the summer months, the Environment Agency test water samples and confirm if Blue Green Algae has been found. They then inform landowners of the blooms, so they can take the necessary steps to warn the public of any potential dangers. This could may be the local authority, or a private landowner.

Jim Ratcliffe from the Environment Agency says:

As always, if people see any environmental impacts due to dry weather, such as fish in distress, or Blue Green Algae, please report it to the Environment Agency incident line on 0800 80 70 60 open 24/7, so we can investigate and take appropriate action to protect people and the environment.

If our sampling confirms Blue Green Algae is present in a lake or river, we inform the landowner, and they are encouraged to take the necessary steps to inform users of the water, by way of posters, notices or other means.

The Environment Agency continues to work with water companies, businesses and farmers across the country to provide advice, helping to balance the needs of water users and minimise impacts on the environment of any dry weather.

Water bodies affected by Blue Green Algae, or Algal Blooms may be green, blue-green or greenish brown and can produce musty, earthy or grassy odours. Blooms can also cause foaming on the shoreline, which can sometimes be confused with sewage pollution. During a bloom, the water also becomes less clear, blocking sunlight and stopping plants in the water from growing.

Blue Green Algae naturally occurs in inland waters, estuaries and the sea. Blooms can form when their numbers become excessive. Once algal numbers are high, the bloom is likely to persist throughout the season, declining only on the onset of winter conditions.

Bloom and scum forming blue-green algae can produce toxins. Toxin producing blooms are called Harmful Algal Blooms. These toxins can be harmful to wild animals, farm livestock and domestic pets. In humans, they have been known to cause rashes after skin contact and illnesses if swallowed. Not all blue-green algae blooms and scums are toxic, but you can’t tell just by looking at them, so it’s best to assume they are.

For further information visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/algal-blooms-advice-for-the-public-and-landowners/algal-blooms-advice-for-the-public-and-landowners.

Water is a precious resource and it is always helpful, in terms of future supplies and protecting the environment, for everyone to follow advice on saving water from their water company and use water wisely– especially during a period of dry weather.

Advice on what to look out for, and the effects of blue-green algae, can be found at www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/caringfor/policies/algae.

Link: Press release: Environment Agency confirms Blue Green Algae in three locations across the Lake District
Source: Environment Agency

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Press release: EU Expert Panel meets in Cardiff

The UK Government will continue its engagement on EU Exit in Wales, when the Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns convenes the latest meeting of his Expert Panel in Cardiff today (Thursday 5 July).

Alun Cairns will gather representatives from the business, local authorities, agriculture and third sectors in Wales at Caspian Point to discuss their priorities for Brexit and to update them on negotiations following the completion of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act’s passage through Parliament.

The meeting comes in the week that the UK Government introduced its Fisheries Bill which, when combined with our withdrawal from the London Fisheries Convention, will allow us to control access to UK waters and the allocation of fishing opportunities. This will help provide prosperity for a new generation of fishermen in Wales, as well as preserve and increase the fish stocks in UK waters.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said:

It is vital that we have open and honest conversations about what Wales – and the UK as a whole – should look like after our exit from the European Union. This includes discussing the challenges that we may face along the way, and the opportunities that await us at the finish line.

Since the Expert Panel last convened, we have seen the EU Withdrawal Act complete its Parliamentary journey, paving the way to ensuring the UK exits the EU with certainty, continuity and control. We have also hosted the first joint EU Exit meeting with the Welsh Government where representatives of the fishing, farming and business industry gathered to examine issues including how returning powers should be exercised in future.

As we move through the various stages of negotiations, we will go on hearing from these important partners, to ensure that our discussions are informed by the views of every region of the UK, and each sector of our economy.

The Secretary of State for Wales established the Expert Panel to work with him to deliver a smooth and orderly exit from the EU in Wales. The meeting today builds on the constructive conversations they have already had, helping to contribute to the UK’s negotiating position.

Link: Press release: EU Expert Panel meets in Cardiff
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: 100 miles of extra lanes coming to North West motorways

Four new smart motorway schemes, worth around £500 million, are due to start construction work within the next 18 months.

Contractors for Highways England will begin work on the first one later this summer – on a 9 mile stretch of the M62 which links the M6 near Warrington to the M60 near Eccles.

Drivers have already been able to use over 10 miles of extra lanes on the M62 near Rochdale since December last year, and a stretch of smart motorway has also been completed on the M60 near the Trafford Centre.

The final temporary narrow lanes were removed earlier this week on the Manchester smart motorway scheme, and more than 200 electronic signs are due to be switched on later this month on a 9 mile stretch of the M60 between Trafford Park and the M62/M66 interchange at Simister Island.

Mike Bull, Highways England’s smart motorways programme manager for the North, said:

Smart motorways have been proven to be effective at tackling congestion, with the smart motorway on the M62 in West Yorkshire saving commuters an average of 30 minutes each week.

We’ll be starting work on four new smart motorways in the North West over the next 18 months and will do everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum, including only closing parts of the motorway overnight when traffic levels are much lower.

The North West’s new smart motorway routes will provide over 100 miles of extra lanes benefiting the hundreds of thousands of drivers who use our motorways every day for commuting, business and leisure.

Drivers can find out more about the work being carried out to complete the Manchester smart motorway upgrade in a new video:

Manchester smart motorway nears completion

Smart motorways use the latest technology to monitor traffic levels so that variable speed limits can be automatically set on overhead electronic signs to keep traffic moving at a steady speed.

The hard shoulders on each new smart motorway route will be converted into permanent extra lanes and new emergency areas will be created for drivers to use if they break down.

New CCTV cameras will also provide 100% coverage of the routes and Highways England will be able to display red Xs on overhead signs to close any lane, allowing its traffic officers and the emergency services to get through.

Construction work will begin on a 3-mile stretch of the M62 near junction 12 this summer. Temporary narrow lanes will be introduced to allow contractors to work at the side of the motorway, and a 50mph speed limit will be needed for the safety of drivers and workers.

The roadworks will be gradually extended to junction 10 by the autumn and the smart motorway scheme is due to be completed by spring 2020.

Variable speed limits will also be introduced between junctions 10 and 18 on the M60 later this summer when the remaining section of the North West’s first smart motorway goes live. The speed limit will remain at 50mph until then while the new technology is being fine-tuned.

Overnight resurfacing work will continue into the autumn on parts of the M60 once the smart motorway is operational. This work will take place at night so that the route can remain fully open with no impact on drivers during the day.

Other schemes taking place in the North West include a 20-mile-stretch of smart motorway on the M6 in Cheshire where construction work is due to be completed by spring 2019, providing 40 miles of extra lanes for drivers.

Work will start in spring 2019 on a 4-mile smart motorway on the M56 near Manchester Airport, and on a 10-mile stretch of smart motorway on the part of the M6 which links the M62 near Warrington to the M58 near Skelmersdale.

Finally, a new 19-mile smart motorway will be created over the Pennines on the M62 between Rochdale and Brighouse. The route will link up with other schemes on the M62 to create almost 60 miles of smart motorway between the North West and Yorkshire, with construction work due to start in autumn 2019.

Find out more details about driving on a smart motorway.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Link: Press release: 100 miles of extra lanes coming to North West motorways
Source: Gov Press Releases