News story: Changes to licensing public register bring greater transparency

More of the information provided by consultees in response to marine licence applications is to be published.

From the end of February 2017 the Marine Management Organisation will routinely publish information and documents it receives from advisors, organisations and the wider public in response to marine licence consultations.

The MMO is writing to the affected organisations which provide advice and comment on marine licence applications to explain the development in greater detail and public notices will be amended to make clear to those wishing to make a representation that their comments will be published.

Why additional information is being published

The MMO is not legally required to proactively publish the additional information but is doing so as part of its commitment to openness and transparent decision-making. It already uses the selected cases section of its website to release information where cases are of significant public interest, or when details have been requested under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and/or the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIRs).

This new approach is also in line with the actions of local planning authorities in relation to land-based developments.

The public register of marine licence applications

Where people or organisations want to carry out development in the marine area they may need prior permission from the Marine Management Organisation under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. Such activities may include construction, dredging, deposits or removal. This consent is referred to as a marine licence.

The online public register holds details of marine licence applications and relevant documents. It also lists marine licence applications which are open for public consultation.



News story: Changes to licensing public register bring greater transparency

From the end of February 2017 the Marine Management Organisation will routinely publish information and documents it receives from advisors, organisations and the wider public in response to marine licence consultations.

The MMO is writing to the affected organisations which provide advice and comment on marine licence applications to explain the development in greater detail and public notices will be amended to make clear to those wishing to make a representation that their comments will be published.

Why additional information is being published

The MMO is not legally required to proactively publish the additional information but is doing so as part of its commitment to openness and transparent decision-making. It already uses the selected cases section of its website to release information where cases are of significant public interest, or when details have been requested under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and/or the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIRs).

This new approach is also in line with the actions of local planning authorities in relation to land-based developments.

The public register of marine licence applications

Where people or organisations want to carry out development in the marine area they may need prior permission from the Marine Management Organisation under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. Such activities may include construction, dredging, deposits or removal. This consent is referred to as a marine licence.

The online public register holds details of marine licence applications and relevant documents. It also lists marine licence applications which are open for public consultation.



News story: Recrutiment drive – Attorney General’s London Panel of Civil Counsel

Applications will soon be open for counsel wishing to join the Attorney General’s London A and B Panels of the Civil Counsel.

This will be a fantastic opportunity for advocates with more than five years experience. Being a panel member gives advocates exposure to some of the most important and high profile cases of the day and the chance to represent the government in various courts including the Supreme Court.

Those interested are encouraged to attend an event on Monday 6 February at the Government Legal Department offices, which will give more information about the application process, and demystify the application process. You will have the chance to hear from the Vice Chairman of the Bar Council, and a current member of the A Panel among others.

Event details

Why apply to the panel counsel and how best to do it

Date: Monday 6 February 2017

Time: 5:30pm

Address: Government Legal Department, One Kemble Street, London, WC2B 4TS

For further information and to reserve a place, please contact Anna Rickard on 020 7210 1506 or email anna.rickard@governmentlegal.gov.uk by 5pm on Friday 3 February 2017.

Background

What is the Panel Counsel?

The Attorney General maintains 5 panels of junior Counsel to undertake civil and EU work for all government departments. He has 3 London Panels (A, B and C), a Regional Panel, and a Public International Law (PIL) Panel.

Who can apply?

This recruitment drive is only for Panel A and B.

Members of the A Panel deal with complex government cases. They will often appear against QC’s. Those previously appointed to the A Panel have generally had in excess of 10 years advocacy experience.

Members of the B panel deal with substantial cases but these are not as complex as those handled by the A panel. They will generally be instructed where knowledge and experience of a particular field is required. Those previously appointed to the B panel have generally had between 5 and 10 years advocacy experience.

What do potential candidates have to do?

Anyone considering making an application to join either the A or B Panel should register an expression of interest by emailing panelcounsel@governmentlegal.gov.uk
The competition opens on Tuesday 21 February 2017. On or after that date everyone who has registered an interest will be sent details of how to access the online application form.



Government response: Government responds to agreement reached between Aslef and GTR

The Department for Transport welcomes the news of the agreement between Aslef and Southern Rail.

Government responds to agreement reached between Aslef and GTR.

A DfT spokesperson said:

The DfT welcomes the news that an agreement has been reached between Aslef and Southern Rail.

We are grateful to all parties for their efforts to find a positive way forward.



Health Ministry Notifies Medical Devices Rules, 2017

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified Medical Devices Rules, 2017 on 31.01.2017. The new Rules have been framed in conformity with Global Harmonisation