Norgrove, David raised an interesting point.
Subject(s): Family Courts; Equality; Justice; Legislation; NRP Rights; Parenting; Scrutiny; Relationships
The family justice system needs significant reform to tackle delays and ensure that children and families get the service they deserve, says an independent panel set up to review how the system works.
The panel, who publish their interim report today, have recommended a package of proposals aimed at improving children's and families' experience of the system. A public consultation on these proposals is now underway
Comment by #wco: Please read the interim report, read the consultation questions, consider what has been written and influence the final report by replying in a measured, accurate and comprehensive way.
Other contacts: familyjusticereview@justice.gsi.gov.uk
More details can be read at:
http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/newsrelease310311a.htm
http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/family-justice-review.htm
Published: 31/03/2011 09:00:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
http://www.thirdchamber.org.uk
http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
31 Mar 2011
29 Mar 2011
Debate in Parliament - #wco Equality (Ten Minute Rule Bill: Presumption of Shared Care)
Elphicke, Charlie raised an interesting point.
Subject(s): Equality; Childcare; Family Courts; Justice; LocalGov; NRP Rights; Parenting; Parliament-UK
Ten Minute Rule Bill
On 29 March 2011, Tory MP Charlie Elphicke proposed a bill aiming to require courts and local authorities to take into account the rights of a child to grow up seeing both parents when determining custody arrangements.
The bill would make it an offence for a relevant body to disregard this presumption.
Mr Elphicke argues children who see both parents have better education and employment prospects in later life.
Comment by #wco: Let us all hope this is given the time to have a proper, thorough and objective debate leading to introduction of this bill.
Well done Charlie !
Other contacts:
More details can be read at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/house_of_commons/newsid_9438000/9438954.stm
Published: 29/03/2011 16:40:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
http://www.thirdchamber.org.uk
http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
Subject(s): Equality; Childcare; Family Courts; Justice; LocalGov; NRP Rights; Parenting; Parliament-UK
Ten Minute Rule Bill
On 29 March 2011, Tory MP Charlie Elphicke proposed a bill aiming to require courts and local authorities to take into account the rights of a child to grow up seeing both parents when determining custody arrangements.
The bill would make it an offence for a relevant body to disregard this presumption.
Mr Elphicke argues children who see both parents have better education and employment prospects in later life.
Comment by #wco: Let us all hope this is given the time to have a proper, thorough and objective debate leading to introduction of this bill.
Well done Charlie !
Other contacts:
More details can be read at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/house_of_commons/newsid_9438000/9438954.stm
Published: 29/03/2011 16:40:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
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http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
25 Mar 2011
23 Mar 2011
19 Mar 2011
Gov Written Answer - #wco Scrutiny (Cabinet Office: Government: Accountability)
Lloyd, Tony raised an interesting point.
Subject(s): Scrutiny; FoI; Governance; Metadata; LocalGov; Parliament-UK
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps he plans to take to increase levels of transparency in Government decision-making in order to improve accountability to the public.
Comment by #wco: We like this, however as part of the Big Society, more and more services will be delivered by organisations that are not subject to FOI requests - we suggest the following changes to FOI legislation:
where a civic service or function is provided,
or where a partnership exists where one parter is already subject to FOI then that subsequent provider and partnership is also a "derived" subject to FOI requests
in addition, the preamble to the legislation is to inclusive, rather that prescriptive for organisations to be subject to it. ie, any organisation spending central/local government money is subject to FOI unless specifically time-limited excluded - with scrutiny for the decision.
Other contacts: Maude, Francis
More details can be read at:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2011-03-01a.42563.h
https://sites.google.com/site/thirdchamber/platform#TOC-Justice-Democracy
Published: 01/03/2011 12:00:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
http://www.thirdchamber.org.uk
http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
Subject(s): Scrutiny; FoI; Governance; Metadata; LocalGov; Parliament-UK
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps he plans to take to increase levels of transparency in Government decision-making in order to improve accountability to the public.
Comment by #wco: We like this, however as part of the Big Society, more and more services will be delivered by organisations that are not subject to FOI requests - we suggest the following changes to FOI legislation:
where a civic service or function is provided,
or where a partnership exists where one parter is already subject to FOI then that subsequent provider and partnership is also a "derived" subject to FOI requests
in addition, the preamble to the legislation is to inclusive, rather that prescriptive for organisations to be subject to it. ie, any organisation spending central/local government money is subject to FOI unless specifically time-limited excluded - with scrutiny for the decision.
Other contacts: Maude, Francis
More details can be read at:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2011-03-01a.42563.h
https://sites.google.com/site/thirdchamber/platform#TOC-Justice-Democracy
Published: 01/03/2011 12:00:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
http://www.thirdchamber.org.uk
http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
Gov Written Answer - #wco Legal Aid (Justice: Legal Advice and Assistance: Telephone Services)
Offord, Matthew raised an interesting point.
Subject(s): Legal Aid; Equality; Family Courts; Justice; NRP Rights
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether his Department has assessed the merits of providing telephone legal advice on certain family law matters in order to divert individuals away from the courts to alternative routes such as mediation.
Comment by #wco:
Other contacts: Djanogly, Jonathan
More details can be read at:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2011-03-01a.42830.h
Published: 01/03/2011 12:00:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
http://www.thirdchamber.org.uk
http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
Subject(s): Legal Aid; Equality; Family Courts; Justice; NRP Rights
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether his Department has assessed the merits of providing telephone legal advice on certain family law matters in order to divert individuals away from the courts to alternative routes such as mediation.
Comment by #wco:
Other contacts: Djanogly, Jonathan
More details can be read at:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2011-03-01a.42830.h
Published: 01/03/2011 12:00:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
http://www.thirdchamber.org.uk
http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
Consultation - #wco Regulation (Tackling burdens: Reducing burdens on local government)
Clark, Greg raised an interesting point.
Subject(s): Regulation; Democracy; LocalGov; Parliament-UK; Metadata; Scrutiny
Local authorities are bound by statute. Their functions are set out in numerous Acts of Parliament and many of these functions have associated legal duties.
The duties on local authorities have accumulated over the years with successive pieces of legislation. While some duties remain vital, others may no longer be needed or may create unnecessary burdens or restrictions on local authorities. To address this, the Government is carrying out a wide ranging review to establish the duties which are no longer needed and to remove them, giving local authorities freedom to operate in a way that meets local needs and priorities.
Comment by #wco: Excellent news - especially the removal of Data burdens for open data access and scrutiny
Other contacts: burdens@communities.gsi.gov.uk
More details can be read at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/decentralisation/tacklingburdens/
http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/decentralisation/tacklingburdens/reviewstatutoryduties/
Published: 07/03/2011 12:00:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
http://www.thirdchamber.org.uk
http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
Subject(s): Regulation; Democracy; LocalGov; Parliament-UK; Metadata; Scrutiny
Local authorities are bound by statute. Their functions are set out in numerous Acts of Parliament and many of these functions have associated legal duties.
The duties on local authorities have accumulated over the years with successive pieces of legislation. While some duties remain vital, others may no longer be needed or may create unnecessary burdens or restrictions on local authorities. To address this, the Government is carrying out a wide ranging review to establish the duties which are no longer needed and to remove them, giving local authorities freedom to operate in a way that meets local needs and priorities.
Comment by #wco: Excellent news - especially the removal of Data burdens for open data access and scrutiny
Other contacts: burdens@communities.gsi.gov.uk
More details can be read at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/decentralisation/tacklingburdens/
http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/decentralisation/tacklingburdens/reviewstatutoryduties/
Published: 07/03/2011 12:00:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
http://www.thirdchamber.org.uk
http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
Gov Written Answer - #wco Money (Work & Pensions: Social Fund Crisis Loans)
Webb, Steve raised an interesting point.
Subject(s): Money; Regulation
To meet genuine need, and in addition to continually recycling from the £1.3 billion fund, this Government are committed to maintaining core funding of £178 million a year for the discretionary social fund scheme over the spending review period. ....(read more) ...
Comment by #wco: So the government are state "we will implement a cap of three crisis loan awards for general living expenses in a rolling 12-month period." - So when claims are messed up by the civil servants (and I've had personal experience of being destitute for over 8 weeks and having to have at least 3 crisis loans as a direct result of administration errors) then claimants may suffer more distress and homelessness as Housing Allowance is not paid while there is this situation.
THIS IS A VERY BAD SET OF NEW REGULATIONS !
Other contacts:
More details can be read at:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wms/?id=2011-03-03a.45WS.0
Published: 03/03/2011 12:00:00
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Subject(s): Money; Regulation
To meet genuine need, and in addition to continually recycling from the £1.3 billion fund, this Government are committed to maintaining core funding of £178 million a year for the discretionary social fund scheme over the spending review period. ....(read more) ...
Comment by #wco: So the government are state "we will implement a cap of three crisis loan awards for general living expenses in a rolling 12-month period." - So when claims are messed up by the civil servants (and I've had personal experience of being destitute for over 8 weeks and having to have at least 3 crisis loans as a direct result of administration errors) then claimants may suffer more distress and homelessness as Housing Allowance is not paid while there is this situation.
THIS IS A VERY BAD SET OF NEW REGULATIONS !
Other contacts:
More details can be read at:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wms/?id=2011-03-03a.45WS.0
Published: 03/03/2011 12:00:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
http://www.thirdchamber.org.uk
http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
15 Mar 2011
Consultation - #wco Democracy (Have your say on MPs' Code of Conduct )
Somebody raised an interesting point.
Subject(s): Democracy; Governance; Parliament-UK; Scrutiny
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards is seeking views on the scope and content of the House of Commons Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament.
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards has published a consultation paper which sets out a number of questions for consideration. Consultees are invited to respond to all or any of these questions, and to make any other points they would wish to have considered.
Comment by #wco:
Other contacts:
More details can be read at:
http://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2011/march/review-of-the-code-of-conduct-for-mps/
http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/standards-and-privileges-committee/
Published: 07/03/2011 09:00:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
http://www.thirdchamber.org.uk
http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
Subject(s): Democracy; Governance; Parliament-UK; Scrutiny
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards is seeking views on the scope and content of the House of Commons Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament.
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards has published a consultation paper which sets out a number of questions for consideration. Consultees are invited to respond to all or any of these questions, and to make any other points they would wish to have considered.
Comment by #wco:
Other contacts:
More details can be read at:
http://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2011/march/review-of-the-code-of-conduct-for-mps/
http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/standards-and-privileges-committee/
Published: 07/03/2011 09:00:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
http://www.thirdchamber.org.uk
http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
13 Mar 2011
Gov Written Answer - #wco Scrutiny (Prime Minister: Childhood and Families Ministerial Taskforce)
Shuker, Gavin raised an interesting point.
Subject(s): Scrutiny; Childcare; Education; Equality; Parenting
To ask the Prime Minister
(1) on which dates the Childhood and Families Taskforce has met; which Ministers were in attendance on each such occasion; and who else attended;
(2) if he will place in the Library a copy of the terms of reference of the Childhood and Families Taskforce;
(3) when he expects the Childhood and Families Taskforce to report;
(4) whether the Childhood and Families Taskforce will be taking (a) oral and (b) written evidence in the course of its work.
Comment by #wco: So what is the point of the task force if we cannot see the results?
Other contacts: Cameron, David
More details can be read at:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2011-02-28b.41866.h
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2010-11-08b.22371.h
Published: 28/02/2011 12:00:00
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Subject(s): Scrutiny; Childcare; Education; Equality; Parenting
To ask the Prime Minister
(1) on which dates the Childhood and Families Taskforce has met; which Ministers were in attendance on each such occasion; and who else attended;
(2) if he will place in the Library a copy of the terms of reference of the Childhood and Families Taskforce;
(3) when he expects the Childhood and Families Taskforce to report;
(4) whether the Childhood and Families Taskforce will be taking (a) oral and (b) written evidence in the course of its work.
Comment by #wco: So what is the point of the task force if we cannot see the results?
Other contacts: Cameron, David
More details can be read at:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2011-02-28b.41866.h
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2010-11-08b.22371.h
Published: 28/02/2011 12:00:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
http://www.thirdchamber.org.uk
http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
6 Mar 2011
24 Feb 2011
Consultation - #wco Legal Aid (Proposals for the Reform of Legal Aid in England and Wales - The judiciary's co-ordinated response)
Somebody raised an interesting point.
Subject(s): Legal Aid; Family Courts; Justice; Money; NRP Rights; Scrutiny
The judiciary's co-ordinated response to the Government's legal aid consultation paper is published today. It was drawn up by a sub-committee of the Judges' Council (the body which represents all levels of the judiciary, and is chaired by the Lord Chief Justice).
The responses from the Council of Circuit Judges and from the President of the Social Entitlement Chamber of the Tribunals Service are also published today and are available [below].
Comment by #wco:
Other contacts:
More details can be read at:
http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/media/media-releases/2011/responses-proposals-for-the-reform-of-legal-aid
Published: 24/02/2011 10:00:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
http://www.thirdchamber.org.uk
http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
Subject(s): Legal Aid; Family Courts; Justice; Money; NRP Rights; Scrutiny
The judiciary's co-ordinated response to the Government's legal aid consultation paper is published today. It was drawn up by a sub-committee of the Judges' Council (the body which represents all levels of the judiciary, and is chaired by the Lord Chief Justice).
The responses from the Council of Circuit Judges and from the President of the Social Entitlement Chamber of the Tribunals Service are also published today and are available [below].
Comment by #wco:
Other contacts:
More details can be read at:
http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/media/media-releases/2011/responses-proposals-for-the-reform-of-legal-aid
Published: 24/02/2011 10:00:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
http://www.thirdchamber.org.uk
http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
Gov Early Day Motion (EDM) - #wco Equality (EDM 1175: SHARED PARENTING ORDERS)
Binley, Brian raised an interesting point.
Subject(s): Equality; Childcare; Family Courts; NRP Rights; Parenting
That this House believes that children are entitled to the love, guidance and support of both parents and a relationship with their wider family after separation and divorce unless certain restrictions apply, to ensure children can enjoy the benefits this gives; further believes in the desirability of creating a legal presumption of shared parenting orders if necessary, meaning parents are equally responsible for their children and those children spend a significant proportion of their time with each parent; and calls on the Government to recognise this need for a presumption of shared parenting in the family justice review.
Comment by #wco:
Other contacts:
More details can be read at:
http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=42187&SESSION=905
Published: 13/12/2010 13:00:00
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Subject(s): Equality; Childcare; Family Courts; NRP Rights; Parenting
That this House believes that children are entitled to the love, guidance and support of both parents and a relationship with their wider family after separation and divorce unless certain restrictions apply, to ensure children can enjoy the benefits this gives; further believes in the desirability of creating a legal presumption of shared parenting orders if necessary, meaning parents are equally responsible for their children and those children spend a significant proportion of their time with each parent; and calls on the Government to recognise this need for a presumption of shared parenting in the family justice review.
Comment by #wco:
Other contacts:
More details can be read at:
http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=42187&SESSION=905
Published: 13/12/2010 13:00:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
http://www.thirdchamber.org.uk
http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
20 Feb 2011
Gov Ministerial Statement - #wco SocialWorkers (Justice: Healthcare workers, Social Workers and Social Care Workers)
Lansley, Andrew raised an interesting point.
Subject(s): SocialWorkers; Healthcare; LocalGov; Scrutiny
Safe, respectful and effective care is essential and should be what all users of health and social care services experience.
The vast majority of those who work in health and social care are committed individuals with a strong sense of professionalism who aspire to deliver the highest standards. However, where there is poor practice or behaviour that presents a risk to the public, it is vital that swift action is taken, whether by employers, or by national regulatory bodies.
Comment by #wco: Recommended reading in addition to the Munro Report(s) and the upcoming Justice Review reports
Other contacts:
More details can be read at:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wms/?id=2011-02-16a.85WS.1
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_124359
Published: 16/02/2011 11:00:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
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http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
Subject(s): SocialWorkers; Healthcare; LocalGov; Scrutiny
Safe, respectful and effective care is essential and should be what all users of health and social care services experience.
The vast majority of those who work in health and social care are committed individuals with a strong sense of professionalism who aspire to deliver the highest standards. However, where there is poor practice or behaviour that presents a risk to the public, it is vital that swift action is taken, whether by employers, or by national regulatory bodies.
Comment by #wco: Recommended reading in addition to the Munro Report(s) and the upcoming Justice Review reports
Other contacts:
More details can be read at:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wms/?id=2011-02-16a.85WS.1
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_124359
Published: 16/02/2011 11:00:00
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http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
Gov Ministerial Statement - #wco FoI (House of Lords: Information Commissioner)
McNally, Tom raised an interesting point.
Subject(s): FoI; Democracy; Scrutiny
On 7 January 2011, the Government announced their intention to enhance the independence of the Information Commissioner as part of a wider package of measures to extend the Freedom of Information Act. ....
Comment by #wco:
Other contacts:
More details can be read at:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wms/?id=2011-02-16a.80.2
Published: 16/02/2011 12:00:00
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Subject(s): FoI; Democracy; Scrutiny
On 7 January 2011, the Government announced their intention to enhance the independence of the Information Commissioner as part of a wider package of measures to extend the Freedom of Information Act. ....
Comment by #wco:
Other contacts:
More details can be read at:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wms/?id=2011-02-16a.80.2
Published: 16/02/2011 12:00:00
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http://www.thirdchamber.org.uk
http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
Gov Ministerial Statement - #wco Democracy (Protection of Freedoms Bill: Public Reading Stage)
Clegg, Nicholas raised an interesting point.
Subject(s): Democracy; Education; FoI; Governance; Parliament-UK; Scrutiny
The Government have pledged in the coalition agreement to introduce:
"a new "public reading stage" for Bills to give the public an opportunity to comment on proposed legislation online, and a dedicated "public reading day" within a Bills Committee stage where those comments will be debated by the Committee scrutinising the Bill" ...
Comment by #wco:
Other contacts:
More details can be read at:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wms/?id=2011-02-15a.73WS.1
Published: 15/02/2011 12:00:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
http://www.thirdchamber.org.uk
http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
Subject(s): Democracy; Education; FoI; Governance; Parliament-UK; Scrutiny
The Government have pledged in the coalition agreement to introduce:
"a new "public reading stage" for Bills to give the public an opportunity to comment on proposed legislation online, and a dedicated "public reading day" within a Bills Committee stage where those comments will be debated by the Committee scrutinising the Bill" ...
Comment by #wco:
Other contacts:
More details can be read at:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wms/?id=2011-02-15a.73WS.1
Published: 15/02/2011 12:00:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
http://www.thirdchamber.org.uk
http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
Gov Written Answer - #wco CMEC-CSA (Work & Pensions: Children: Maintenance)
Kennedy, Charles raised an interesting point.
Subject(s): CMEC-CSA; Childcare; Equality; Money; NRP Rights
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2011-02-17a.38754.h
Comment by #wco:
Other contacts: Miller, Maria
More details can be read at:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2011-02-17a.38754.h
Published: 17/02/2011 12:00:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
http://www.thirdchamber.org.uk
http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
Subject(s): CMEC-CSA; Childcare; Equality; Money; NRP Rights
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2011-02-17a.38754.h
Comment by #wco:
Other contacts: Miller, Maria
More details can be read at:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2011-02-17a.38754.h
Published: 17/02/2011 12:00:00
http://www.wheresmydad.org.uk
http://www.thirdchamber.org.uk
http://www.wheresmydad.wordpress.com
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