Consultation in the UK and Services Directive Implementation David Hingley 31 March 2008

Consultation in the UK and the Services Directive Warsaw, 31 March Consultation in the UK Process: how and why Methods Who we consult 2.Consultation on the Services Directive Development and publicity Initial conclusions 3.Timetable and Further Information Agenda

Consultation in the UK

Consultation in the UK and the Services Directive Warsaw, 31 March 2008 Why we consult There are many reasons why we consult. Although it takes time, the benefits far outweigh the effort.

Consultation in the UK and the Services Directive Warsaw, 31 March 2008 Why we consult To tap into expertise To understand concerns and wants To get evidence To bolster our knowledge To enable considered decisions To build and maintain relationships

Consultation in the UK and the Services Directive Warsaw, 31 March 2008 Code of Practice (1) 1. Consult widely throughout the process, with a minimum of 12 weeks written consultation at least once during policy development 2. Be clear what the proposals are, who may be affected, what questions are being asked and the timescale for responses 3. Ensure the consultation is clear, concise and widely accessible

Consultation in the UK and the Services Directive Warsaw, 31 March 2008 Code of Practice (2) 4. Give feedback about the responses received and how the consultation process influenced the policy 5. Monitor Departments effectiveness at consultation, including through the use of a designated consultation co-ordinator 6. Ensure the consultation follows best practice, including carrying out an Impact Assessment if appropriate

Consultation in the UK and the Services Directive Warsaw, 31 March 2008 Methods Formal written consultation Steering Groups / Project Boards Working Groups / Focus Groups Advisory Groups Public meetings Roadshows / seminars / workshops Surveys Publicity – leaflets, website One-on-one meetings Working through others

Consultation in the UK and the Services Directive Warsaw, 31 March 2008 Who we consult Business organisations – large / SME Individual businesses Consumer groups Trade Unions Government Departments Devolved Administrations European Commission Other Member States International Organisations NGOs Individuals / citizens Trade Associations Local Government Regulators / Competent Authorities Professional Bodies Interest Groups Academics Economists Lawyers Specialists Everyone with an interest!

Consultation in the UK and the Services Directive Warsaw, 31 March 2008 Summary We consult to understand and develop the most effective policy We work to an agreed code of practice We employ a variety of techniques We consult with the widest number of interested parties possible Consultation is very important for the British Government

Consultation on the Services Directive

Consultation in the UK and the Services Directive Warsaw, 31 March 2008 A Variety of Methods Core Advisory Group Project Board PSC Project Board Formal and informal liaison with devolved administrations Liaison with other Government Departments Local Authority action plan Strategy for working with professional bodies Newsletter Bi-annual stakeholder events Ad hoc meetings PSC study groups and reports Website (screening updates) Discussions with other Member States FORMAL CONSULTATION

Consultation in the UK and the Services Directive Warsaw, 31 March 2008 Formal Consultation: Development Extensive process Developed across Government Social partners gave input Ministerial clearance Timed to provide maximum benefit for policy development

Consultation in the UK and the Services Directive Warsaw, 31 March 2008 Formal Consultation: Process and Publicity November 2007 – February 2008 Launched by Minister ed to all contacts Available on website Online response form Presentations to social partners e.g. CBI

Consultation in the UK and the Services Directive Warsaw, 31 March 2008 Formal Consultation: Responses 56 respondents Broad spectrum of organisations Generally positive and thorough Main message: an extremely helpful exercise Now have to produce Government response

Consultation in the UK and the Services Directive Warsaw, 31 March 2008 Conclusions: PSC Support for proposed model Free to access A single PSC for all Effective support services important Should signpost useful information outside of scope Avoid duplicating roles of CAs PSC that can be built on EU branding would be beneficial

Consultation in the UK and the Services Directive Warsaw, 31 March 2008 Conclusions: Administrative Cooperation Clear guidance for competent authorities (CAs) needed More work on enabling CAs Positive responses about IMI Not compulsory for CAs to use IMI? Training to be provided One NLP within BERR?

Consultation in the UK and the Services Directive Warsaw, 31 March 2008 Conclusions: Quality of Services Interest in using UK ECC for consumer portal Light-touch approach to legislation and enforcement of business obligations No general compulsory professional liability insurance Need to ensure least burdensome approach possible while meeting our obligations

Consultation in the UK and the Services Directive Warsaw, 31 March 2008 Conclusions: Screening Exercise Limited number of changes – much prior analysis of UK legislation and historically open market Interest in screening in other Member States Will publish our implementation report to the Commission publicly Next steps: more work with local government and professional bodies

Timetable and Further Information

Consultation in the UK and the Services Directive Warsaw, 31 March 2008 Timetable Government Response May 2008 Start PSC build mid 2008 and link in authorities 09 Introduce transposing legislation in our Parliamentary session Move to working with local authorities e.g. pilot studies and with professional bodies Directive implemented: December 2009

Consultation in the UK and the Services Directive Warsaw, 31 March 2008 Further information Our website: My address: Thank you

Annex

Consultation in the UK and the Services Directive Warsaw, 31 March 2008 Do nothingList of linksOne-stop-shop Pro-active signposting Central EU POINT OF INFORMATIONPOINT OF DECISION Annex: PSC Functionality Where on the spectrum should the UK PSC sit? ?