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

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

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

3. Consultation in the UK

4. Why we consult There are many reasons why we consult. Although it takes time, the benefits far outweigh the effort.

5. 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

6. Code of Practice (1) • Consult widely throughout the process, with a minimum of 12 weeks written consultation at least once during policy development • Be clear what the proposals are, who may be affected, what questions are being asked and the timescale for responses • Ensure the consultation is clear, concise and widely accessible

7. Code of Practice (2) • Give feedback about the responses received and how the consultation process influenced the policy • Monitor Department’s effectiveness at consultation, including through the use of a designated consultation co-ordinator • Ensure the consultation follows best practice, including carrying out an Impact Assessment if appropriate

8. 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 Methods

9. 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 Who we consult Everyone with an interest!

10. 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

11. Consultation on the Services Directive

12. 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 A Variety of Methods

13. Formal Consultation: Development • Extensive process • Developed across Government • Social partners gave input • Ministerial clearance • Timed to provide maximum benefit for policy development

14. Formal Consultation: Process and Publicity • November 2007 – February 2008 • Launched by Minister • E-mailed to all contacts • Available on website • Online response form • Presentations to social partners e.g. CBI

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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?

18. 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

19. 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

20. Timetable and Further Information

21. Timetable • Government Response May 2008 • Start PSC build mid 2008 and link in authorities 09 • Introduce transposing legislation in our 08-09 Parliamentary session • Move to working with local authorities e.g. pilot studies and with professional bodies • Directive implemented: December 2009

22. Further information • Our website: www.berr.gov.uk/europeandtrade/europe/index.html • My e-mail address: david.hingley@berr.gsi.gov.uk Thank you

23. Annex

24. Annex: PSC Functionality Where on the spectrum should the UK PSC sit? Do nothing ‘List of links’ ‘One-stop-shop’ ‘Central EU’ ‘Pro-active signposting’ POINT OF INFORMATION POINT OF DECISION ?