Our Consultation Responses
Northgate actively engages in public policy debate and exchange. We see this as an integral part of our responsibility as a business to contribute to economic and social improvement.
Proposals for a Self-Drected Support (Scotland) Bill: A Consultation
Self-directed support should be available to all, but forced on nobody says Northgate Public Services in a response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on a Self-Directed Support Bill for Scotland.
Making better use of Energy Performance Certificates
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) have a key role to play in raising the awareness of our building’s carbon footprints and promoting energy efficiency measures, says Northgate Public Services today.
Self-directed support in Scotland
The Scottish Government should conduct a review into public funding arrangements to ensure the sustainability of long-term care and to maximise value from resources, says Northgate Public Services today.
Consultation on Local Partnership Working on Policing and Community Safety
An integrated partnership which focuses on the prevention of crime could promote public trust and release valuable resources for frontline policing, claims Northgate Public Services today.
Sustainable New Homes - the Road to Carbon Zero
In a response to the Communities and Local Government’s consultation on sustainable homes, Northgate welcomes the fact the Code for sustainable homes will be aligned with other zero carbon homes policy. However, the organisation calls on the CLG to ensure that developers and consumers are made more aware of the issues arising from the development of new homes in terms of climate changes, and stresses the importance of communicating the code accordingly so that developers can change their behaviour.
Building regulations competent person self-certification schemes
Accreditation by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) should become a condition of authorisation for competent person sefl-certification scheme operators, states Northgate Public Services.
Extending the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target
The Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) must adopt more innovative ways of identifying those households most at risk of fuel poverty, insists Northgate Public Services today.
Policing White Paper
Improving public confidence in the police will require a radical overhaul in many areas of police service provision, asserts Northgate Public Services today in a response to the Home Office’s policing white paper.
Paying for Care in Wales
A radical change to the way social care is paid for in Wales is needed to create a fair and equitable system, says Northgate Public Services in a response to the Welsh Assembly Government’s Paying for Care in Wales consultation.
Personal Care at Home
In a response to the Department of Health’s consultation on personal care at home, Northgate Public Services raises a number of concerns particularly in relation to council funding. Northgate calls on the government to place a statutory obligation on local authorities to provide re-ablement care to patients, reducing the chance of patients being victims of a postcode lottery, and giving them the best chance to regain their independence.
Energy Efficiency Action Plan for Scotland
In a response to the consultation on the Energy Efficiency Action Plan for Scotland, Northgate calls for a bolder approach towards tackling climate change. Amongst a series of recommendations, Northgate highlights the leadership role that local authorities could play in reducing carbon consumption and calls for the commitments outlined in Scotland’s Climate Change declaration to be made into a statutory obligation. Northgate also suggests that Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) should have a greater role to play in measuring and informing energy efficiency in both the domestic and non-domestic sectors.
Fuel Poverty Strategy
Responding to the Welsh Assembly Government’s consultation on fuel poverty strategy, Northgate argues that the issue is of climate change is so severe that a statutory role for local authorities in addressing energy efficiency is now essential. It states that local authorities are well placed to take into account specific issues of social equity and economic deprivation which are essential to combating fuel poverty at a local level.
Shaping the future of care together
In a response to the Department of Health's social care green paper, Northgate calls for a greater role for local authorities in the provision of care. Advocating a part local, part national system, Northgate argues that the delivery of services should be determined locally within a national framework that guarantees equity and fairness for all individuals regardless of where they live.
Recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
In a response to the Department of Communities and Local Government consultation on the government’s response to the recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, Northgate calls for the public sector to provide an exemplar to the private sector by playing a leading role in improving the energy efficiency of its building stock.
Conservative Party response to the independent review of NHS IT
In a response to the Conservative Party’s proposals on NHS IT, Northgate calls for a mixed economy approach in relation to information. This should focus neither on centrally or locally held IT, but should ensure that standards and quality of information are embedded in to the system.
Proposed changes to Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations
In a response to the consultation on Proposed Changes to Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations, Northgate calls upon the government to create a clear route map which would allow stakeholders to see the inter-connectedness of the range of energy efficiency initiatives currently available. It also suggests that to achieve targets, clear communications, training, development and support must be provided.
Value for Money profiles as a diagnostic tool for police authorities, police forces, HMIC and the Audit Commission
In a response to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary’s (HMIC) consultation on Value for Money (VfM), Northgate welcomes the use of VfM profiles as a means to establish a common set of data on which police forces can be compared. The company calls for a rationalisation mechanism to be put in place which will allow data to be compared accurately whilst taking into account operational differences between forces.
Consultation on the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP)
In a brief response to the CLG technical consultation on the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP), the government’s methodological tool for measuring the energy efficiency of dwellings, Northgate welcomes the amendments to SAP which will help to make the next version a more efficient and effective tool for measuring energy efficiency. In the long term it argues that making SAP ratings regionally dependent would help to improve decision making and have more relevance to the property.
Draft Housing (Scotland) Bill Consultation
In its response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on its draft Housing Bill, Northgate agrees wholeheartedly that it has never been more important to reinvigorate social housing and that modernisation of social housing regulation in Scotland is long overdue. It welcomes the approach of the Scottish Government but recommends that more should be done to address tenant empowerment and involvement.
Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) 2008-2011 Supplier Guidance Amendments
In its response to Ofgem's consultation on the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) Supplier Guidance Amendments, Northgate continues to show support for the programme which it says will promote behavioural change amongst consumers and encourage a reduction in domestic carbon emissions. However, Northgate stresses the importance of the obligation to deliver measures to the Priority Group, and suggests that only an accurate and transparent method of measuring actions taken within the Priority group will be satisfactory to ensure the obligation is met. Northgate also welcomes the government's commitment to monitoring the effect that measures have on consumers, but highlights that those taking part in the monitoring should be aware of their involvement from the outset.
Consultation on draft guidance for how to measure and report your greenhouse gas emissions
In a response to Defra's consultation on the draft guidance for how to measure and report your greenhouse gas emissions, Northgate welcomes the guidance as a means of helping businesses to understand and tackle their carbon emissions. However, Northgate raises some concerns regarding the transparency of the reporting requirements and calls upon on the government to set a best practice model of reporting which should come to be seen as standard practice. This would include written explanations alongside variable measurements which Northgate believes would offer greater clarity about what the reported figures mean.
Planning for sustainable buildings Welsh Assembly Government consultation
In a response to the Welsh Assembly Government’s consultation Planning for sustainable buildings, Northgate welcomes the approach which highlights the contribution planning can make to sustainable development and tackling climate change. Northgate welcomes the fact that responsibility for building regulations are to be transferred to the Welsh Assembly Government from December 2011. It suggests that this will complement the planning and development control functions already devolved, and enable government to adopt a more coherent and comprehensive approach to sustainability in the design and construction of buildings.
A consultation on smart metering for electricity and gas
In a response to the consultation on smart metering for energy and gas, Northgate calls on the government to promote a collaborative approach between energy suppliers, local organisations and community groups to ensure the effective delivery of measures on a local area basis.Northgate also stresses the importance of smart meters in promoting behavioural change to reduce carbon emissions. To encourage people to change the way that they use energy, Northgate argues that remote display units must be provided as standard with smart meters and, on top of this, they must include relevant information that allows consumers to make informed decisions.
Engaging communities in criminal justice
In a response to the government’s green paper Engaging communities in criminal justice., Northgate warmly welcomes its emphasis on problem solving, multi-agency working and an extension of the community justice approach for dealing with minor crime and harm. It warns however, that to regain public trust, a radical overhaul is necessary, requiring a step change in the way that organisations work together, communicate and engage with their communities.
The protection of children in England - the government action plan
In a briefing on the government’s response to Lord Laming’s report earlier in the year, Northgate Public Services welcomes a number of positive and much needed initiatives including the appointment of an independent Chief Advisor on the Safety of Children, the creation of a cross-government National Safeguarding Delivery Unit, and the proposal that local authorities appoint a senior managed with Integrated Children’s System (ICS) implementation responsibility. However, Northgate expresses concern that, given the comprehensive nature of Lord Laming’s recommendations, that there is a lack of clarity over the funding of the programme. It suggests that at a time of unprecedented demand and economic constraint, it is incumbent on central government to ensure that there are sufficient resources to carry out such a programme and to provide clarity on the costs involved in carrying out the programme.
Preparing for a changing climate: Second consultation to inform Scotland's climate
In a response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on preparing for a changing climate, Northgate make a number of suggestions as to how the adaptation framework could be enhanced. Recommendations include the introduction of a reporting requirement on the effects of climate change in vulnerable communities, and a statutory role for local authorities in implementing and managing climate change measures.
Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) Consultative Draft
In a response to the consultative draft Northgate supports the Scottish Government's view that a planning system should have policies that are proportionate, practical and informed by early and wide engagement. However, Northgate makes a number of suggestions as to how the planning system could be enhanced, including calling for energy efficiency to be promoted as an integral part of economic development. Northgate also calls for the need for sustainable develoment to focus on greater community well-being for all, thus helping to reduce significant inequalities within Scottish communities.
National Energy Efficiency and Savings Plan
An alignment between the Welsh Assembly Government's National Energy Efficiency and Savings Plan with the Westminster Government's schemes such as the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) and the Community Energy Savings Programme (CESP) will allow the maximum possible benefit to be obtained for the communities of Wales and to meet the needs of the most hard pressed households, says Northgate in a response to the Welsh Assembly Government's consultation. Its recommendations include a new statutory role for local authorities to promote climate change in their local areas, and the development of green mortgages to provide extended financial support for energy efficiency measures.
Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP)
A partnership approach between energy suppliers and generators and local agencies is essential to combat climate change and attack fuel poverty, says Northgate in a response to the government consultation. Its recommendations include that, in the short term, the parties draw up a memorandum of understanding and, in the long term, local authorities are given a statutory duty to promote climate change.
Heat and Energy Savings Strategy
The state of our economy, combined with higher prices for energy on a global basis, threatens the most vulnerable members of society and increases the likelihood of fuel poverty within our communities, argues Northgate in a response to the government consultation. Its recommendations include the promotion of the princple of environmental equity that links energy efficiency strategies to the eradication of fuel poverty.
Common Assessment Framework in Adults
Improving the use and sharing of information during adult social care and health assessment and care and support planning is essential to the further development of personalised services, says Northgate in a response to the government consultation. Its recommendations include extending the Common Assessment Framework for Adults to other services such as housing, benefits and education.
Fairer contributions Guidance
Personal Budgets (PBs) must be protected from postcode lottery if the public is to have faith in them, argues Northgate in a response to the Government's consultation. It calls upon the government to introduce stronger safeguards to ensure that service users are protected from excessive charge increases.
Amendments to the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target
In a response to the government's consultation on the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT), Northgate welcomes the approach which links carbon reduction to fuel poverty. It argues that more help is required for those on low incomes and over the age of 70 to address the growing problem of fuel poverty in the UK.
Definition of zero carbon homes and non-domestic buildings
In a response to the government's consultation. Northgate welcomes the government's position that zero carbon homes cannot be compromised by the current economic climate. Amongst other things the response calls for a more radical implementation programme using new financial models and organisational alignment.
Paying for Care in Wales: creating a fair sustainable system
In a response to the Welsh Assembly Goverment's consultation, Northgate welcomes the emphasis on the need for services that actively prevent the loss of independence and are efficiently delivered to the same high standards throughout Wales. The response calls for a more personalised care system delivered by locally led services which meet national minimum standards of quality care and support.
Statutory Guidance: The Roles and Responsibilities of the Lead Member for Children's Services and the Director of Children's Services
In a response to the government's Statutory Guidance Northgate has welcomed the proposals to clarify the two roles, while calling for further support through training and development to build up the skills and capacities of individuals to carry out their roles.
Adapting our ways: managing Scotland's climate risk
In a response to the Scottish Government consultation on managing Scotland's climate risk. Northgate argued that strong leadership in the current economic climate will ensure the long-term prosperity of Scotland's communities and economy, whilst protecting the natural environment.
From the neighbourhood to the national: policing our communities together
In a response to the Policing Green Paper, Northgate called on the government to better engage citizens and overhaul the procurement process to radically improve service delivery and restore public confidence in the police.
The Killian Pretty Review
In a response to the Killian Pretty review into planning, Northgate called for a reduction in bureaucracy and a more focused sense of delivering quality outcome for our communities, based on learning, training and improvement.
The next steps EPCs and the establishment of the Green Homes Service
In a response to the government's consultation on energy performance certificates (EPCs), Northgate called for an increase in the level of engagement with local government in action to tackle climate change and take the lead in developing initiatives which will encourage consumer action and greater energy efficiency.
High quality care for all: NHS Next Stage Review – final report
In a response to Lord Darzi's final report 'Our NHS, our future', Northgate called for a 'right to bid' and an 'invitation to implement' quality measurement systems for the NHS. The company called for more involvement and engagement with clinicians and NHS staff, and requested that services be built around individual need.
Local authority property search services - charges for property search services
In a response to the Ministry of Justice consultation on local authority property search services, Northgate urged the government to create a level playing field for the public and private sectors in order to meet the needs of consumers for high-quality property search services.
Making change happen - response to the final report of the review of policing by Sir Ronnie Flanagan
In a response to Sir Ronnie Flanagan's final report of the review of policing, Northgate urged the government to rebuild public trust in community safety services by putting innovation at the heart of citizen-centred community safety strategies.
Energy performance certificates for private marketed sales of dwellings - validity period of certificates
In a response to the Communities and Local Government consultation on energy performance certificates (EPCs), Northgate called for clear and accurate consumer information on EPCs to maintain public trust and help change behaviour.
Data Sharing Review
In a submission to the Data Sharing Review, conducted by the Information Commissioner and Wellcome Trust, Northgate highlights the lack of information that schools currently provide to students on information security, as well as poor understanding within organisations of how to comply with data protection legislation in practice.
Our NHS, our future - NHS Next Stage Review, Interim Report
In a response to Lord Darzi's interim report 'Our NHS, our future', Northgate urged the government to reduce health inequalities by putting people at the heart of health service transformation, and argued that new forms of collaboration between the public, private and not-for-profit sectors are vital to promoting community well-being.
Firm foundations - the future for housing in Scotland
In a response to the Scottish Government's consultation on the future for housing in Scotland, Northgate urged the Scottish Government to take measures to widen the housing opportunities of tenants on low incomes and homeless people by tackling the barriers to the private rented sector that are created by the benefits system.
Developing performance indicators for elections and referendums
In a response to the Electoral Commission consultation on developing performance indicators for elections and referendums, Northgate called for a fresh approach to electoral management to be taken if the UK’s electoral system is to be fit for purpose for the 21st century and voter participation is to be increased.
Homes for the future - more affordable, more sustainable
In a response to the Communities and Local Government consultation on the Housing Green Paper, Northgate called on the government to ensure that mechanisms are in place for the lessons learnt from eco-towns to be shared with existing housing developments.
