Consultation outcome: Bovine TB Strategy review 2018: call for evidence

Updated: Added a brief summary of the number of responses we received to this call for evidence and what we’ve done with those responses.

We’re seeking information about evidence-based interventions (including epidemiological and regulatory/economic measures) for bTB control. This is part of the bTB strategy review’s evidence gathering phase and will only consider topics included in the review’s terms of reference. The review is not assessing the current bTB strategy, but looking at what should be prioritised in the future.

Responses must not be longer than 2 A4 pages (not including the list of references). Please indicate in your response whether you are responding as an individual or on behalf of an organisation.

In particular, we’d like to hear about:

  • research considering how to improve deployment of existing bTB control interventions
  • potential new approaches and tools/technologies to deal with bTB
  • approaches taken to control bTB in other countries
  • work on human TB that might be relevant to the review

Confidentiality and data protection

Information provided in response to this call for evidence, including personal information, may be subject to publication or release to other parties or to disclosure in accordance with the access to information regimes, for example the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and the Data Protection Act 1998.

If you want information, including personal data, which you provide to be treated as confidential, please say so clearly in writing when you send your response to the call for evidence and say why you need to keep these details confidential. If we receive a request for disclosure under the FOIA, we will take account of your explanation, but we cannot provide an assurance that confidentiality can be maintained in all circumstances. An automatic confidentiality disclaimer generated by our IT system will not, by itself, be regarded as a confidentiality request.

This call for evidence is being conducted in line with the “Consultation Principles” set out by the Better Regulation Executive guidance.

If you have any comments or complaints about the call for evidence process, please address them to: Consultation Co-ordinator, Room 629, Millbank, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR. Alternatively, please email: consultation.coordinator@defra.gsi.gov.uk.



Notice: G & D Matthews Limited application made to abstract water

The Environment Agency consult the public on certain applications for the abstraction and impoundment of water.

These notices explain:

  • what the application is about
  • which Environment Agency offices you can visit to see the application documents on the public register
  • when you need to comment by


Official Statistics: Forestry Commission England: Headline Performance Indicators 31 March 2018

The document will present Forestry Commission England’s six headline indicators: number of high priority forest pests in the UK Plant Health Risk Register, percentage of known tree felling that is carried out with Forestry Commmission approval, percentage of woodland in active management, area of woodland, cost of managing the Public Forest Estate and number of private sector businesses operating on the Public Forest Estate.

This release was pre-announced on the Forestry Commission website on 16 January 2018.



Last call to find Scotland’s Green Business Champions

date24 April 2018

The search for Scotland’s best green businesses is drawing to a close this week with just a few days remaining for companies to enter the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.

The awards, which are free to enter, are calling on businesses of all sizes and sectors across Scotland who are implementing sustainable practices to get in touch and apply before 5pm on Friday 27 April 2018.

Now in their 19th year, the awards are urging Scotland’s businesses to challenge their everyday working practices and embrace the economic opportunity of sustainability. This could be anything from reducing the use of plastic and empowering staff to make more sustainable decisions to supporting Scotland’s circular economy by identifying how waste materials can be re-used.

As well as saving money and enhancing their environmental performance, businesses employing sustainable practices are reaping the benefits of an engaged workforce, positive working culture and improved competitiveness as well as contributing towards a better economy and society as a whole.

There are nine award categories to choose from including; Management Large, Management SME, Green Team, Sustainable and Active Travel, Circular Economy, Environmental Product or Service, Innovation, Hydro Nation Water Innovation and a Micro Business Award.

A Climate Adaptation commendation is also being introduced this year, in partnership with Adaptation Scotland, and will reward a business that has demonstrated managing climate related risks or has created a product or service to help society adapt.

Bob Downes, chair of SEPA and head of the VIBES judging panel, added: “The scale of environmental challenges facing humanity is enormous and there is a real urgency to act.  The successful businesses of tomorrow will be those who embrace the economic opportunity of sustainable solutions to environmental challenges and through the VIBES Awards, we hope to inspire others to make a difference not only in support of the environment but also to benefit their bottom line.”

The 2018 Awards will be held on 14 November at The Radisson Hotel, Glasgow. Award sponsors to date include Adaptation Scotland, Energy Saving Trust, Greenvale AP, Scottish Government, ScottishPower and University of Stirling Management School.

For more information on VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards or to obtain an application form, please visit www.vibes.org.uk.

Ends

Notes to editor

VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards is a strategic partnership between Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Government, Scottish Water, Scottish Enterprise, Highland and Islands Enterprise, Zero Waste Scotland and Energy Saving Trust. The Awards are further supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses, Bright Green Business, Quality Scotland and the Scottish Council for Development and Industry.

The Awards are accredited by the RSA Environment Awards Accreditation Scheme.

Issued on behalf of VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards by The BIG Partnership



SRUC match raises £9k for Doddie’s charity

Nearly £9,000 was raised for Doddie Weir’s MND charity in a special rugby match that saw the ‘old boys’ of Scotland’s Rural College enjoy a convincing win over SRUC’s Edinburgh Agrics student team.