HM Revenue & Customs are consulting on the potential adoption of a mass balance approach for chemically recycled plastic in the Plastic Packaging Tax. Consultation published 18th July and closes on 10th October. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/plastic-packaging-tax-chemical-recycling-and-adoption-of-a-mass-balance-approach .  This consultation seeks views on the case for allowing a mass balance approach for the allocation of chemically recycled plastic to plastic packaging, and the controls that should be introduced to ensure the integrity of the tax.

The Department of Work and Pensions is consulting on proposals aimed at increasing employer use of Occupational Health Services. Consultation published 20th July and closes on 12th October. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/occupational-health-working-better. A new national ‘health at work’ standard may be introduced to help provide a baseline for quality OH provision including guidance, the option of pursuing accreditation and additional government-funded support services as well as employer best practice sharing.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs is consulting on draft regulations for extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging across the UK.  The consultation also covers the specific duties of producers, exporters, reprocessors, compliance schemes, local authorities and councils and the scheme administrator. Consultation published 28th July and closes 9th October.  https://consult.defra.gov.uk/extended-producer-responsibiity-team/consultation-on-the-draft-producer-responsibility/

The Department for Business and Trade is consulting on a proposed new approach to the fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture and furnishings to replace the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.  Consultation published 2nd August and closes 24th October. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/smarter-regulation-fire-safety-of-domestic-upholstered-furniture