Lord Whitty

The Government is launching the heat network market framework in January 2026 which will introduce an authorisation regime for suppliers and operators.

Ofgem have just launched a consultation on authorisation conditions, the rules and regulations heat network suppliers must adhere to. Ofgem aim for these to be in place in time for regulatory commencement.

The consumer advocacy and support functions carried out by the Energy Ombudsman, Citizens Advice and Consumer Scotland will launch ahead of regulation in April 2025.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s role in the driving endorsement process, is to record information provided by the court service in Great Britain. The courts are responsible for the conviction and sentencing of individuals who commit road traffic offences. The DVLA receives notifications of driving endorsements, including penalty points and disqualifications from the courts which are then recorded on the individual’s driving licence record. The DVLA is not responsible for checking driving competence following a conviction.

Everyone renewing their driving licence at the age of 70 and above must declare any relevant medical conditions and whether they can meet the eyesight requirements for driving. It is an offence to make a false declaration. If a driver of any age notifies the DVLA of a medical condition, an investigation will be carried out. This investigation can involve requesting information from the individual’s healthcare professionals or the driving licence holder/applicant may be asked to attend a medical examination or a driving assessment.

The DVLA assesses the information obtained during a medical investigation against the medical standards of fitness to drive and only those who can meet the standards will be issued with a driving licence. Drivers who meet the standards but have medical conditions that are progressive and are likely to deteriorate will be issued with a driving licence of shorter duration so that their continuing ability to drive safely can be assessed more regularly.

The DVLA provides customers with confirmation of when the investigation has started, when further information is being requested from healthcare professionals or if drivers are required to attend an examination or driving assessment. The DVLA may also contact customers if there is a delay, when more information is needed or when a licensing decision has been made.

General practice (GP) Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) are a requirement in the GP Contract, as specified in The National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) Regulations. Providers must establish and maintain a group to obtain feedback from patients on the services they deliver.

The form a PPG takes is not specified. This provides flexibility for practices to work in partnership with people and communities in the ways that best support the local population. The contractor is expected to engage with the group at frequent intervals throughout the financial year, as agreed with the group, with the view to obtain, review, and implement patient feedback. As such, PPGs are financed under the Global Sum Payments, which covers all services included in these regulations.