HC Deb 30 June 1998 vol 315 cc123-4W
Mr. Fabricant

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the projects undertaken by his Department since 1 May 1997 to research public reaction to(a) Government policies and (b) potential new policies; and if he will place the results of the research in the Library. [46683]

Angela Eagle

Each of the queries has been divided into regular surveys (carried out annually unless otherwise stated) and ad-hoc or one-off surveys. They are listed by alphabetic order of the division involved in the survey. 'Potential New Policies' is a wide brief—all reviews/research into guidance have been included. Surveys begun prior to 1 May 1997 but not completed until after that date are included with a note; some of the later research is not yet completed.

The majority of these surveys are not to the general public, but to the Local Authorities and Businesses concerned in the use and implementation of policies; they do all, however, relate to the perceived reaction from the public. Some of the listed surveys relate to just one survey carried out, others to two or more surveys carried out under the same project.

(a) Government policies (i) regular surveys
  • Making a Corporate Commitment—measures top management attitudes to energy efficiency policies
  • Survey of Municipal Waste Management—monitors progress towards targets set for recovery and recycling of municipal waste
  • Sales of Non-Toxic Shot—monitoring the results of an initiative for the voluntary phasing out of lead shot
 (ii) ad-hoc surveys
  • Take up & Workings of Night Noise Offence—investigating the use of powers to deal with noise offences
  • Use of s137 Powers by Principal Local Authorities—investigating use of, and perceived inadequacies in, powers under s137 of the Local Government Act 1972
  • Effectiveness of PPG 13—evaluation of Planning Policy Guidance note 13 Transport, implemented 1994–96
  • Operation and Effectiveness of the Structure Planning Process—evaluation in the context of changes introduced by the Planning Compensation Act 1991
  • Surveys of Users/Sellers of Peat & Peat Substitutes—DETR has a requirement to monitor the use of Peat & Peat Alternatives in order to frame advice issued under MPG13
  • Cycle Policy Initiative—Various surveys have been carried out with children and adults, on facilities, health and distance travelled, to support government 'cycling to school/work' initiatives
  • Attitudes to Traffic Calming—Various studies in different locations as to need for and effectiveness of traffic calming initiatives
 (b) Potential new policies(i) regular surveysDeflators for Construction Output (quarterly)—this survey monitors current policy and will advise future policy in the construction industry both environmentally and economically Impact Assessment of the Best Practice Programme on Buildings—monitoring trends & attitudes to maximise the effectiveness of energy efficiency initiatives(ii) ad-hoc surveys
  • Audible Intruder Alarms—London LAs have extra powers to deal with alarms; an order to give other authorities similar powers is being researched before introduction
  • Cost Recovery Charging Effectiveness for Water Abstraction & Effluent Discharge—to inform the 1999 review into the water charging system
  • Citizens Charter Survey, CITES Licensing Section—review of service before applying for a Chartermark (begun prior to May 97)
  • Best Value Pilot Evaluation—monitoring the pilot areas where Compulsory Competitive Tendering has been replaced by the Best Value requirement before confirming the change in policy countrywide
  • Enhancing Public Participation in Local Government—to establish extent & help develop guidance on new initiatives to increase public participation in local democracy Mixed Use Development Survey—to inform on the extent of the effect of Authority's powers on Local plans
  • Evaluation of National Tenant Training Programmes—identifying options and thus contributing to development of strategy for future training
  • Safer Cities—Evaluation of 'Safer City' areas to advise future policy
  • Customer Preferences to Environmental Improvement—to inform the 1999 review into the water charging system.