Number10.gov.uk » Petition Responses

AM-FM-Radio - epetition response

The Digital Britain White Paper set out the Government’s vision for a radio industry in a digital world and the mechanisms needed to deliver it. To date over 10 million digital radio receivers have been sold and around 20% of all radio listening is via a digital platform. Listeners are clearly being attracted by digital-only services, including the BBC’s digital-only stations.  We believe there is already significant momentum towards digital radio take-up and the decision for Government is not whether digital radio will replace analogue, but to ensure that any transition to digital is delivered in a coordinated way which best reflects the needs and expectations of listeners.  However, we have been clear that this process will be market-led and will only consider setting a date for digital radio switchover once 50% or more of all radio listening is to digital. 

Athenaeumtheatre - epetition response

The Government recognises the importance of our theatres and the positive role they play within our communities.  The Athenaeum Theatre has clearly been a valuable local resource for Plymouth and it is understandable there has been disappointment at its recent closure, particularly given its historical context.

Halifaxcharges - epetition response

The Government is aware that some banks have made changes to current account charging structures, but it is important to stress that the Government does not set terms and conditions for personal current accounts.

UKfootball - epetition response

It is Government policy to ensure, as far as possible, that major sporting events are made available to all television viewers. It is a matter for individual broadcasters and the owners of rights to sporting events how much sport is shown on television and whether it is on free-to-air or pay television. The Government has no control over the sale of such rights or whether broadcasters buy them or not. However, European and UK legislation does allow the Government to draw up a list of events of major importance to society that, if broadcast live, should be shown on qualifying free-to-air channels. This is achieved through legislation (the Broadcasting Act 1996) and is regulated by Ofcom, the communications regulator. The current list is set out at the end of this statement and was drawn up in 1998. Currently it includes the following football: FIFA World Cup Finals Tournament, European Football Championship Finals Tournament, FA Cup Final and Scottish FA Cup Final (in Scotland only).

Save-Winchester - epetition response

The Pre Submission Publication of Winchester’s Core Strategy is due October 2010. Any comments should be directed to the Local Planning Authority (Winchester City Council).

Plsgcm - epetition response

Thank you for your e-petition about the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

BeFairHMRC - epetition response

In response to the concerns about ending the concession for equitable liability, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced, on 9 December 2009, that the Government will legislate for the effects of this concession at the earliest opportunity.  This will ensure that those taxpayers whose circumstances mean they have particular difficulty meeting their legal obligations to file tax returns, will be formally protected in future.  The current concession will continue to operate until the new legislation is in place.

Resale-Right - epetition response

European Council Directive 2001/84/EC concerning the Artists Resale Right was implemented into UK law on 14 February 2006.  Under the terms of the Directive, member states were entitled to defer the application of the right to the families of deceased artists until the end of 2009, extendable to the 31 December 2011 if deemed necessary.  When implementing the directive into UK law, the Government took advantage of the option to defer payment to deceased artists until the end of 2009.  This delay was intended to allow the UK’s art trade time to adapt to the increased costs.