Transport for London (TfL) is proposing changes for people who walk or cycle between Ilford and Barking. They would like to hear your views. The aim is to make it easier and safer for people to cycle and walk.

The proposed changes include:

• A new high quality Cycleway to link with neighbourhoods
• A new pedestrian and cyclist footbridge at Mayes Brook, with new lighting and green space
• Upgraded pedestrian and cyclist crossings

For full details and to share your views visit the Consultation Hub on the TfL website.

Closing date Friday 5 August.

Next month's Commission Watch meeting is on Thursday 4 July at 2pm.

It will be a special meeting focusing on environmental issues.

More details to follow. Email info@bdcvs.org.uk to comment.

Small grants for charities and not-for-profit organisations to enable significant and positive change for communities near London City Airport. The London City Airport Community Fund concentrates on east London boroughs including Barking & Dagenham.

To qualify projects must focus on improving the quality of life by one of these four actions.

1. Building stronger, safer and healthier communities
2. Creating more sustainable and greener communities
3. Raising aspirations of East Londoners
4. Creating pathways into employment

Applications are considered four times a year, on a rolling basis. Grants range from £300 to £3,000.

https://www.londoncityairport.com/corporate/responsible-growth/community-fund

The Doit.Foundation provides small grants and other support to voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations.

It has launched a survey to help the organisation plan its grant-making programmes. The Foundation particularly wants to hear from micro organisations and small organisations. It defines micro organisations as those with an annual income of £10,000 or less. Small organisations are defined as having a maximum annual income of £100,000. Organisations can include charities, voluntary/community organisations, clubs, social enterprises, co-operatives or informal community groups.

Complete the survey to be kept informed about their future funding opportunities. If you complete the survey, there is an option to be included in a prize draw (£50 vouchers).

The Government is consulting on a new delivery model for accommodation-based support for victims of domestic abuse and their children. This includes the introduction of a statutory duty on local authorities to provide support that meets diverse needs.

They welcome views on:

• the definition of accommodation-based services and support
• leadership and responsibilities
• local and national accountability
• guidance

They would like to hear from victims and survivors, and professionals who support victims and their children.

Closing date: 2 August 2019

Ofqual is consultating on regulating the new Digital Functional Skills Qualifications (Digital FSQs). The Digital FSQs form a part of the Government’s plans to improve adult basic digital skills.

The new qualifications will be available from September 2021 and will replace the existing Functional Skills qualifications in ICT.

Their purpose is to provide reliable evidence of students’ achievements against demanding content relevant to the workplace and real life. They also need to provide a foundation for progression into further study or employment.

Closing date: 26 July 2019

This consultation seeks views on how to increase provision of Changing Places toilets. This is for specific new, large buildings commonly used by the public, as well as those undergoing building works.

The proposed approach is to introduce a mandatory requirement for Changing Places toilets in Building Regulations.

Closing date: 21 July 2019

The Government is reforming functional skills qualifications. The aim is to:

• Improve their relevance and content, and
• Build their recognition and credibility in the labour market.  

The consultation document asks questions on the proposed content for new digital functional skills qualifications. These will replace ICT functional skills qualifications from 2021.

In parallel with this consultation, Ofqual, the examinations regulator, is consulting on revised regulatory requirements.

Closing date: 11 July 2019

At Budget 2018, the Government announced it would publish a call for evidence on the Social Investment Tax Relief (SITR).

The aim is to enable the Government to understand how the SITR has been used since it was introduced in 2014. The Government wants to know the levels of take-up and what impact it has had on social enterprises’ access to finance. The SITR has a sunset clause, which will bring the scheme to an end in April 2021. This call for evidence will help inform a decision about the future of the relief.

Closing date: 17 July 2019

The Government legislated for a cap of £95,000 on exit payments in the public sector in the Small Business Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 as amended by the Enterprise Act 2016. The 2015 act sets out the duty to implement the cap through secondary legislation.

This consultation sets out the proposed draft regulations, schedule to the regulations, accompanying guidance and directions. The government welcomes comments on the draft regulations.

Closing date: 3 July 2019