Actually did this last week, but haven’t had time to breathe, let alone post since then! Basically, the Government has released it’s own plain English guide to their big Bill on local government and how they’d like to see it change. I’m glad there are people out there attempting this sort of thing, but unfortunately their version […]
Read more "Plain English guide to the Localism Bill"I’m sorry, the title lies. Not just once, but twice. Why? Because there’s only five things you have to do to write plainly, and you don’t have to remember much at all — in fact, it’s better to forget. Because once you’ve got the hang of headings, bullets and the difference between passive and active voice, […]
Read more "Ten tips to remember about writing in plain language"Help the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (that’s BIS for short, though I never know whether that’s pronounced like an early 90s sugar-pop-punk group or ‘biz’, anyway) make the way we deal with debt right here in the UK that little bit better by telling them what you think of their ideas. Listen to the amazing […]
Read more "How would you make the way we deal with debt in the UK better?"The Office of Fair Trading is consulting on how to protect shoppers online — so we all spend more, of course! But while they’re there this could be a great opportunity for everyone from shoppers to security experts to have their say. This summarises the main issues. Doing well so far Now, we’re already pretty good at buying things […]
Read more "Protecting shoppers online"At the moment, if you don’t live in the UK, and you come here and get treated at an NHS hospital, sometimes you’re supposed to pay for it. You can get registered at a GP surgery, you don’t have to pay for emergency treatment, and for urgent things like giving birth you will be treated without having […]
Read more "Are we getting our money’s worth from health tourism?"If you want something to change in government, replying to consultations is one of the best ways to do it. But consultations aren’t the end of the line. When everything’s over and the dust has settled, the government has to come up with a response document. Usually this tells you what feedback they’ve had from you, […]
Read more "Your credit card is changing"This is the first in a new series. Consultations in 200 words or less! This is the options for improving information on the labels of alcoholic drinks to support consumers to make healthier choices in the UK from the Department of Health. Get your ideas, thoughts and evidence in for 9 May 2010, email UKalcohollabelling@dh.gsi.gov.uk. You’re not supposed to […]
Read more "Short shorts: Alcohol labelling"This has been by far the hardest paper I’ve ever tried to translate. I don’t think it’s quite plain English. More plainer English. I hope this is of some use to all the people out there who care quite deeply about maps, and the power geographical information and all the wonderful things we can do with mapping […]
Read more "Ordnance Survey: the options for change — or not?"