DB6, the delay is to introduce the EASA licences (in the UK), the EU regulations are in force from 8-4-12. I think the CAA are limited in what they can derogate and for limited time periods only. The "late" start for the licence issue in September has no effect on the final implementation dates required by 1178/2011, it is purely an admin matter. As for the press release, the INs,ORSs and AICs etc, I see more info can be gleaned from a "twitter" feed!!
The whole EASA project is a shambles. As an FE, I am often asked for guidance, and I hope the September deadline is kept, if only to help PPLs with JAR licences expiring around then, and ensuring any ratings they may have are up to date. Also as I said above,it's pretty cynical to issue CAP 804, knowing that it will be subject to major overhaul by September,and refuse to have it printed by the TSO.