The government has put regulatory reform ‘at the heart’ of its efforts to create the right conditions for business, according to the new business and enterprise minister John Hutton.
The minister, who outlined the proposals of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBERR) yesterday, said:
“We are committed to reducing the burden on business of regulation. But we also want to make it easier for businesses to meet their legal obligations with clearer guidance and better communication.”
Hutton said the DBERR would work closely with both Houses to reduce current red tape and ‘scrutinise the flow of new regulation’.
Other proposals announced included producing good quality and timely guidance for business regulation, such as developing a code of practice.
Manufacturers’ organisation the EEF welcomed proposals to reduce health and safety administrative burdens for low risk businesses, as well as the plans to publish an employment simplification bill.
“Whilst business will rightly remain sceptical until it sees firm results, there is now a real head of steam building across Whitehall to deliver on the Better Regulation agenda,” said Ian Peters, EEF director of external affairs.
“It is however essential that all departments across government continue to focus on achieving the 25% reduction of administrative burdens. Business will be examining closely what progress they have made in the autumn.”
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
