The government has not done enough to cut red tape for small firms despite enacting legislation with that purpose in mind, a business lobby has said.
The Forum of Private Business (FPB) said that the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act, which was designed to reduce red tape, is yet to deliver any real change.
Matt Goodman, policy representative at the FPB, said although the Act is a first step, it should be seen as the groundwork for more substantial reforms.
“The proposals delivered so far are too sector-specific to really make something tangible out of them for the majority of smaller firms,” he said.
“The government needs to be prepared to push through a culture change with regards to cutting red tape.
"The report mentions putting smaller businesses first. The FPB will continue to work to make sure that this commitment is followed through."
However, in a new report entitled ‘Delivering Simplification Plans’, the government that it has reduced much of the red tape.
John Hutton, the secretary of state for business, enterprise and regulatory reform, has announced new plans to simplify regulation through parliament’s new regulatory reform committee.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
