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Economics and Evidence

Recent Study

Copenhagen Economics recently completed a report for BERR (see related document) which attempts to measure the UK-specific effects of implementing the Services Directive. This represents an update on the 2005 study conducted for the European Commission to measure the impact of the Services Directive across the whole of the EU. The paper simulates what will happen in the UK economy following implementation based around an analysis of four key sectors - regulated professions, business services, distributive trade and construction services. Overall, it shows that implementing the Services Directive will increase UK welfare by £4-6bn per year and create up to 81,000 jobs if all other Member States also implement, though there are still benefits of £2.6-3.4bn if only the UK were to implement.

Impact Assessment  

The draft Impact Assessment (IA) has been updated to reflect the public consultation (see related document) on the UK's implementation proposals.  The original partial Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) of the Directive's impact (based on the Commission's proposal of 4 April 2006) is also available (see related documents).

UK Point of Single Contact

In April 2007 the Department commissioned an exercise to try and capture the requirements for users and contributors to the UK Point of Single Contact (PSC). The aim was to establish a prioritised list of the essential and other desirable PSC features. Key findings suggest the portal should be proactive and helpful; content should focus on basic information on setting up a business and providing services; build on existing services (particularly Business Link) and ideally the website service should be supplemented by electronic and telephone support mechanisms. The report also considers other issues such as charging, outsourcing, language and how many PSCs there should be. In compiling the consultation document we have drawn on some of this material, but comments are welcome on this (see related document).

Previous Studies

A study by Deutsche Bank, published June 2006 - The EU Services Directive: Nightmare or opportunity? Implications for Transatlantic Business

Former DTI commissioned an economic study, published October 2005: Evaluation of administrative costs and benefits of Points of Single Contact and Mutual Assistance.

Former DTI commissioned a report, published 20 September 2005: "Impact of the proposed EU Directive on Services in the Internal market: case studies of UK businesses".

Former DTI commissioned a report, published 12 October 2005: "Economic Importance of the Country of Origin Principle in the Proposed Services Directive".  This study built on work carried out by Copenhagen Economics for the European Commission in 2004.  The former DTI are grateful to the Commission for permitting this use of their work.

A 2002 survey by the Commission, the "State of the Internal Market", identified some 91 barriers that service providers have faced in providing services across borders.  The report was produced following a consultation with services providers across the EU in 2001.

To view all reports or studies see related documents and external links from the right side of this page.