What Does Better Regulation Mean for Businesses?
In terms of regulation, the UK is one of the easiest places to do business. But that’s not the perception of many companies operating in this country. The Better Regulation Executive (BRE) is listening to the concerns expressed by businesses, and trying to address them.
In the 2007 World Bank survey, the UK is listed as the sixth easiest country in which to do business. Yet many still complain that the volume of regulation is too high, too complex and presents too many conflicting demands.
Making it easier to do business in the UK
The BRE has a target to reduce the burden of UK regulation on businesses by 25% by 2010.
It is working with trade bodies and organisations that represent business to achieve this target. These include:
- Confederation of British Industry
- Federation of Small Businesses
- Institute of Directors
- Forum for Private Business
- British Chambers of Commerce
In addition, new legislative proposals are opened up to consultation, so those affected by it can have their say. This ensures the proposals are fit for purpose and no unnecessary burdens are placed on businesses.
The BRE and other government departments are also:
- measuring administrative burdens, setting targets for their reduction and publishing simplification plans which explain how this will be achieved
- reducing the number of regulators, so businesses will no longer have to deal with more than 30 separate bodies
- making communication clearer, so businesses know which regulations apply to them, and what they must do to comply.
You will find more detailed information about each of these areas elsewhere on the site.
Have your say on regulation
The BRE needs to hear the views of those working in the private sector, so it can make a difference where it matters.
If you have any suggestions on how to reduce bureaucracy and make like easier for businesses, please submit them at Better Regulation.
You can also see examples of how businesses are benefiting from ideas the Government has already put into practice.